Our Story
The Koval Method
KOVAL Distillery crafts a line of whiskey, gin, and specialty spirits using unique organic grains and signature "heart cut" techniques with only the absolute best quality distillate. Known around the world for its bright, approachable flavors and unprecedented creativity and design, KOVAL has been the recipient of over 100 international awards.
In the Beginning
Founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team, Dr. Robert Birnecker and Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, KOVAL began as the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid-1800s. Prior to starting the distillery, Sonat and Robert had established careers in government and academia, but chose to forge a new path together. Their goal with KOVAL was to marry centuries of tradition from Robert's Austrian distilling heritage with state-of-the-art modern technologies - all with the aim of bringing heightened levels of consistency and creativity to the world of spirits.
Grain-to-Bottle
KOVAL believes that the best spirits must come from the best ingredients, and crafts its entire line from scratch using a grain-to-bottle approach. Every step of the process is closely monitored and managed by KOVAL — from sourcing grains harvested by trusted farmers to milling, mashing, distilling, aging, and bottling on-site.
Forging Ahead
KOVAL means 'smith' or 'blacksmith' in many Eastern European languages, however in Yiddish, it has the added meaning of someone who 'forges ahead.' KOVAL is an homage to Sonat's great grandfather who earned it as a nickname when he dared to move from turn-of-the-century Vienna to the US to start a new life from scratch, while it also honors Robert's grandfather, from whom he learned to distill, as his family name is Schmid, the German equivalent of Koval.
A New Wave of Craft Spirits
KOVAL's founders have also used their experience and knowledge to educate thousands of people in the art of craft distilling. Through their consulting with Kothe Distilling Technologies, they have helped set up hundreds of new distilleries all around the world, ushering in a new wave of craft spirits internationally. They serve as ambassadors for the industry, maintaining close ties with various trade organizations, special interest groups, and government officials to ensure that independent craft brands continue to receive support and opportunities to thrive around the world.
Founders
Dr. Robert Birnecker
Master Distiller & Chief Executive Officer
One of America's top distilling experts and an internationally renowned consultant, Dr. Robert Birnecker serves as the CEO and Master Distiller of KOVAL Distillery in Chicago. An Austrian native and third generation distiller, Robert's love for traditional craft spirits was born out of helping his grandparents at their award-winning distillery and winery. He went on to receive numerous certificates from Austria's leading distilling program, Höhere Bundeslehranstalt und Bundesamt für Wein- und Obstbau Klosterneuburg, and further honed his skills alongside Europe's foremost spirits expert, Dr. Klaus Hagmann.
Through his work with Kothe Distilling Technologies, Robert has educated over 3,500 people in the art of distilling and has helped to set up 190+ craft distilleries throughout the world. His technical expertise, creativity and business acumen have garnered over 100 international awards and accolades for KOVAL, and have led to his induction into the Disciples d'Escoffier and being named Illinois Business Person of the Year by the National Small Business Association. Before opening KOVAL with his wife Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, Robert served as the Deputy Press Secretary for the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC.
Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart
President
Prior to opening KOVAL Distillery, one of the largest independent and female-owned craft distilleries in the US, Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart spent over a decade as a full professor in both the United States and Germany. In 2008, she gave up tenure in hopes of a different quality of life; one that would afford an opportunity for her to work with her husband, give up commuting, and return to the city she loved: Chicago.
As President of KOVAL, she has spearheaded product development, distribution, and marketing, turning her family business into an international presence with availability in over 55 export markets. In addition to her leadership at KOVAL, Sonat is also involved in a number of philanthropic and public service organizations, and serves on the board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) of Chicago. She was recently named Illinois Business Person of the Year by the National Small Business Association, is a federally appointed member of the Illinois Export Council (DEC), and has been inducted into the prestigious Disciples d'Escoffier.
Organic Grain to Bottle
KOVAL controls every step of the spirit-making process: From milling the locally grown grain to distilling, barreling, and finally bottling.
KOVAL believes that the best spirits must come from the best ingredients. We source all of our grains from organic Midwestern farms, supporting the local economy and sustainable agriculture. All enzymes and yeast used in production are also non-GMO.
All of our products are distilled in our own facility, avoiding a common industry practice of purchasing pre-made spirits. Our water – an essential ingredient in distillation – is sourced from Lake Michigan using a natural charcoal purification method.
