The Koval Distillery, founded in 2008 by Robert and Sonat Birnecker, is located in Chicago, Illinois. It is the first distillery within the city limits since Prohibition and has established itself as one of the largest independent, family-owned craft distilleries in the USA. The distillery is both organically certified and kosher, producing a variety of whiskies, gins, and liqueurs.
The founders, Robert and Sonat Birnecker, left their academic careers to bring the distilling traditions of Robert's Austrian grandfather to America. The name "Koval," derived from the Yiddish word for "blacksmith," symbolizes not only a craftsman but also someone who forges new paths or achieves remarkable feats.
Koval exclusively uses organic grains sourced from local farmers in the Midwest. Production is done in small batches, and each bottle can be traced back to the specific field where the grain was grown. The whiskies are aged in new 113-liter American oak barrels, which are medium charred, resulting in a balanced and complex flavor profile. Koval whiskies are known for their fruity and pure aromas, achieved through the careful selection of grains and strict quality control.
A distinctive feature of the Koval Distillery is its "grain to bottle" approach, where every step of the production process, from grain procurement to milling, mashing, distillation, and bottling, is carefully monitored. This approach ensures that no pre-made neutral alcohols are used, emphasizing the purity and quality of the final product.
Among the most well-known releases are Koval Bourbon, which is composed of 51% corn and 49% millet, as well as Koval Rye and Koval Four Grain, which includes oats, malted barley, rye, and wheat. These whiskies are not only available in the USA but also in over 55 export markets worldwide and have received numerous awards for their outstanding quality and innovative design.
