WHERE I(T) ALL STARTED?

By Iva Ivanova, Founder of 2 Leta

It all started at a home gathering with friends and a homemade liqueur, prepared by the hostess as per her future mother-in-law's recipe. Along with the conversation and sharing of stories, the liqueur was slowly running out. And from that moment on, it has felt like a drink for sharing with loved ones. After the gathering, I took the recipe from the hostess. I was determined to prepare some in the coming summer and share it in turn.

In that foundational summer of 2019, with a leftover family grape brandy* and homegrown apricots, raspberries and strawberries, I prepared the first few flavours. The result was surprisingly good, and the sample bottles disappeared during friendly gatherings. The apricot liqueur, in particular, became a real sensation at our home soirée for St. Stephan's Day! There, I saw the liqueur being shared enthusiastically by hipsters, indies, including three friends with beards. It gave me confidence and motivation to make some more next summer.

Alas!!!
In the spring, the apricot trees froze, as it happened in the consecutive two years! Then I realised how dependent we are on nature, but also that it rewards the patient with unsurpassed flavours. I did not give up, and curiosity made me continue the experiments and I made liqueurs from several varieties of cherries, from pears and quinces, and of course from raspberries again. I always used a fruit distillate (grape or plum brandy) to give the liqueur a more intriguing fruity flavour. Some attempts achieved a harmony between sweet, sour and tart, others hit the extremes. But I was already firmly convinced that:

Liqueur is a universal drink for sharing, and nature can tell its story through it. I wanted this story to reach more people who live in the city like me.

At first, I didn't realise what I was getting myself into... I was thrilled how well 3Fs (Friends, Family & Fools) accepted my homemade samples.

Being exposed to and having made my own liqueurs and I started paying attention and comparing with the commercial ones. All there was on the market tasted and looked artificial and contained flavours, extracts and colourants.

I started wondering why, since we have traditions in brandy production and an abundance of delicious fruit, why are Bulgarians not offered natural alcoholic beverages on the store shelves? Then "2 Leta" became my personal mission. Along with the challenges of going against the STATUS QUO, it's interesting and exciting to take part in the change.

I am no longer alone, and our GOAL is greater...

We are on a MISSION

To create and promote traditionally produced, natural fruit liqueurs, and to cultivate and reimagine the culture of "WHERE, WHEN and HOW" to consume them.

The AIM on the horizon is

To offer a natural, high quality alternative and inspire more consumers to discover the true taste of nature and switch their preferences towards natural and craft spirits.

To create a culture of conscious, appreciative and shared consumption, starting with the young (18+).

OUR VALUES

IN RHYTHM WITH NATURE

At the centre of everything we do is Nature and the joy it gives us. We are patient and respect her rhythm. Our small batch liquors are produced in consideration with the quality and abundance of the harvest. If the year is barren or the harvest is compromised, we will wait for next year. We believe that Nature should once again come to the forefront of the production of food and drinks. So, we support organisations and causes that foster respect for natural and handcrafted products. We are committed to building long-lasting partnerships with producers, craft brands and businesses that follow sustainable practices and are part of the farm-to-table movement.

INDIVIDUALITY

In pursuit of authenticity, we are curious, unique and true to ourselves. Like in Nature, every fruit and every sort is different, this brings forth individuality, like each of us. With each bottle, we create authentic and unique flavours, telling the sweet story of the seasons. Our liqueurs give you the ability to embrace your individuality and define “where, when and how” you will consume them. You decide! You express yourself! In a cocktail, over a shot, in front of the fireplace, in the park with friends or camping by the sea. Your way of expressing yourself and your path is unique, as is every batch of 2 Leta.

CONFIDENCE

We are confident that we will create the best products, no matter the circumstances!. So, are our customers - believers in their own abilities, brave to follow their own path and calmly lead others along it. Standing out from the crowd and being different is not enough. Having the confidence to implement positive changes in our world for a sustainable future, will help us secure a place on the shelves of history. So, we use traditional methods to develop our recipes, and focus on its authentic flavours and confidently serve it to the world.

SHARING

It all started with 1 woman and her vision to deliver an olfactory explosion, while offering a natural alternative to the overproduced spirits that lack authenticity. Over time, we have created a community of inspired individuals, who have shared cocktails, good times and ways to enjoy 2 Leta. By the mere act of sharing ideas and accomplishments, people make the surrounding environment richer and more inspiring. We are learning from these situations and constantly innovating and reinventing our products. Working with real fruit is thought-provoking on many levels, just as our growing community is, and they motivate us to create conceptual products where flavour, creativity and vision combine to produce magic.

WHERE I(T) ALL STARTED?

We are on a MISSION

The AIM on the horizon is

OUR VALUES

We craft and turn fruits into high spirits.