The Barrel Mill in Minnesota makes each American Oak barrel we use to age our whiskey. Using each barrel only once, every whiskey we age extracts the full range of flavor from the oak. Barrels are available for sale throughout the year. Contact us if you're interested in purchasing one.
Finally, we bottle our spirits. Every product we make is Certified Organic by Midwestern Organic Services Association (MOSA) and Certified Kosher through the Orthodox Union (OU).
Kothe Still
KOVAL distills with a custom-built potstill handcrafted in Germany by Kothe Destillationstechnik. Kothe specially engineers each still with solid quality and energy-saving components that meet the particular needs of each distiller.
Our potstill, specifically made for the production of whiskey and brandy, has an elongated whiskey helmet, a special distillation column and a unique bubblecap construction that provides greater surface area for the spirits to develop aroma and flavor. The smooth, unhammered copper potstill - combined with the dedication and savoir faire of our distillers - guarantees high quality and aromatic distillates. 5000L capacity.
Awards
KOVAL Distillery has been honored with over 100 awards for our exceptional spirits, including bourbon, rye, gin, and liqueurs. From prestigious international competitions like the Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition and Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible to design recognitions for innovative packaging, our products consistently receive top honors. Explore our award-winning lineup and discover why KOVAL is celebrated by both experts and enthusiasts around the globe.
Below is a complete list of KOVAL Distillery’s awards, organized by product and year. Each award includes recognition from top spirits competitions, industry accolades, and design honors.
2025
- Best in Show – Thresh & Winnow – Craft Spirits Packaging Awards
- Gold – Thresh & Winnow Citrine Gin – Beverage Testing Institute
- Gold – Thresh & Winnow Foret Gin – Beverage Testing Institute
- Silver – Thresh & Winnow 12 Year Wheat – Beverage Testing Institute
- Gold – Thresh & Winnow Millet – Beverage Testing Institute
- Silver – Thresh & Winnow Bourbon in Brandy Casks – Beverage Testing Institute
2024
- Liquid Gold Award – Bourbon – Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible
- Gold – Bourbon Bottled in Bond – Beverage Testing Institute
- Gold – Lion's Pride Bottled in Bond Bourbon – Beverage Testing Institute
- Gold – Lion's Pride Bourbon Rum Finished – Beverage Testing Institute
- Gold – Lion's Pride Bourbon Tequila Finished – Beverage Testing Institute
- Silver – Lion's Pride Single Barrel Bourbon – Beverage Testing Institute
- Double Gold – Thresh & Winnow Single Malt – Whiskies of the World
- Gold Best in Class – Thresh & Winnow Single Malt – Whiskies of the World
- Silver – Thresh & Winnow Single Malt – Beverage Testing Institute
- Bronze – Thresh & Winnow Foret – pr%f Awards
- Double Gold – Thresh & Winnow Foret – pr%f Awards
- Silver – Thresh & Winnow Citrine – pr%f Awards
- Double Gold – Thresh & Winnow Citrine – pr%f Awards
- Gold – Bourbon (Ken's Choice Selection) – Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition
- Gold – Rye Bottled in Bond – Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition
2023
- Best Wood-Aged Gin of the Year – Barreled Gin – Meininger’s International Spirits Awards
- Gold – Rye Bottled in Bond – Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition
- Gold – Rye Bottled in Bond – Whiskey and Barrel Consumer Choice Awards
- Gold – Rye Bottled in Bond – Whiskies of the World
- Bronze – Rye Finished in Amburana – Whiskies of the World
- Silver – Rye Maple Syrup Cask – Whiskies of the World
2022
- Best World Whiskey – Bourbon – Roma Whiskey Festival
- Silver Medal – Bourbon – Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible
- Gold – Bourbon (Ken's Choice Selection) – Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition
- Silver – Dry Gin – Tokyo Whiskey & Spirits Competition
- Bronze Medal – Rye – LA Spirit Awards
- Silver – Rye 2-4 years USA – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition
- Gold – Rye Bottled in Bond – Beverage Testing Institute
- Gold – Rye Maple Syrup Cask – Beverage Testing Institute
2021
- Silver Medal – Four Grain Whiskey – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – Dry Gin – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – London Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – Millet Whiskey – London Spirits Competition
- Bronze Medal – Oat Whiskey – LA Spirits Awards
2020
- Gold Medal – Rye Whiskey – Whiskey and Barrel Consumer Choice Awards
- Gold Medal – Four Grain Whiskey – International Taste Awards
- Gold Medal – Bourbon Whiskey – Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards
- Double Gold Medal – Dry Gin – Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards
- Silver Medal – Barreled Gin – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – Rye Whiskey – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – International Taste Awards
