Koval partners with craft breweries for whiskey series

Chicago’s Koval Distillery has partnered with Mikkeller micro-brewery in Copenhagen to release Mikkeller Single Barrel Whiskey; the first variant in a three-strong collaborative series.

Mikkeller Single Barrel Whiskey is the first in a series of three new products

Koval’s first new release of 2016, Mikkeller Single Barrel Whiskey, is the product of a partnership with “nomad” micro-brewery Mikkeller.

The creation process follows the same grain-to-bottle distillation and ageing process as Koval’s other whiskey expressions, but consists of a new mash bill and use of chocolate malt.

Inspiration for the creation came about after Mikkeller was recognised in the international scene for its Beer Geek Breakfast beer – an oatmeal stout made with French press coffee.

“It was reminiscent of our oat whiskey, and we thought the addition of chocolate malt would both reflect their beer mash bill and add new depth to one of our most unique whiskeys,” said Robert Birnecker, CEO and master distiller at Koval.

The label, designed by Dando Projects, is intended to represent the identities of both brands by combining Koval’s plaque with Mikkeller’s “geometric and playful style”.

Mikkeller Single Barrel Whiskey is the first in a series of three new products, each of which will be created with a different partner company and released by Koval throughout the year.

“The collaboration series is a way for us to team up with admirable companies, both locally and internationally, and showcase our signature style in new and exciting ways,” said Sonat Birnecker Hart, president of Koval.