The first time you encounter Koval Bourbon, it doesn’t feel like a traditional bourbon moment. It’s not all heavy oak and syrupy sweetness, it’s brighter, sharper, and more curious. It tastes like a conversation starter. Born in the bold, design-forward city of Chicago, Koval was founded by a husband and wife team who traded academia for alchemy, determined to shake up American whiskey with a cleaner, organic approach. And they’ve done just that.

Koval Bourbon Sample 3cl
Brand: Koval | Category: Organic Bourbon | ABV: 47% | Origin: Chicago, USA | Vol: 3cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Like stepping into an artisanal bakery on a sunny morning, warm vanilla, subtle floral notes, and a touch of fresh-baked grain sweetness.
Palate: Light-bodied and elegant with an unexpected twist, caramelized banana, golden raisin, and spiced grain come together with silky texture and a slightly nutty undertone.
Finish: Crisp and clean, it doesn’t linger with heat but leaves a dry floral trail that’s refreshingly offbeat like a jazz riff that fades before you expect.

Production Details:
What makes this bourbon stand out is its mashbill, 51% corn and 49% millet. Millet isn’t a common grain in whiskey, but here, it’s a game-changer, bringing a light, dry structure and a whisper of citrus. Koval distills only the “heart cut” the cleanest part of the distillate, ensuring a smooth and focused flavor. Everything is certified organic, kosher, and locally sourced. This is bourbon, but with a sleek, modern soul.

Perfect For:
A pre-dinner mood setter, a curious nightcap, or a sample to share during a tasting night with friends who think they know bourbon. This is the pour you offer when you want to challenge assumptions and spark conversation.

Expert Notes:
Recognized by The New York Times and Whisky Advocate for its originality, Koval has redefined American craft whiskey. Its commitment to organic grains and heart-cut distillation is not just rare, it’s revolutionary.

Customer Reviews:
🗣️ “Didn’t know bourbon could be this clean. I want this in a full size bottle now.”
🗣️ “It’s not what I expected, it’s better. Like bourbon got a minimalist makeover.”
🗣️ “This little sample just made my whiskey shelf a lot more interesting.”

Interesting Fact:
Koval was the first distillery to open in Chicago since Prohibition and it’s proudly led by a woman. Sonat Birnecker left a tenured university career to co found Koval with her husband, making it one of the most influential women-led spirits brands in the U.S.

Serving Suggestions:
Sip it neat to let the floral millet notes shine. Add a drop of water if you want the spice to mellow and the banana-caramel notes to stretch out. Skip the ice, this one is best appreciated undiluted.

Distillery Background:
Koval Distillery is located in Chicago’s North Side, founded in 2008 by Sonat and Robert Birnecker. Inspired by Austrian distilling tradition and driven by a passion for transparency and innovation, they built Koval to challenge the whiskey establishment. Everything is done on site, milling, mashing, fermenting, distilling, and bottling, all using local organic grains. The result is a bourbon that feels both cutting-edge and incredibly personal.