- Silver Medal – Bourbon Whiskey – International Taste Awards
- Bronze Medal – Dry Gin – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Bronze Medal – Bourbon Whiskey – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Bronze Medal – Rye Whiskey – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
2019
- Best American Gin Liqueur – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – World Liqueur Awards
- Best Label Series – KOVAL Gin Line – International Review of Spirits Packaging Competition
- Special Prize, Best American Craft Gin – Barreled Gin – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Best World Whisky – Four Grain Whiskey – Roma Whisky Festival
- Gold Medal (Bottle Design) – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – SIP Awards
- Silver Medal – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – SIP Awards
- Silver Medal – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – American Craft Spirits Association
- Silver Medal – Bourbon Whiskey – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – Dry Gin – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Silver Medal – Barreled Gin – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
- Bronze Medal – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – London Spirits Competition
- Bronze Medal – Dry Gin – Class Magazine Bartender’s Choice Awards
- Bronze Medal – Bourbon Whiskey – Class Magazine Bartender’s Choice Awards
- Bronze Medal (Design) – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – World Liqueur Awards
- Bronze Medal – Bourbon Whiskey – American Craft Spirits Association
- Bronze Medal – Four Grain Whiskey – Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition
2018
- Gold Medal (Bottle Design) – Cranberry Gin Liqueur – Beverage Tasting Institute, New & Innovative Spirit Awards
- Platinum Medal (Packaging) – Susan for President Prune Brandy – International Review of Spirits Packaging Awards
2017
- Top Spirits of the Year – Four Grain Whiskey – Wine Enthusiast
- US Micro Whisky of the Year (Finalist) – Four Grain Whiskey – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible
- Best Standard and Best Duty Free – Barreled Gin – World Drinks Awards
- Gold Medal (Packaging) – Susan for President Peach Barreled Brandy – GDUSA American Graphic Design Awards
- Bronze Medal – Susan for President Peach Barreled Brandy – Berlin International Spirits Competition, USA Peach Brandy of the Year
2016
- Regional Design Annual – Vodka – Print
- American Graphic Design Award – Dry Gin – GDUSA
- Gold Medal – Barreled Gin – New York World Wine & Spirits Competition
- Gold Medal – Barreled Gin – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition
- Gold Medal – Barreled Gin – Spirits International Prestige Awards
2015
- Best of Show – Dry Gin – Los Angeles International Spirits Competition
- Double Gold Medal – Dry Gin – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Gold Medal – Dry Gin – Spirits International Prestige Awards
2014
- Best of – Millet Whiskey – Flaviar Spirits Community Award
- Gold Medal – Bourbon Whiskey – International Whisky Competition
- Bronze Medal – Four Grain Whiskey – International Wine & Spirit Competition
2013
- InterWhisky Competition – KOVAL Whiskey
- Gold Medal (Series Package Design) – KOVAL Liqueur – SIP Awards
- Bronze Medal (Series Package Design) – KOVAL Whiskey – SIP Awards
- Los Angeles International Spirits Award – Asian Pear Liqueur
- Los Angeles International Spirits Award – Ginger Liqueur
- Los Angeles International Spirits Award – Orange Blossom Liqueur
2012
- Best Local Spirit – KOVAL Whiskey – Chicago Reader
- Best Local Distillery – Chicago Reader
- Silver Medal – Four Grain Whiskey – American Distilling Institute
- Silver Medal – White Oat Whiskey – International Whisky Competition
- Bronze Medal – White Rye Whiskey – International Whisky Competition
2011
- Best Distillery – Best of Green Award – Treehugger
- Good Eating Award – Chicago Tribune
- Gold Medal – Ginger Liqueur – Spirits International Prestige Awards
- Gold Medal – White Oat Whiskey – American Distilling Institute
- Silver Medal – Millet Whiskey – American Distilling Institute
2010
- Gold Medal – White Rye Whiskey – American Distilling Institute
- Silver Medal – White Oat Whiskey – Destillata
- Silver Medal – White Rye Whiskey – Destillata
- Bronze Medal – Chrysanthemum & Honey Liqueur – Destillata
- Bronze Medal – Ginger Liqueur – Destillata
- Bronze Medal – White Wheat Whiskey – Destillata
- Bronze Medal – White Millet Whiskey – Destillata
Distillery Recognition
- Best Local Distillery – Chicago Reader (2012, 2014, 2019, 2020)
- 100 Best Distilleries to Visit in the World – Whisky Magazine
Partners
Our Community Partners
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce combines the power of people, with our legacy of leadership and business advocacy, to drive a dynamic economy. The Chamber represents more than 1,000 companies from all major industries, half of which do business internationally. With more than 150 events each year, the Chamber is Chicagoland's most influential business organization.
