Koval Distillery Tour in Chicago

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CHICAGO'S FIRST DISTILLERY SINCE THE MID-1800s

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.

Embracing the grain-to-bottle mentality, each step of the spirit-making process is thoughtfully monitored: beginning with contracting local farmers to grow the grain, to on-site milling and mashing, to finally distilling, bottling, and packaging. After numerous international awards and Robert at the helm of consulting for the burgeoning craft industry, KOVAL has grown to be one of America’s leading small batch, independent spirit manufacturers.

Koval Distillery is a craft distillery located in Chicago, Illinois (established in 2008).[1] It is the first distillery within Chicago's city limits since Prohibition.[2][3] Koval's founders, Robert and Sonat Birnecker, left academic careers to found the distillery, aiming to bring the distilling traditions and techniques of Robert’s Austrian grandfather to America. Certified both organic and kosher, Koval creates award-winning whiskeys, brandies, and liqueurs in their distillery in the Andersonville neighborhood of Chicago's Northside. The distillery is kosher.[4] Koval (Yiddish for blacksmith) was founded by Robert and Sonat Birnecker.[4]

In 2018, Koval Distillery celebrated its 10th birthday, but the party won’t stop for the Ravenswood liquor maker. The company plans to open a new tasting room and cafe by the end of the year. The future home of the cafe and tasting room is at 4241 N. Ravenswood, about a 10-minute drive south from its current tasting room.

Koval — known for its whiskies, gins, and other organic spirits — purchased the building in 2017, which is where it produced alcohol for years. The purchase allowed Koval to expand from 11,000 square feet to more than 40,000 square feet. The goal was to eventually move all operations south. The building that houses its current tasting room, 5121 N. Ravenswood, is a smaller and leased space. That public-facing space is where groups can stop in for tours, and some production still takes place there. It’s a popular spot for small gatherings and charity events.

Distillery officials have been patient over the last two years, and now Koval co-founder Sonat Birnecker Hart has told Eater her company plans to shift operations south and amp up its tasting experience. The new space will have a cold kitchen that serves small bites inspired by international travels. City officials need to rezone the property for the project to proceed, so she’s reluctant to share further details until Koval finishes that process. The space should also include a patio.

The tasting room plans have been an open secret for years for anyone who’s attended a Koval tour. Management hopes to open it in time for the holidays, if not sooner.