Koval Organic Rose Hip Liqueur, Illinois

Koval Organic Rose Hip Liqueur, Illinois takes its character from the fruit of the rose rather than its petals. Organic rose hips are steeped in KOVAL’s own white whiskey, giving their tart, citrus-like fruitiness a grain-based spirit foundation. The result is an off-dry liqueur with enough depth for sipping and enough structure to bring a distinctive twist to classic cocktails.

Product Details:

• Base Spirit: KOVAL white whiskey
• Fruit: Organic rose hips
• Infusion: Rose hips steeped in the distillery’s white whiskey base; duration not specified
• ABV: 20% (40 proof)
• Production: Small batch, grain-to-bottle; USDA Organic certified by MOSA and OU Kosher certified
• Producer: KOVAL Distillery
• Owners: Dr. Robert Birnecker and Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart
• Master Distiller: Dr. Robert Birnecker

Sensory Description:

The nose brings baked apple, raisin, gingerbread crust, orange marmalade, rose petal, and a delicate nut note. On the palate, a soft, silky texture carries ripe, fruitcake-like mincemeat, quince jam, and honey, balanced by off-dry sweetness and a faint bite from the whiskey base. Tangy rose hip, cherry, and eucalyptus honey linger through a medium-length finish.

Awards & Accolades:

• Platinum Medal: SIP Awards, 2012
• Silver Medal, 88 points: Beverage Testing Institute, 2009

Producer’s Background:

Dr. Robert Birnecker and Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart founded KOVAL in 2008, opening the first distillery in Chicago since the mid-1800s. Robert’s Austrian family distilling heritage informs the company’s work, while the name KOVAL refers to a smith or blacksmith in many Eastern European languages and carries a sense of forging ahead in Yiddish. The name also honors relatives on both sides of the family.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled or at room temperature in a rocks glass, neat or over ice. For cocktails, try it as a sweet vermouth alternative in a Manhattan, as a floral accent in a dry Martini, or in place of maraschino liqueur in an Aviation. It also works with sparkling wine or prosecco. Pair with baked-apple or raisin desserts, quince pastries, or a cheese board with tart-sweet accompaniments.