Koval Chicago SHOOTOUT Bourbon, Rye, Four Grain Whiskey

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Established in 2008, KOVAL produces organic whiskey, liqueurs and specialty spirits in Chicago's first distillery since the mid-1800s. Founders Robert and Sonat Birnecker, chose to leave their academic careers to bring the distilling traditions of Robert’s Austrian family to America. In making this decision, they vowed to make organic spirits from scratch (avoiding the common industry practice of purchasing and bottling pre-made spirits) and to change the way people understand whiskey by creating a new, signature style - using only the “heart” cut of the distillate - affording a brighter, cleaner take on whiskey.

[@VoidedTea]

My wife just came from Chicago and brought the Bourbon expression for me. I absolutely loved it. I think the world of scotch and bourbon is being slowly put upside down by countries like Japan who are not bound by traditions and bring forward a lot of unconventional products which are like a breeze of fresh air in room that was shut tight for a long-long time. Koval Bourbon with one of a kind blend of 51% corn and 49% millet matured in small barrels is a great addition to what I think will soon become the hottest trend in whisky/bourbon industry - expressionism and individuality based on departure from traditions rather than sticking to them.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

we need to go back to these again and see how they compare now that we've tasted more.

[@pghphred2102]

FYI, in 2/2019, all the Koval products are on clearance sale in the PA State stores. That is why I looked up these reviews to hear what the flavor profiles are. Not sure these are big sellers here. Sippin’ on a Dad’s Hat Manhattan. Stay peaty, Dummies. 😎

[@ScotchTestDummies]

heard good things about Dad's Hat.

[@JimmyLeg]

I finished during "story time". Nice one Bruno.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

never gets old!

[@onedayaway1297]

I enjoy the light hearted commentary and wonderful demeanor. Keep up the good work.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Thanks Hendrix.

[@iladdiewhiskynerd4924]

Ha! Love the review. I have been in contact with Koval quite a lot. If you can, get the millet as well. I was send four samples of Koval and it's a wonderful mix of single still spirits all matured in 30 gallon barrels. Its probably the most best source of finding out the difference you get from the grain since all the rest is basically a constant. They use the cuts of distillate very well and thereby remove harsher notes. The floral you get is probably from the still. I have not been tasting bourbons a lot. My reference bourbon is a Noah's mill. I'm babbling! Lol! Have you guys tried catoctin creek rye?

[@ScotchTestDummies]

good comments on Koval Rombout. We have not tried Catoctin Creek yet. don't know if I've even seen it. So many whiskies, so little time.

[@iladdiewhiskynerd4924]

Scotch Test Dummies it's funny how here in holland in Europe we seen to get more whiskey from the world then any place else. Feel blessed!

[@ScotchTestDummies]

I was wondering about that!

[@aimee2234]

It's another storytime with Bart! ;)

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Bam Bam

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Puerto Rican facts

[@salrenzulli8473]

ha ha ha Oh man.. I really enjoyed this one, and that was before I transformed into a Jewish whiskey taster! I am not worthy guys! I think what I loved most about this is the fact that you both had very distinct opinions on the whiskeys. I've often wondered if a whiskey maker will intentionally produce a product which is "odd" or not what is expected. Consider that in a saturated market, some are going to hit gold, and some will leave you wondering where it went wrong. I think for Bart, they missed, but I too won't go too high on price to try something which is an unknown.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Great comments Sal...if they add peat they usually can't go wrong. Bart

[@ScotchTestDummies]

+sal renzulli ...Better call Saul!

[@JasonWhiskyWise]

Great video guys, These shoot outs are great ways of comparing whiskies! :)

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Thanks Wise. I knew we had something the first time we tried it. Great way to distinguish like minded whiskies. Bart

[@TheOriginalRaster]

You'all should *MIX* those three bottles together and then Test It!.... ha. Take some Caol Ila 12, add it in... adds smoke. As you know, I like the peated Single Malt Scotch mixed 50/50 with Makers Mark that's actually a fascinating and (for me) even more flavorful blend. The combo wipes out the negatives of each spirit, I wasn't enjoying the peated single malt, and I wasn't enjoying the Makers Mark, together they were great.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

You need to attend a master blenders class Raster

[@VoidedTea]

The ending was funny :)

[@ScotchTestDummies]

...yes it was. Scott

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Bart learned he is far to nice to Scott during his edits...but I do tend to run at the mouth. Bart

[@andrewcuff7708]

Love your videos...except for one thing...the light leaking from the top of the window behind Bart. It distracts me every time.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

The basement finish finished my bank account. Blinds have recently been purchased and installed. We still have some banked shows but the light from beyond will soon be gone. Bart

[@lockguy2652]

Looked it up... Joe Dirt? meh.... I am more a Monty Python, Mel Brooks, Steve Oedekerk kinda guy...

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Joe Dirt was a movie full of one liners!

[@MRKTM690smc]

If you can't find the Rittenhouse, I would be willing to send you a bottle from Iowa if you would be willing to send me one I can't get here! :)

[@ScotchTestDummies]

Believe it we found a bottle of Rittenhouse here and its waiting to be reviewed!

[@kleinster99]

I’ll pass on this thanks.

[@Nokomisclub]

This is an interesting distiller: I believe they made a spirit from Millet, which is primarily an animal feed.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

interesting indeed. that could be whats imparting some of those different notes.

[@soulbro1982]

Native chicagoan here. i did a few tastings with koval recently, and I had the same confusion at what I was tasting in the 4 grain. they do have a whiskey that is just from the millet, which after tasting, made that 4 grain make a lot more sense.

[@ScotchTestDummies]

what's your overall impression of the Koval whiskies Alvin?