Koval Bourbon – Single Barrel Corona & Lueken’s
Quick Stats:
Distiller: Koval Distillery
Spirit: Chicago Bourbon
Aged: NAS (at least 2 years)
Price: Around $59.99
Proof: 110
Davidoff Tampa Website
About The Distillery
“Established in 2008, KOVAL produces organic whiskey, liqueurs and specialty spirits in Chicago’s first distillery since the mid-1800s. Founders Robert and Sonat Birnecker, chose to leave their academic careers to bring the distilling traditions of Robert’s Austrian family to America. In making this decision, they vowed to make organic spirits from scratch (avoiding the common industry practice of purchasing and bottling pre-made spirits) and to change the way people understand whiskey by creating a new, signature style – using only the “heart” cut of the distillate – affording a brighter, cleaner take on whiskey.”
About The Bottle
“With a mash bill of 51% corn and 49% millet, KOVAL Bourbon offers a drinking experience that is balanced, approachable, and unparalleled. The unusual grain combination provides notes of mango chutney and vanilla on the palate, with a peppery caramel finish.”
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Nose
(3.5)
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Palate
(3.5)
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Finish
(4)
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Smoothness
(3)
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Value
(3.5)
Notes & Review
Nose: Buttered popcorn and baking spice are strong on the nose. There are subtle notes of caramel cream, toasted Peruvian corn nuts, and a twinge of spiced rye (most likely from the millet).
Palate: The initial palate is thick with smoke, but in a good way, almost like the bark of a good smoked rib. The smoke finishes up and you get notes of heavily spiced vanilla, pez candies, and charred apricot.
Finish: The finish is straightforward with notes of roasted oak, black pepper, and smoldered tobacco.
Review: Koval is a Chicago whiskey, immediately separating itself from the pack when it comes to geography.
The major four states right now are Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, and Colorado. However, we’re starting to see more bourbons come from other areas of the country. With the intensity of the whiskey craze sweeping the nation, it’s unsurprising.
We know that subtle variables, like aging barrels 10 feet or so from each other, can still cause drastic changes in whiskey when compounded over years and years of aging.
Koval’s bourbon is a sharp and bold whiskey, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s a tad hot, but not overly so for something at 110 proof. The thick smoke and chalky, candy sweetness of it give it unique and distinct notes that fall against the more classic flavors of baking spice and tobacco.
If you’re a fan of bolder, more savory whiskies, Koval is most likely going to be up your alley.
User Review
( votes)
Greg Sinadinos started his spirits journey writing a whiskey periodical for Fine Tobacco NYC Magazine. He began answering review requests under a social media page he named “Whiskey Culture,” which quickly merged with Greg’s passion for connecting with others and his interest in history.
Today, Greg travels the country not just looking for great whiskey, but also exploring the history and individuals that the whiskey community is founded upon. He has authored “Whiskey History From Around The World” and is the host of “The Rickhouse” web series.
