Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

Koval Single Barrel Bourbon, NAS, 47 %

Koval is a small distillery in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2008 - the first distillery in the city since the mid-1800s. They produce organic whiskey, liqueurs and specialty spirits. From day one they decided to make organic spirits from scratch, avoiding the common industry practice in the USA of bottling spirits sourced from other (industrial) producers.

Here is what they say about their bourbon:

Koval Distillery’s organic, single barrel bourbon has the requisite mash bill of at least 51% corn, but instead of the usual rye or wheat supplement, they have included one of the main cereals of Asia and Africa. Millet is a gluten-free ancient sustenance grain, and like corn, has a history of working in the spirits industry, albeit in Nepal, where it has long been celebrated as a libation of choice.

All of Koval's whiskies are single barrel expressions and aged in 30 gallon charred barrels (113,55 Liters).

The Koval Single Barrel Bourbon is available to buy in Sweden at SEK 759 (item number 8558302). The dram I had was from barrel #401.

Nose (22/25): It opens with a very rich, sweet and slightly acidic bourbon nose. Not very sweet, mind you. Vanilla and hints of tropical fruit. It appears well-balanced, albeit slightly young.

Taste (22/25): Full-bodied and sugary. Spicy caramel with soft vanilla notes.

Finish (20/25): Caramel dominates the finish, which is rather short and somewhat oaky.

Balance (21/25): I enjoyed this dram, although it appears a little bit youngish. Give it a bit more time in the barrel, I think.

Score (85/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas