Koval distillery

Introduction to Koval

A distillery with passion for craft

Koval is a pioneering American craft distillery based in Chicago, Illinois, that has redefined the landscape of American whiskey. Founded on principles of organic production and innovative grain selection, Koval has established itself as one of the foremost craft distilleries in the United States. Their approach combines traditional distilling methods with forward-thinking techniques that have earned them international acclaim.

Located in Chicago’s vibrant north side, Koval stands as the city’s first distillery since Prohibition, marking a significant return to the region’s distilling heritage while charting a new course for American craft spirits.

Why we have a soft spot for Koval

At Vault of Spirits, we value distilleries that challenge conventions while delivering exceptional quality, and Koval exemplifies this ethos perfectly. What sets Koval apart is their “grain to bottle” approach, using only organic grains and their signature “heart cut” technique, which produces a cleaner, more refined spirit.

Their willingness to work with unconventional grains like millet and spelt, alongside their beautiful single-barrel expressions, creates flavor profiles you simply won’t find elsewhere in the whiskey world.

The history behind Koval

Origins and development

Koval was founded in 2008 by Robert and Sonat Birnecker, who left behind academic careers to pursue their passion for distilling. Robert drew on his Austrian heritage and family distilling knowledge, while Sonat brought her entrepreneurial skills to the venture. The name “Koval” comes from Yiddish, meaning “blacksmith” or someone who forges ahead and does something unexpected or out of the ordinary – a fitting description for the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid-1800s.

Starting with white spirits, Koval quickly expanded their range to include an innovative lineup of whiskeys that challenged American whiskey traditions, earning them numerous awards and establishing them as pioneers in the craft distilling renaissance.

The people behind the spirit

The distillery remains family-owned and operated by the Birneckers, who have created a business that balances tradition with innovation. Robert’s background as a third-generation distiller from Austria brought traditional European techniques to the operation, while Sonat’s business acumen has helped position Koval as a leader in the craft spirits movement.

Their commitment to education is also notable – they’ve trained over 3,500 people in the art of distilling through their consulting arm, helping to spread knowledge and elevate the entire craft spirits industry.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Koval’s production begins with locally-sourced, certified organic grains grown in the Midwest. Unlike many distilleries, they work with a unique variety of grains including oat, millet, and spelt, alongside more traditional options like rye and corn. Their mashing, fermentation, and distillation processes are all conducted on-site, maintaining control over every aspect of production.

Distillation takes place in custom-built, handmade copper pot stills from Germany, which allow for precise separation of the spirit. Koval’s signature approach includes using only the “heart cut” of the distillate – the purest middle portion – discarding both the heads and tails for a cleaner spirit, though with lower yield.

Maturation and aging

Koval ages their whiskeys in new American oak barrels with a medium char, allowing the unique grain characteristics to shine. The Chicago climate, with its dramatic temperature variations, accelerates maturation by causing the wood to expand and contract, creating greater interaction between spirit and barrel.

What makes Koval truly special is their single barrel approach – each bottle comes from an individual barrel, showcasing the unique characteristics of that specific aging process, with no blending or filtering. Each bottle is numbered by hand, indicating barrel and bottle number, creating a truly artisanal product.

Selected products from Koval

Koval Bourbon – An introduction to the house style

This unique bourbon uses a non-traditional mash bill of 51% corn and 49% millet, creating a distinctive flavor profile unlike any other bourbon on the market. Expect bright notes of mango, vanilla, and a hint of coconut, with the millet providing a creamy mouthfeel and distinctive sweetness that sets it apart from corn-heavy traditional bourbons.

At 94 proof (47% ABV), it offers a perfect balance of approachable sipping character with enough backbone to stand up in cocktails.

Koval Four Grain Whiskey – An experience for connoisseurs

For those looking to explore deeper into Koval’s innovation, the Four Grain Whiskey combines oat, malted barley, rye, and wheat for a complex, layered experience. The result is a sophisticated whiskey with notes of banana bread, toffee, and baking spices, balanced with a subtle grassiness from the grain blend.

This expression showcases Koval’s masterful handling of unconventional grain combinations, creating a whiskey that continues to reveal new dimensions with each sip.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Koval offers guided tours of their facility in Chicago, where visitors can see the entire production process from grain to glass. The tour includes information about their organic approach, innovative distilling techniques, and the story behind their distinctive spirits.

The tasting portion typically includes samples of their white spirits (including their exceptional gin) and several whiskeys, providing a comprehensive understanding of Koval’s diverse portfolio and unique house style.

Frequently asked questions

What is Koval?

Koval is a craft distillery based in Chicago that produces organic, grain-to-bottle spirits with a focus on whiskey, gin, and liqueurs. Their production philosophy centers on using unique grain bills, organic ingredients, and a signature “heart cut” distillation technique to create spirits with exceptional clarity and distinctive flavor profiles.

Where is Koval located?

Koval Distillery is located in Chicago’s Ravenswood corridor on the north side of the city. As Chicago’s first distillery since the mid-1800s, it represents both a return to the city’s distilling heritage and a new chapter in American craft spirits production.

What characterizes Koval?

Koval is characterized by their organic certification, innovative use of alternative grains like millet and spelt, single-barrel approach to whiskey production, and their signature “heart cut” distillation method that uses only the center portion of the distillate. Their spirits typically feature bright, clean flavor profiles with distinctive grain-forward characteristics not found in traditional American whiskeys.

Where can I buy whiskey from Koval?

You can find selected bottles from Koval at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate their core range alongside special releases, ensuring you have access to the best expressions from this innovative Chicago distillery. Their unique approach to whiskey making offers something truly different for your collection.