KOVAL RYE VODKA 40% 750ML DISTILLED IN CHICAGO; SPECIAL ORDER 1 WEEK

THE KOVAL METHOD KOVAL Distillery crafts a line of whiskey, gin, and specialty spirits using unique organic grains and signature “heart cut” techniques with only the absolute best quality distillate. Known around the world for its bright, approachable flavors and unprecedented creativity and design, KOVAL has been the recipient of over 100 international awards. IN THE BEGINNING Founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team, Dr. Robert Birnecker and Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, KOVAL began as the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid-1800s. Prior to starting the distillery, Sonat and Robert had established careers in government and academia,but chose to forge a new path together. Their goal with KOVAL was to marry centuries of tradition from Robert's Austrian distilling heritage with state-of-the-art modern technologies - all with the aim of bringing heightened levels of consistency and creativity to the world of spirits. GRAIN-TO-BOTTLE KOVAL believes that the best spirits must come from the best ingredients, and crafts its entire line from scratch using a grain-to-bottle approach. Every step of the process is closely monitored and managed by KOVAL — from sourcing grains harvested by trusted farmers to milling, mashing, distilling, aging, and bottling on-site. FORGING AHEAD KOVAL means 'smith' or 'blacksmith' in many Eastern European languages, however in Yiddish, it has the added meaning of someone who 'forges ahead.' KOVAL is an homage to Sonat's great grandfather who earned it as a nickname when he dared to move from turn-of-the-century Vienna to the US to start a new life from scratch, while it also honors Robert's grandfather, from whom he learned to distill, as his family name is Schmid, the German equivalent of Koval. A NEW WAVE OF CRAFT SPIRITS KOVAL’s founders have also used their experience and knowledge to educate thousands of people in the art of craft distilling. Through their consulting with Kothe Distilling Technologies, they have helped set up hundreds of new distilleries all around the world, ushering in a new wave of craft spirits internationally. They serve as ambassadors for the industry, maintaining close ties with various trade organizations,special interest groups, and government officials to ensure that independent craft brands continue to receive support and opportunities to thrive around the world. DR. ROBERT BIRNECKER Master Distiller & Chief Executive Officer One of America’s top distilling experts and an internationally renowned consultant, Dr. Robert Birnecker serves as the CEO and Master Distiller of KOVAL Distillery in Chicago. An Austrian native and third generation distiller, Robert's love for traditional craft spirits was born out of helping his grandparents at their award-winning distillery and winery. He went on to receive numerous certificates from Austria’s leading distilling program, Höhere Bundeslehranstalt und Bundesamt für Wein- und Obstbau Klosterneuburg, and further honed his skills alongside Europe’s foremost spirits expert, Dr. Klaus Hagmann. Through his work with Kothe Distilling Technologies, Robert has educated over 3,500 people in the art of distilling and has helped to set up 190+ craft distilleries throughout the world. His technical expertise, creativity and business acumen have garnered over 100 international awards and accolades for KOVAL, and have led to his induction into the Disciples d’Escoffier and being named Illinois Business Person of the Year by the National Small Business Association. Before opening KOVAL with his wife Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, Robert served as the Deputy Press Secretary for the Austrian Embassy in Washington, DC. DR. SONAT BIRNECKER President Prior to opening KOVAL Distillery, one of the largest independent and female-owned craft distilleries in the US, Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart spent over a decade as a full professor in both the United States and Germany. In 2008, she gave up tenure in hopes of a different quality of life; one that would afford an opportunity for her to work with her husband, give up commuting, and return to the city she loved: Chicago. As President of KOVAL, she has spearheaded product development, distribution, and marketing, turning her family business into an international presence with availability in over 55 export markets. In addition to her leadership at KOVAL, Sonat is also involved in a number of philanthropic and public service organizations, and serves on the board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) of Chicago. She was recently named Illinois Business Person of the Year by the National Small Business Association, is a federally appointed member of the Illinois Export Council (DEC), and has been inducted into the prestigious Disciples d’Escoffier.