During my first KOVAL tasting I was lucky enough to able to try five different expressions: Millet, Oat, Rye, Four Grain, and Bourbon. So who is KOVAL? Established in 2008 in Chicago, It is the first organic distillery in the United States KOVAL is produced at a distillery that was established in the mid-1800s. They do everything from scratch; no pre-made spirits like some companies do, which allows them to control all facets of production .
One unique grain they use to produce their whiskey is millet, which, in my opinion has a very distinct taste. Millet is mild, with a hint of sweetness, and nuttiness. So what is millet you ask? Until this tasting I had no idea what millet was. It is an ancient grain that is drought-resistant and is naturally gluten-free, which works with their organic vibe. It is quite popular in Uganda and Ethiopia, as well as in Tibet, and across Asia for it’s drought tolerance.. In the United States, it is commonly used in bird feed, however it has also been used in beer and whiskey making for centuries. I did a little Googling and discovered that it is a bit like quinoa. Millet is actually a quarter of the cost of some grains, including rye, making it much more affordable to make in larger quantities. So you can get a bang for your barrel buck! Similar to many other whole grains, you can get it in a variety of forms such as a grain, flakes, or even flour.
Website: Koval Distillery
Whiskey Notes from the tasting group:
| Whiskey | Nose, Palate & Finish Comments |
|---|---|
| Single Barrel Millet Whiskey Distiller: KOVAL Distillery Mash bill: 100% Millet Cask: Aged in American Oak Age: NAS ABV/Proof: 40% / 80 | Soft palate; Creamy and Vanilla; I get Bengay or something like that on the nose and licorice on the palate, but both in a good way; A little bit of water accents some sweetness; |
| Single Barrel Oat Whiskey Distiller: KOVAL Distillery Mash bill: 100% Oat Cask: Aged in American Oak Age: NAS ABV/Proof: 40% / 80 | Creamy and vanilla; Nice mix of spice and caramel on the nose; Maple on the nose; |
| Single Barrel Rye Whiskey Distiller: KOVAL Distillery Mash bill: 100% Rye Cask: Aged in American Oak Age: NAS ABV/Proof: 40% / 80 | Very delicate. Even on the nose, it took a while for me to smell that “rye” smell; Getting some cinnamon on the palate; Very sweet for a 100% rye; A dessert drink; I am getting a slight acetone on the nose; |
| Single Barrel Four Grain Whiskey Distiller: KOVAL Distillery Mash bill: Oat, malted barley, rye, and wheat. Cask: Aged in American Oak Age: NAS ABV/Proof: 47% / 94 | Caramel vanilla on the front. Peppery finish; Creamy with a spicy finish; |
| Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey Distiller: KOVAL Distillery Mash bill: 51% corn and 49% millet Cask: Aged in American Oak Age: NAS ABV/Proof: 47% / 94 | Aromatic and floral-ish; I get buttery caramel with a little salt on the start and a little heat on the finish; Caramel vanilla on the front. Peppery finish; Dryness at the end leaves me with a chalky aftertaste; It came off “hot” but then with a couple of drops balanced it out nicely for me. |
