KOVAL Rye Whiskey

80 Proof | Single Barrel | Organic | Kosher | Woman-Owned

KOVAL Rye is made with a unique mash bill of 100% organic rye grain -- a rarity in American whiskey, where most distillers use only the 51% rye minimum required by law. Sourced from a Midwestern farm collective and distilled grain-to-bottle at our Chicago distillery, this is a surprisingly fresh and light rye whiskey with a bold character all its own.

The Whiskey Wash called it "the little black dress of a whiskey" and awarded it 92 points. Wine Enthusiast gave it 91 points, and Drinkhacker rated it A-, calling the nose "immediately engaging" with "classic rye whiskey elements."

Tasting Profile

Nose: Classic rye whiskey elements -- baking spice, red pepper, charred sugar, toasted barrel notes. Nutmeg and honey with hints of jasmine and pepper. Aromas of vanilla and coconut.

Palate: Soft and pretty, baking spice folded into chocolate sauce, gingerbread, and a touch of mint. Ginger and cinnamon balance like a well-made spice cake. Faint sweetness with notes of coconut and almond.

Finish: Fresh and lively, longer than expected with maple syrup and a creamy mouthfeel. Gently spiced and drying.

Production

KOVAL Rye is crafted from 100% organic rye grain, distilled using only the "heart cut" -- the purest middle portion of each distillation run. Aged in 30-gallon new charred American oak barrels, the smaller barrel size provides more wood contact than industry-standard 53-gallon barrels, contributing to the whiskey's distinctive flavor.

Every bottle is single barrel, meaning each comes from one individual barrel with slight, unique variations. The barrel number is noted on each bottle. KOVAL Rye is certified organic by MOSA (Midwestern Organic Services Association), kosher by the Orthodox Union (OU), and produced at a woman-owned distillery.

What Makes It Unique

While most American rye whiskeys blend rye with corn, barley, or wheat, KOVAL uses a 100% rye mash bill that lets the grain's natural character shine through. The result is a whiskey that balances the spice rye is known for with unexpected sweetness -- maple, candy corn, and honey -- making it equally at home sipped neat or mixed into classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Sazerac, or Ryes N Shine.

"This is no ordinary rye, because it doesn't come from an ordinary distillery. Despite being 100% rye grain, this whiskey is fresh and light, with a maple-y, candy corn entry and a kiss of spice on the finish." -- The Wall Street Journal