Koval

Koval is the first distillery within Chicago's city limits since the end of Prohibition. Founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Dr Robert Birnecker and Dr Sonat Birnecker Hart, who left their academic careers to bring the distilling traditions of Robert's Austrian grandfather to the United States.

Koval stands for unusual grains such as millet and rye, organic farming, and its characteristic "heart cut" technique, in which only the purest heart of the distillate is used. From Koval Millet to Koval Rye Whiskey, you will find the right bottle for every occasion in our selection.

How did an Austrian grandfather's family tradition make its way to Chicago?

Robert Birnecker grew up with the distilling traditions of his Austrian grandfather. Together with his wife Sonat Birnecker Hart, he left an academic career in 2008 to found his own distillery in Chicago – the first within the city limits since the end of Prohibition in the 1930s. The name "Koval" comes from Yiddish and means "blacksmith".

What makes Koval a distinctive craft distillery?

Koval consistently relies on organically grown, often unusual grains such as millet, rye, and wheat instead of corn. Also characteristic is its "heart cut" technique: unlike many large producers, Koval uses only the purest middle heart of the distillation run, deliberately discarding the heads and tails to achieve a particularly clean, pure character. The distillery is also kosher and organic certified, and has already received over 100 international awards for its creativity.

Overview of the most popular bottlings

1. Koval Millet
Distilled from the unusual grain millet.
Taste: Light, floral, and subtly sweet.
Serving suggestion: An exciting entry point into the world of American craft whiskey.

2. Koval Rye Whiskey
Pure rye whiskey with the distinctive Koval style.
Taste: Spicy and peppery with a fruity note.
Serving suggestion: For fans of spicy, classic rye whiskies.

Facts and figures

Location: Ravenswood, Chicago, Illinois. Founded: 2008 by Robert Birnecker and Sonat Birnecker Hart. Notable: first distillery in Chicago since Prohibition, kosher & organic certified.