Koval Millet

Whisky Review/Tasting: Koval Millet

Physical Whisky Characteristics

  • Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA.
  • Type: Single Barrel Whiskey.
  • Distillation and Maturation Process: Distilled from 100% millet, a cereal grain from Asia and Africa, and matured in fresh American white oak barrels from Minnesota.
  • Age Statement: Not specified.
  • Color and Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the whiskey is implied to have clarity and color typical of bourbons matured in fresh American oak.
  • Bottle Design: Half-liter content, with specific mention of being barrel 393. The design specifics are not detailed, but it's noted as being produced and bottled by Koval Incorporated.
  • Certification: Certified organic by Midwest Organic Services Association Incorporated, though there are legal disputes in Europe regarding its organic status under EU law (EG 834/2007).

Whisky Flavor Profile

  • Balance of Flavors: Described as complex, with a notable absence of the corn sweetness found in typical bourbons, replaced by a unique "milletness."
  • Unique Characteristics: The whiskey showcases flavors of open fresh cereals, caramel, and aromatic American white oak. It lacks the corn sweetness of bourbon but has a distinct profile with millet's influence.
  • Comparison: Likened to a typical bourbon in terms of its use of fresh American white oak but stands out due to its unique grain base and the absence of corn sweetness.

Whisky Storytelling

  • Production Innovation: Koval Distillery's choice to use 100% millet, a grain commonly found in Asia and Africa, for whiskey production is highlighted as a novel and innovative approach in the whiskey industry.
  • Organic Certification: The narrative includes a discussion on the whiskey's organic certification and the legal nuances affecting its recognition as organic in Europe.

Cultural or Geographical Significance

  • Geographical Origin: The whiskey's production in Chicago, near the Great Lakes, and its maturation in Minnesota-sourced barrels, ties its identity to the American Midwest.
  • Cultural Innovation: The use of millet, a grain not traditionally associated with whiskey production in the West, signifies a cultural blending and innovation, bringing a global perspective to American whiskey-making.

Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes

  • "A very interesting single malt millet whiskey and the first I had in my life." - Horst Luening, highlighting the uniqueness of the Koval Millet whiskey.
  • "It's like a typical bourbon but without the corn sweetness." - Comparison to bourbon, emphasizing the distinct flavor profile due to millet.

Summary

  • Koval Millet is a unique single barrel whiskey distilled from 100% millet by Koval Distillery in Chicago, matured in fresh American white oak barrels.
  • It is certified organic, with a complex flavor profile that includes fresh cereals, caramel, and a hint of oakiness, lacking the typical corn sweetness of bourbon.
  • The whiskey represents an innovative approach to whiskey-making by using millet, offering a distinct taste experience.
  • Its production and organic certification story, along with its cultural and geographical ties to the American Midwest, add depth to its identity.
  • Horst Luening's review emphasizes the whiskey's uniqueness and its worth despite a higher price point.

Recommendations for Different User Profiles

  • Whiskey Enthusiasts Looking for Unique Flavors: Individuals interested in exploring unconventional grain bases in whiskey.
  • Organic Product Consumers: Those who prioritize organic certification in their spirit selections.
  • Bourbon Lovers Open to Variation: Bourbon aficionados curious about similar profiles without the corn sweetness.
  • World Whiskey Explorers: Enthusiasts interested in how different cultures and grains influence whiskey production.