Koval Distillery: Chicago's First Distillery Since Prohibition
Updated: 6 days ago
Koval is a craft distillery in Chicago's Ravenswood neighbourhood, established in 2008. It is the first distillery within Chicago city limits since Prohibition.
In this guide
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Koval at a glance
Distillery fact | Verified detail |
|---|---|
Distillery / brand | Koval |
Country and region | Illinois, United States |
Ownership / operator | Robert and Sonat Birnecker |
History | The Birneckers left academic careers to bring the distilling traditions of Robert's Austrian grandfather to America. Koval makes whiskeys, brandies and liqueurs. |
Whisky identity | Chicago distillery noted for organic whiskey and unusual grains. |
Visiting | Check the producer's latest official tour and opening information before travelling. |
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Quick facts
Location: Ravenswood, Chicago, Illinois
Established: 2008
Founders: Robert and Sonat Birnecker
Certified kosher and organic
Name: Yiddish for blacksmith
Story
The Birneckers left academic careers to bring the distilling traditions of Robert's Austrian grandfather to America. Koval makes whiskeys, brandies and liqueurs.
Spirits and awards
Koval Bierbrand is distilled from lager, first with Metropolitan Brewing and later Goose Island Brewery. Awards include 2017 Illinois Small Business Persons of the Year and Illinois Exporter of the Year 2016.
The Koval method
Koval says it was founded in 2008 by husband and wife Robert Birnecker and Sonat Birnecker Hart as the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid 1800s. Robert is CEO and Master Distiller and Sonat is President. The name means smith or blacksmith in many Eastern European languages, and in Yiddish also someone who forges ahead.
Grain to bottle: grains are milled, mashed, distilled, aged and bottled on site
All grains come from organic Midwestern farms and every product is certified organic by MOSA and certified kosher by the Orthodox Union
Water comes from Lake Michigan, purified with charcoal
Distilling is done on a custom potstill made in Germany by Kothe, with a 5,000 litre capacity
Barrels are American oak from The Barrel Mill in Minnesota and each is used once
The distillery uses a heart cut technique, taking only the heart of the distillate
The range
Whiskey lines on the official site are Bourbon, Rye and Four Grain, plus limited Thresh and Winnow releases including a Single Malt, a Millet whiskey and a 10 Year Rye. Koval also makes gins and liqueurs. The site says Koval has won over 100 awards and sells in more than 55 export markets. ABVs were not shown on the pages that loaded.
Consulting
Through Kothe Distilling Technologies, Robert Birnecker has helped set up more than 250 craft distilleries worldwide, according to the Koval site.
Visiting
The official site is at 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, with tours booked online. An older Enjoy Illinois listing gives 5121 N. Ravenswood Ave, so use the official address. Tour times and prices were not confirmed.
What makes Koval distinctive?
Chicago distillery noted for organic whiskey and unusual grains.
Koval whisky bottles and expression comparison
Bottle / expression | Age | ABV | Cask maturation / notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Koval Bourbon | NAS / varies | Check label | Chicago distillery noted for organic whiskey and unusual grains. |
Koval Rye | NAS / varies | Check label | Chicago distillery noted for organic whiskey and unusual grains. |
Koval Four Grain | NAS / varies | Check label | Chicago distillery noted for organic whiskey and unusual grains. |
This table describes documented expressions. It does not guarantee current stock, age statements or strengths. Check producer labels for details.
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Frequently asked questions about Koval
Where is Koval based?
Illinois, United States.
Who operates Koval?
Robert and Sonat Birnecker.
What distinguishes Koval?
Chicago distillery noted for organic whiskey and unusual grains.
Which bottlings are documented?
Koval Bourbon, Koval Rye, Koval Four Grain. Some editions may be historical.
Can you visit Koval?
Please check whether tours are currently operating and book through the producer before travelling.
Is it kosher?
Yes, certified kosher and organic.
Where is it?
Chicago, Illinois.
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Sources, image credits and official links
Original research and historical notes have been retained. Visitor details, owners and bottle ranges may change.
Featured photograph: Koval's Kothe pot still, photograph by kristine.c.sherred (18 May 2012). CC BY-SA 3.0. Image resized/cropped for the guide.
About the author
 | Filip Janczak Storyteller, drinker and explorer of all things whisky. Read more about the person behind Whisky Clan and explore additional reviews and distillery guides. |
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