Koval Single Barrel Rye Whiskey

Koval Single Barrel Rye Whiskey

$46.99

Koval’s Single Barrel Rye Whiskey is an 100% rye grain whiskey that offers a fresh and light profile featuring notes of maple and candy corn.

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Description

Established in 2008, Koval represents the inaugural craft distillery within Chicago’s city limits since Prohibition. They conscientiously source grains, fruits, herbs, and flowers from the Midwest vicinity, crafting all their spirits in-house from scratch — encompassing mashing, distilling, bottling, and boxing. Founded by Robert and Sonat Birnecker, who forsook academic paths to bring Robert’s Austrian grandfather’s distilling heritage to the United States, their aim was to establish a sustainable family venture offering superior quality and organic products. Koval offers small batch spirits made from 100% organic grain, eschewing the common industry practice of procuring pre-made neutral grain spirit. Their entire range is certified organic and kosher, embracing five single-grain white whiskeys (Rye, Oat, Wheat, Millet, and Spelt) initially introduced. In 2010, they unveiled their aged whiskey, Lion’s Pride, aged in two distinct styles, priding themselves on eschewing artificial coloring and chill filtering, instead showcasing the pure heart cut of the distillate, with amber hues deriving solely from the barrel and time. The portfolio also encompasses brandies and six liqueurs: Chrysanthemum Honey, Coffee, Ginger, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, and Rose Hip. “Koval” translates to “blacksmith” in Yiddish, symbolizing a “black sheep” or someone who embraces the unexpected. This moniker was bestowed upon Sonat’s great-grandfather, who ventured from Vienna to Chicago in the early 1900s, a feat that earned him the nickname. Interestingly, Robert’s grandfather’s surname (from whom Robert learned distilling) is Schmid, German for “smith.” Thus, Koval pays tribute to both men and reflects the extraordinary decision of Sonat and Robert to abandon their comfortable DC jobs, relocate to Chicago, and cultivate a family business from the ground up.

Utilizing solely the “heart cut” of the distillate, excluding “heads” and “tails,” their whiskey matures in new American oak from Minnesota, sourcing grains from a regional organic farmer collective in the Midwest. Koval’s Single Barrel Rye Whiskey defies convention, boasting a fresh and light character despite its 100% rye grain composition, with flavors evoking maple and candy corn on entry and a delicate spice on the finish. This unfiltered, pure rye, heart-cut, single-barrel creation stands as a testament to their organic commitment.

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