Thresh & Winnow Citrine Gin
Thresh & Winnow Citrine Gin is a 90-proof (45% ABV), 750mL modern American gin from KOVAL Distillery in Chicago — a citrus-forward, USDA Organic limited release built on yuzu, juniper and lemongrass, scored 91 points and a Gold Medal ("Exceptional") by the Beverage Testing Institute. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
Thresh & Winnow is the ultra-premium line KOVAL launched in September 2024. KOVAL itself is Chicago to the core: founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Birnecker and Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart on Ravenswood's Malt Row, it was the first distillery to open in the city since the mid-1800s, and it still mills, mashes, distills and bottles organic Midwestern grain on site, taking only the heart cut of every run. Citrine pours that discipline through a citrus lens — and arrives in a cut-crystal bottle by Dando Projects that took Best in Show at the 2025 Craft Spirits Packaging Awards.
Tasting profile: a slightly confectionery nose of pecan shortbread, grapefruit rind and piney juniper; prominent grapefruit, ginger and cassia warmth on the palate with toasted biscotti, fennel, aniseed and pine-forward juniper, a floral hay-like quality and pithy grapefruit and lemon; a warm, gently astringent finish of distant pine needle and unaged rye. Browse the Koval brand collection, more gin, and the full spirits collection at Del Mesa Liquor.
Serving note: KOVAL suggests a Vesper, Red Snapper or French 75; reviewers reach for a Negroni or a Gin & Tonic to let the pine, juniper and grapefruit lead.
What botanicals are in Citrine Gin? Yuzu, juniper and lemongrass are the officially confirmed botanicals; KOVAL does not publish the full bill.
Who makes it? KOVAL Distillery of Chicago, under its ultra-premium Thresh & Winnow line — organic, grain-to-bottle, heart cut only.
Has it won awards? Yes — 91 points, Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute, and 4.5/5 Gold from The Gin Is In.
What is the ABV? 45% ABV (90 proof), 750mL. It is a modern citrus gin, not a London Dry.