Slow Food USA is part of the global Slow Food network of over 150,000 members in more than 150 countries. Through a vast volunteer network of local chapters, youth and food communities, we link the pleasures of the table with a commitment to protect the community, culture, knowledge and environment that make this pleasure possible.
The Distilled Spirits Council is the national trade association representing the leading producers and marketers of distilled spirits in the United States.
The official Chicago visitors' visitors site. Guides to local concerts, events, restaurants, sightseeing, and much more.
Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition
Green Chicago Restaurant Coalition is an organization dedicated to protecting the environment and conserving natural resources by helping the Chicago foodservice industry reduce its collective environmental footprint.
Andersonville Chamber of Commerce
Andersonville's vibrant commercial district is comprised of unique, locally-owned businesses; celebrates diversity; honors its rich culture and history; fosters joyful community life; and in all actions considers the triple bottom line of people, planet, and prosperity.
Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
At the GRCC, we believe creativity, sustainable living, diverse industry and a vibrant, locally-focused economy position Ravenswood as a destination neighborhood. Our organization connects businesses, residents, local government and area schools through a proactive and inclusive approach to community issues.
MOSA - Midwest Organic Services Association
A full-service organic certifier, we are a non-profit working with clients from every part of the food system chain: from seed to field to production to packaging to shelf.
The mission of the Orthodox Union is to engage, strengthen and lead the Orthodox Jewish Community, and inspire the greater Jewish community. OU Kosher certifies 800,000 products and ingredients in nearly 8,000 plants in 92 countries around the world.
Kothe Distilling Technologies Inc. is a Chicago, IL based company. We are the sole representative for Kothe Destillationstechnik in North America. Our mission is to provide distillers with award winning stills at an affordable price.
Jobs
Consumer Outreach Team Member (Part Time)
KOVAL is seeking a detail-oriented and innovative "people person" with a passion for craft spirits, events, and sales. As a Brand Ambassador, team members visit local accounts and retailers to sample KOVAL's wide variety of spirits and liqueurs while making connections with potential customers, partners, and accounts. While this position is currently part-time, it could eventually turn into a full-time position. As this position requires travel, applicants with a car are encouraged to apply.
Applicants should consider themselves to be strong public speakers who would be excited to share the KOVAL process, tasting notes for each spirit, upcoming events, and more on a regular basis in a friendly and upbeat manner. A dedication to going above and beyond for patrons is a must. This is a unique opportunity for a motivated and ambitious applicant. Must be ready to hit the ground running.
Locations:
Chicago, IL
Baltimore, MD
Bloomington, IL
Champaign, IL
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Milwaukee, WI
Newark, NJ
Springfield, IL
Washington, D.C.
Responsibilities (but not limited to):
- Participating in our training program to obtain extensive knowledge of the KOVAL product line and process.
- Communicating confidently and clearly, both oral and written.
- Engaging in weekly tastings in retail stores.
- Working with accounts to develop programming such as tastings, dinners, and other events.
- Growing the number of on and off premise accounts through sales calls.
- Providing feedback as to what needs restocking at key accounts.
- Working with the marketing team to promote KOVAL in the community.
- Communicating with a KOVAL Manager on a regular basis to discuss weekly activities and strategies.
- Providing timely reports on activities.
- Updating CRM with account information.
- Having the availability to consistently work weekends.
Skills:
- Excellent public speaking skills to effectively communicate the brand's message to a diverse audience
- Sales oriented mindset without being overbearing
- Sales experience or demo experience is a plus!
- Theater or comedy background is a plus!
- Bilingual is also a plus!
Interested applicants must provide us with a cover letter answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to work for KOVAL?
- If you had 2 million dollars, what would you do with it?
- What makes you angry?
- If you had something wonderful to celebrate, what would your celebration look like and who would be there?
Job Type: Part-time
Please send your application to jobs@koval-distillery.com
Trade Resources
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KOVAL Distillery
Data Manager: Dr. Robert Birnecker
4241 North Ravenswood Ave Chicago, IL 60613 USA
+1 312 878 7988
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