Koval Organic Barreled Gin

Koval Organic Barreled Gin is a 94-proof (47% ABV) barrel-rested gin from Koval Distillery of Chicago, Illinois — the distillery's 13-botanical Dry Gin recipe, matured approximately six months in Koval's own charred whiskey barrels. The rest adds golden color, butterscotch sweetness, and oak spice to the gin's juniper-citrus core: a hybrid that reads as both gin and whiskey. Certified organic and kosher. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV/Proof: 47% ABV / 94 proof
• Size: 750mL
• Aging: ~6 months in Koval's own charred whiskey barrels (barrel-rested, not age-stated)
• Origin: Koval Distillery, Chicago, IL (launched 2016)
• Production: Same 13-botanical Dry Gin base (organic rye white whiskey; juniper, angelica root, coriander, grains of paradise, rose hip); certified organic, kosher

The Werewolf of Gins

Distiller.com's reviewer called it a "werewolf" — it wants to stay a gin, but six months in charred whiskey barrels is slowly turning it into a whiskey. Koval takes its award-winning Dry Gin and rests it in its own barrels, and the transformation is all in the official notes: a new level of citrus and spice with a light butterscotch sweetness, crisp enough to drink straight. Reviewers find florals, juniper, and honey on the nose, vanilla and caramel peeking through the juniper on the palate, and a long finish of wood spice and nutmeg. The Chicago Tribune called it "far more delicate" than its barrel-aged peers, and Playboy recommended it in a Manhattan. Gold medals at the 2016 LA International and 2016 New York World Wine & Spirits Competitions agree. For gin drinkers who also love whiskey — or the reverse — this is the bottle that settles the argument; see the whole Koval lineup.

Tasting Notes

Official sell sheet: new level of citrus and spice with light butterscotch sweetness; crisp enough to drink straight, adds depth to cocktails. CaskCartel/Flaviar: nose of florals, juniper, honey; palate of vanilla and caramel through juniper; long finish of wood spice and nutmeg.

How to Enjoy

Neat or on ice to taste the gin-to-whiskey spectrum. It makes a remarkable barrel-rested Negroni or a Manhattan variation — Playboy's recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is barreled gin the same as whiskey?
No — it starts as gin (botanical-distilled) and is then rested in whiskey barrels; it keeps its juniper character under the oak.

How long is it barreled?
Approximately six months in Koval's own charred whiskey barrels, per the distillery.

Is it organic?
Yes — certified organic and kosher, like the rest of the Koval line.

What awards has it won?
Gold at the 2016 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition and Gold at the 2016 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, per Koval's official sell sheet.

Half gin, half whiskey, all character — add Koval Organic Barreled Gin to your cart at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.