Distileri

Koval

Chicago, Illinois, United States · 2008'den beri

Koval was founded in 2008 by Robert and Sonat Birnecker in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, making it one of the first craft distilleries to emerge from a major American city after Prohibition. The name derives from a Yiddish expression meaning 'black sheep' or 'one who runs ahead of the pack,' a fitting identity for a distillery that has consistently challenged convention. Working exclusively with certified organic grains — including millet, oat, wheat, rye, and barley — Koval distills each grain separately to preserve its distinct character. Only the heart cut of the distillate is retained, eliminating heads and tails for a notably clean and refined spirit. Aged in small barrels, the resulting whiskies showcase the pure essence of their source grains, offering delicate floral, herbal, and subtly spiced notes that are rarely found in mainstream American whiskey. Koval has become a benchmark for the artisan distilling movement, earning recognition not only across the United States but also in European markets where craft American whiskey has found an appreciative audience.