Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

KOVAL Single Barrel Bourbon is an Illinois whiskey bottled at 47% ABV, and its mash bill is what sets it apart: corn and millet, with no wheat or rye in the usual sense. Millet is an unusual grain for bourbon. It tends to add a lighter, slightly floral and grassy character in place of the heavy rye spice or soft bread note of a wheated recipe. Corn still gives bourbon its sweetness, so expect honeyed grain, vanilla and caramel from the new charred oak, with the floral lift on top. Because each bottle comes from a single selected barrel, the details can differ a little from barrel to barrel. Treat any tasting notes as typical of the style, not a fixed profile. At 47%, it has enough strength to keep its aroma and body when poured over ice. It is not so hot that it needs water to be approachable. Try it neat first, in a Glencairn glass. The tapered rim concentrates the aromas, so you can pick out the floral and grain notes before the oak. After that, add a few drops of room-temperature water. Water often opens up the sweeter vanilla and cereal notes, and it can soften any alcohol heat on the nose. For slow sipping, use a rocks glass with one large cube. It chills the pour gently and dilutes it slowly, so the sweetness stays in balance. In cocktails, a bourbon like this is a good fit for drinks where you want the grain to show. An Old Fashioned with a sugar cube, two dashes of Angostura and an orange peel lets the floral, corn-sweet character come through without too much rye bite. A Manhattan with sweet vermouth will taste softer and rounder than one made with a high-rye whiskey, so choose a vermouth that isn't too sweet to keep it from going cloying. In a Whiskey Sour, fresh lemon juice, a little simple syrup and an optional egg white give a smooth, citrusy drink. For a Highball, pour over plenty of ice and top with soda or ginger beer, then add a lemon twist to bring out the floral notes. Food pairings follow the whiskey's sweet-and-grain profile. Grilled pork, smoked cheddar, roasted nuts and dark chocolate all suit it well.