Koval Organic Dry Gin
Koval Organic Dry Gin is a 94-proof (47% ABV) organic gin from Koval Distillery of Chicago, Illinois — built on an organic rye white-whiskey base and redistilled with a proprietary blend of 13 "woodland spice" botanicals, keeping only the heart cut. Certified organic and kosher. Crisp enough to drink straight, vibrant enough to lift any cocktail. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV/Proof: 47% ABV / 94 proof
- Size: 750mL
- Origin: Koval Distillery, Chicago, IL — founded 2008 by Robert and Sonat Birnecker Hart; woman-owned; Chicago's first post-Prohibition distillery
- Production: Organic rye white-whiskey base (organic Midwest rye); 13 botanicals incl. juniper, angelica root, coriander, grains of paradise, rose hip; heart cut only; certified organic (MOSA), kosher (OU)
- Style: Dry gin with wildflower, citrus, and white-pepper character
Chicago's Grain-to-Glass Gin
Koval was Chicago's first distillery since Prohibition, and its Dry Gin shows the grain-to-glass philosophy in full: the base is not neutral spirit but an organic rye white whiskey, which gives the gin a silky, grainy foundation most gins lack. Thirteen botanicals — juniper and angelica root up front, coriander, grains of paradise, and rose hip among the "woodland spices" — are redistilled in small batches, and only the heart cut makes the bottle. The distillery's own notes: juniper and wildflowers on the nose; a dry yet vibrant palate of emerald grasses, golden citrus, white pepper, and round florals. Distiller.com scored it 90/100 ("unique, silky, and really refreshing"), and Paste Magazine called it one of the few gins worth drinking neat for fun. A medal haul — Double Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Best in Show at the 2015 LA International — confirms it. Explore more craft gin or the full Koval range.
Tasting Notes
Official (koval-distillery.com): nose of juniper and wildflowers; taste dry yet vibrant — emerald grasses, golden citrus, white pepper, round floral body; "crisp enough to enjoy straight." The tasting profile adds lavender/hibiscus on the nose, citrus-pine on the palate, and a very dry anise/peppercorn finish. Reviewers detect lavender, hibiscus, thyme, spearmint, and anise among the botanicals.
How to Enjoy
Try it neat or on a large cube first — at 94 proof it was designed to be sipped. In cocktails, it makes a martini with unusual depth and a gin and tonic where the rye base shines through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes it "dry" gin?
No added sweetness — the flavor comes entirely from the botanical distillation over the rye base.
Is it really organic?
Yes — certified organic (MOSA) and kosher (OU); the rye comes from organic Midwest farms.
What botanicals are in it?
A proprietary 13-botanical blend including juniper, angelica root, coriander, grains of paradise, and rose hip.
What awards has it won?
Double Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Best in Show at the 2015 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition, and Gold at the 2015 SIP Awards.
Organic, rye-based, and built to sip neat — order Koval Organic Dry Gin online from Del Mesa Liquor for San Diego pickup or delivery.