Koval Rye (40%, OB, 2017)

• Category: Illinois Rye Whiskey
• Origin: Koval distillery
• Bottling: Koval
• ABV: 40%
• Cost: £39.95

What they say:

Only the “heart cut” of the distillate, no “heads” or “tails.” Aged in new American oak from Minnesota. Grains sourced from a local organic farmer collective in the Midwest.

“This is no ordinary rye, because it doesn’t come from an ordinary distillery. […] Despite being 100% rye grain, this whiskey is fresh and light […] with a maple-y, candy corn entry and a kiss of spice on the “finish.”
 — The Wall Street Journal

Unfiltered 100% Rye. Heart Cut. Single Barrel. Organic.

What I say:

Many thanks to Tom of Toms Whisky Reviews for sharing these official Koval samples with me. This Rye whiskey was produced at Koval Distillery in Chicago, Illinois.

Colour:

Copper Bronze (12/20), medium-sized tears leave medium-fine legs

Nose:

Dusty, chalky and flinty, slightly mineralic with spiced ryebread/gingerbread, honey and gristy malt, fresh buttered popcorn, bubblegum, banana, new paint, banana split, vanilla and banana milkshake sweetened with maple syrup

Taste:

Lightly sweet honey and maple syrup, softened Demerara sugar, banana liqueur, a sprinkle of white pepper, vanilla, cream, milkshake

Finish:

Medium-length, spiced, sweet milky and fruity

Overall:

A very light Rye with reserved spiciness and a good richness to the body, diminished (i.e. nose>taste>finish) so one to hold in the glass and smell for a while, that said it goes down easily and seems like a good summery dram.

Score: 85/100

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