Similar to the food scene, what’s trendy in the world of spirits these days is small batch, organic and local. If you consider less than 300 miles from St. Louis to be local enough, then check out Koval, the Chicago-based boutique distillery founded in 2008, whose line of white whiskies and luscious liqueurs have just landed in town.
Koval Distillery produces five un-aged whiskies: rye, wheat, oat, spelt and millet, each made using 100 percent single grain. Koval’s liqueurs, which all begin with a base of white whiskey, include ginger, chrysanthemum honey, coffee, jasmine and our favorite, rose hip, which mixes wonderfully with dry gin or Champagne. All products are certified organic and kosher.
Grab a bottle of Koval spirits or liqueurs at The Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton, Vineyards Wine and Spirits in Chesterfield Valley and Lukas Liquor in Ellisville. Then try them in one of the recipes below. Find more recipes on the Koval website, or get creative with a concoction of your own design.
Modern Fashioned Courtesy of Terzo Piano, Chicago
1 bar spoon sugar
1 orange slice
3 brandied cherries
2 oz. Koval American Oat Whiskey
Soda water (optional)
• Muddle the sugar, orange slice and cherries until well mashed in a Boston shaker.
• Add whiskey and ice.
• Quick shake, then pour contents into an Old-Fashioned glass. Top with soda water if desired.
Rose Royale Courtesy of In Fine Spirits’ Anne Carlson
5 oz. Sparkling wine
1 oz. Koval Rose Hip liqueur
• Pour the sparkling wine into a Champagne flute and top with liqueur.
• Gently stir with a bar spoon.
This article appears in February 2011.