Koval Bourbon

Koval Bourbon is a single barrel, small-batch bourbon from Koval Distillery in the Ravenswood neighbourhood of Chicago, which opened in 2008 as the city's first distillery since Prohibition. Its mash bill is unconventional: 51% corn, the legal minimum, with the remaining 49% made up of millet rather than the rye or wheat found in most bourbons. Koval builds its spirits around organic grains and keeps only the heart cut of the distillate, letting the character of the grain shine through.

Matured in new charred American oak, this bourbon opens with tropical fruit, vanilla and a buttery, custard-like richness. The palate is sweet and warming, with orchard fruit, orange, milk chocolate and caramel, before a finish of charred oak and tangy dried apricot. Bottled unfiltered at 47% ABV, it is excellent neat or as the base for classic cocktails.