The Millet Revolution in Bourbon
With a mash bill of 51% corn and 49% millet, KOVAL Bourbon offers a drinking experience that is balanced, approachable, and unparalleled. While most bourbons rely on rye or wheat as their secondary grain, KOVAL pioneered the use of millet—an ancient grain prized for its subtle sweetness and silky texture.
This bold choice creates a bourbon that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of what American whiskey can be. Each bottle represents our commitment to innovation, organic ingredients, and grain-to-bottle craftsmanship at our Chicago distillery.
Tasting Profile
Experience layers of complexity in every sip:
Nose: Bright notes of caramelized banana, Madagascar vanilla bean, and fresh-cut hay with hints of toasted almond
Palate: Tropical mango chutney meets toasted coconut and honey graham crackers, balanced by the creamy texture that millet brings to the spirit. Mid-palate reveals subtle notes of butterscotch and dried apricot.
Finish: Long and warming with cracked black pepper, salted caramel, and a gentle oakiness that lingers. The finish showcases the perfect marriage between corn's sweetness and millet's peppery spice.
Specifications
- Proof: 94 (47% ABV)
- Mash Bill: 51% organic corn, 49% organic millet
- Distillation: Heart cut only - the purest middle 30% of the run
- Barrel: 30-gallon new charred American oak (#3 char)
- Age Statement: Minimum 2 years
- Bottling: Single barrel, non-chill filtered
- Volume: 750ml
- Certifications: USDA Organic, Kosher
What Makes KOVAL Bourbon Unique
Millet: The Secret Ingredient
Most bourbon uses rye (spicy) or wheat (soft) as the flavoring grain. We chose millet for its:
- Creamy texture that creates exceptional mouthfeel
- Natural sweetness without cloying sugar notes
- Subtle spice that complements rather than overwhelms
- Gluten-free properties (though distillation removes gluten proteins)
The result? A bourbon that drinks smoother than its 94 proof suggests, with complexity that reveals itself slowly.
Heart Cut Distillation
We don't cut corners—we cut hearts. While many distilleries use the entire distillation run, we capture only the middle 30% (the "heart"). This eliminates:
- Harsh alcohols from the "heads"
- Heavy oils from the "tails"
- Any off-flavors or impurities
The result is a cleaner, more refined spirit that showcases the grain's true character.
Single Barrel Bottling
Each bottle comes from one specific barrel, never blended. This means:
- Unique character - no two barrels taste exactly alike
- Barrel number noted on each bottle for traceability
- Natural variations that make collecting exciting
- Proof of craftsmanship - we stand behind every barrel
How to Enjoy KOVAL Bourbon
Neat or On the Rocks
Experience the full complexity of millet's influence. Add a few drops of water to open up the tropical fruit notes, or serve over a large ice cube for a slow, contemplative sip.
Classic Cocktails
Old Fashioned The peppery finish balances perfectly with Angostura bitters and a sugar cube. The mango notes shine through without getting lost.
Manhattan Pairs beautifully with sweet vermouth—the tropical fruit plays against the wine's richness. Use a 2:1 ratio (bourbon to vermouth) and finish with a luxardo cherry.
Boulevardier Substitute bourbon for gin in a Negroni. The millet's sweetness tames Campari's bitterness while the proof stands up to the strong flavors.
Whiskey Sour Shake with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. The tropical notes make this a summer standout. Add an egg white for a silky Boston Sour.
Food Pairings
- Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
- Smoked brisket or pulled pork
- Sharp aged cheddar
- Maple-glazed salmon
- Pecan pie or bread pudding
Production
Hand-crafted at KOVAL Distillery in Chicago since 2008. Every bottle is grain-to-bottle: we source organic grains from Midwest family farms, distill using our copper pot stills, age in 30-gallon barrels, and hand-bottle on site. Kosher certified under cRc supervision.
Awards & Recognition
Our Bourbon has earned acclaim from critics and competitions worldwide:
- Gold Medal - Women's Wine & Spirit Awards 2020
- Gold Medal - International Whisky Competition 2014
- Best Whiskey from the USA - Falstaff Whisky Trophy 2019
- 91 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine
Featured In:
Forbes | The Wall Street Journal | Men's Journal | Eater | Cool Material | Thrillist | Women's Health
Storage & Serving Recommendations
- Optimal Serving Temperature: 60-65°F (15-18°C)
- Glassware: Glencairn glass (neat), Old Fashioned glass (rocks), coupe (cocktails)
- Dilution: Add 1-2 drops of water to unlock aromatics
- Shelf Life: Indefinite if unopened; 1-2 years after opening for peak flavor
Sustainability & Ethics
- USDA Certified Organic
- Kosher Certified (cRc)
- Non-GMO grains
- Local sourcing when possible
- Spent grain donated to local farms
- Recyclable glass bottles
- No artificial colors or flavors
