76 THE NAVIGATOR | EXPRESSION KOVAL SINGLE BARREL RYE #6508 Virgin Oak Barrel A 100% rye whisky from Koval, Chicago’s first distillery since Prohibition. Produced using locally sourced grain, this expression is aged in new Minnesotan oak and bottled from a single barrel. In a process tracing its origins back to Japanese sake and the fruit distillations of Europe, the use of enzymatic fermentation – once pioneered in Illinois’ preProhibition distilleries – allows for a cleaner distillation and an absolute focus on single-grain whiskies without the need for the addition of malted barley in fermentation. Unlike the Bottled in Bond Rye, an annual rare and limited release, this barrel has been specifically sought out by Navigate World Whisky and hand selected from Koval’s single barrel rye stocks. It is as rich, as it is bold, as it is spicy. Colour: Very Dark Amber Nose: Only one thing to say “Rich cask vs Rye spice”. One of those noses that you just know. On the initial nose the richness of the cask seems to be winning but likely those spices will kick in furiously on the palate. Let’s see… Muscovado sugar! A gingerbread house with candy and a little white icing. A medley of dried fruits, pear, prunes, apricots and fresh nectarines. Nutmeg and liqueur. A boozy Christmas cake. A revisit after tasting reveals apricot jam and a little marmalade. Palate: Rich, thick, utter decadence going toward a deep Christmas pudding or Spotted Dick with stewed fruits, dried apricots, nectarines and finally dark honey rushing to the forefront. Dark brown sugar, treacle and more Muscovado. What starts as subtle spices somehow finds its way onto the palate more and more until finally it’s a takeover. Sweetness at first and allowed to linger it’s all spice! Finish: Long and spicy but also lots of pudding. Warm as toast and very pleasant. One could unpack these spicy savoury notes for days. On that note, melba toast with a little cheese and chilli jam. Chicago, Rye Whiskey, 55%, 500ml Single Barrel #6508, Virgin Oak Barrel Limited edition of 210 bottles – NWW Exclusive
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