Koval Single Barrel Rye (75cl, 55%)

This is a single barrel rye whiskey from Koval in Chicago, bottled at 55% ABV in a 75cl bottle. It is distilled from 100% organic rye and aged for around three to four years in 30-gallon new charred American oak barrels, which are smaller than the usual 53-gallon size. Koval uses a heart cut, keeping only the middle of the distillate and discarding the heads and tails. The grain is milled and mashed on site. The nose brings vanilla, toasted coconut, nutmeg and jasmine, with honey and charred oak behind. On the palate, almond and coconut give way to red pepper, baking spice and gingerbread, with dark chocolate and maple. The finish is medium to long and drying, with black pepper and rye spice.