So, BevMax had another bottle that intrigued me: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon. Based out of Chicago, Koval does grain-to-bottle spirits. Their bourbon has a unique mash bill of 51% corn and 49% millet. Well, I had to look up millet. It is an ancient grain that is primarily grown in Africa of which there are over 500 species. They distill then age in new, charred oak barrels, but the barrels are only 30 gallons, as opposed to traditional 53 gallon barrels typically used by distillers. The mash bill really piqued my curiosity and BevMax had a solid price for the bottle, so let’s give it a run and see what happens. This barrel is # WO3N05 and is coming in at 94 proof.
I sent the folks over at Koval a quick note to see what they may be able to tell me about this particular bottle. Abby Boler, the Marketing and Communications Manager for Koval was kind enough to write me back and let me know the following info about barrel # WO3N05:
Barrel date – 9/26/16
Bottle date – 7/07/20
Days in barrel – 1479 (4 years, 2 weeks)
Stored in – Galien, Michigan and Chicago, IL
Mash bill – 51% corn (from Illinois) and 49% Millet (from Colorado).
The appearance in the glen is very light. The label states it is aged under 4 years, and we know this particular barrel is right at 4 year, so the color shows that youth. The fact that they use small barrel it gives me hope that the youth on the visual side won’t be as prevalent on the palate. Quick forming and quick running legs when swirled.
The nose comes in with vanilla and pear. I pick up some undertones of cherry and bubble gum. Some earthy notes show up as well. There is much more ethanol vapor than I would have expected at 94 proof. It dissipates after breathing for a bit, but remnants are still there, Additional nosings confirm the stone fruit notes that were there initially. Overall, a fairly floral nose. Floral like as is a flower garden right after it rains, where you can pick up the earth with the sweetness of the blooms. Intriguing nose that has me piqued for a taste.
An oily, but a bit thin, mouthfeel reveals some very interesting flavors. The standard vanilla and caramel are there, but they quickly transition to more sweet fruit and grain notes. There is a surprising amount of baking spice that shows up given there is no rye or barley in the mash bill. There is some earthiness mid-palate that is really pleasant and adds a nice, unique touch to the overall flavor profile. Slight hint of caramel at the back end.
The finish is the winner here. I really wasn’t expecting much given the proof, mash bill and age, but surprisingly, there is a medium length finish that picks up the earthiness that seems to run all the way through the pour. The spice sticks as well, but picks up some brown sugar sweetness. The finish has a much more “traditional” bourbon feel to it than the palate, which, to me, makes the pour all that more interesting.
Have to say, not disappointed in this whiskey at all. A very unique mashbill has created in Koval a very interesting pour. The nose and flavor profile are very different, but it finishes like a traditional bourbon. At $47, it is a buy if you are into unique, different whiskies. If you are a bourbon purist, this one may throw you, but it is absolutely worth a pour to say you tasted a 51% corn, 49% millet mashbill.
Head over to BevMax and use coupon code “VINCE” for $10 off shipping of your order.
Koval Single Barrel Bourbon
7.6
Pros
- Very unique pour
- Surprisingly solid finish
Cons
- Earthiness may put some people off