Lion's Pride 47th Ward

Founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Robert and Sonat Birnecker, KOVAL Distillery holds the distinction of being Chicago's first distillery since the mid-19th century. The couple left their academic careers to bring Robert's Austrian family distilling heritage to the heart of Chicago. KOVAL has built its reputation on a commitment to organic, grain-to-bottle production, rejecting industry shortcuts by never purchasing pre-made spirits. Their innovative approach employs only the finest 'heart cut' of the distillate, resulting in exceptionally pure, smooth whiskeys and a celebrated portfolio of artisanal liqueurs and spirits that have earned global recognition.