Koval Bourbon Review

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Koval Bourbon is produced by the Koval Distillery. The specific geographical location isn't mentioned, but Koval Distillery is known to be based in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Type: It is a Bourbon whiskey, indicating it's American and adheres to the specific regulations for bourbon production.
Distillation and Maturation: The bourbon is matured in fresh casks sourced from Minnesota, with a capacity of approximately 113 liters (30 gallons). It's noteworthy that the bourbon is not chill-filtered and contains no added coloring.
Age Statement: There is no specific age statement, but it's speculated to be aged between three to five years.
Physical Description: The bourbon has a unique aspect of being bottled from single barrels, as indicated by the barrel numbers on the bottles (e.g., 1051, 1151, 1170). The color, clarity, and bottle design specifics are not detailed in the transcript.

General Expectation: Initially, there's an expectation of typical bourbon flavors like vanilla and caramel, possibly intensified by the use of small, heavily charred oak casks.
Sweetness: It is less sweet than anticipated but still carries a certain level of sweetness with vanilla notes.
Fruitiness: The bourbon exhibits a tropical fruit profile, including papaya, mango, and banana, along with Mediterranean fruits like peaches, lemon, and apricot.
Spiciness and Smokiness: A peppery spiciness and a light smoky flavor reminiscent of barbecue or tobacco smoke develop, especially noticeable on the second sip.
Overall Flavor Balance: The Koval Bourbon presents a complex balance of sweetness, fruitiness, spiciness, and smokiness, with an interesting development of flavors between the first and second sips.

The use of millet in the mash bill is highlighted as a unique choice, distinguishing Koval Bourbon from other bourbons that typically use rye or wheat. Millet is noted for being more commonly used in Africa and Asia, introducing an unconventional grain into the bourbon's composition.

The Koval Distillery's choice to use fresh Minnesota casks and millet in the mash bill reflects a blend of local sourcing and global inspiration, contributing to the bourbon's distinct identity.

"It's not as sweet as I expected it." - This quote captures the surprise at the bourbon's flavor profile, challenging preconceived notions about bourbon sweetness.
The recommendation to try a miniature to "expand your whiskey horizon" suggests that the Koval Bourbon offers a unique tasting experience worth exploring.

Koval Bourbon is a non-chill-filtered, color-free bourbon without a specific age statement, likely aged between three to five years.
It features a less sweet but complex flavor profile with tropical and Mediterranean fruits, vanilla, and an evolving spiciness and smokiness.
Unique for using millet in its mash bill, offering a distinctive taste.
Produced by the Koval Distillery, it reflects a combination of local and global influences in its production and ingredient sourcing.
Recommended for those looking to explore beyond traditional bourbon flavors.

Bourbon Enthusiasts looking for unique mash bills and flavor profiles.
Adventurous Drinkers interested in exploring bourbons that deviate from the norm.
Whisky Collectors who appreciate single barrel expressions and the nuances they offer.
Newcomers to bourbon might find the miniature a great introduction to the category's diversity.