CHICAGO, IL (PRWEB) MARCH 22, 2016 — KOVAL, one of America’s premiere craft distilleries, will expand distribution to the United Kingdom with international luxury spirits importer and exporter Emporia Brands.
Founded in 2008 as Chicago’s first distillery since the mid-1800s, KOVAL’s innovative distilling technologies and cutting-edge design practices have led them to become an award-winning, internationally renowned craft spirits manufacturer. 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 spirits from scratch 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.
“We’re thrilled to be expanding our international distribution efforts to the United Kingdom and look forward to working with Emporia’s innovative team,” said Robert Birnecker.
Emporia Brands is taking on a range of KOVAL’s unique whiskeys, including KOVAL Bourbon, Rye, and Millet. Each a rare expression, KOVAL Bourbon is a naturally gluten-free spirit comprised of 51% corn and 49% millet bottled at 47% ABV, while KOVAL Rye (2013’s Best International Whisky by InterWhisky) and Millet are single grain whiskeys distilled with 100% rye and 100% millet from the Midwest, bottled at 40% ABV. All whiskeys are certified kosher, single barrel expressions aged up to 4 years in new American Oak barrels.
Emporia Brands will also take on KOVAL Dry Gin, one of 2015’s most highly awarded gins in the categories of both spirit and package design. A Double Gold recipient from the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, KOVAL Dry Gin is a balanced, crisp gin with notes of citrus, pepper, and a round floral body. In the coming months, Emporia Brands plans to add KOVAL Four Grain whiskey to their portfolio as well.
KOVAL CEO and Master Distiller Robert Birnecker will travel to the UK this April to launch a series of master classes in London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. As the co-founder of Kothe Distilling Technologies, Robert has become one of America’s top distilling experts and internationally renowned consultants, educating over 2,500 aspiring distillers in the last six years alone.
“Emporia Brands is delighted to announce our partnership with a true craft champion, KOVAL. Robert and Sonat’s huge passion is reflected in our team, and we look forward to hosting Robert’s nationwide master classes throughout April,” said Jack Rackham, Commercial Director of Emporia Brands.
KOVAL will be available from retailers across the United Kingdom, including Harvey Nichols, Masters of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, Royal Mile Whiskies, and online at thedrinkshop.com.