About Us

About Thresh & Winnow Spirits

Thresh and Winnow by KOVAL represents the pinnacle of craft distillation from Chicago's first distillery since the mid-1800s. Our spirits are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, using 100% organic ingredients and traditional techniques refined through modern innovation.

Thresh & Winnow: The Ultimate Expression of Craft

Crafted with Clarity. Distilled with Intention.

At Thresh & Winnow, we honor the ancient philosophy of threshing and winnowing—separating the essential from the unnecessary.

For over a decade, KOVAL Distillery has been synonymous with pioneering quality, setting the global standard for innovative, organic, grain-to-bottle spirits. KOVAL is defined by its core portfolio and commitment to transparency.

Thresh and Winnow is the dedicated expression of our deepest ambitions. It was created to focus intensely on developing the most beautiful whiskey in the world and to serve as the exclusive platform for our rarer, older, and more unique single-barrel releases. Both lines share the same foundation of quality, but Thresh and Winnow offers a window into our most limited, patient, and experimental work.

Awards & Recognition

Thresh and Winnow spirits have earned prestigious recognition in the industry:

  • Dieline Award: Recognized for exceptional packaging design
  • Best Packaging Awards: Honored for innovative and beautiful bottle design
  • 100+ International Awards: Our alternative grain whiskies have garnered widespread acclaim

Our dedication to craft and quality continues to earn recognition from both industry experts and spirits enthusiasts worldwide.

Previous Releases

Thresh and Winnow has released a collection of exceptional spirits, each representing the finest expression of organic craft distillation:

Limited Edition Releases

Our previous releases showcase the diversity and innovation that define the Thresh and Winnow approach to distilling. Each release is carefully crafted in small batches, ensuring exceptional quality and distinctive character.

Current Collection

  • 8 Year American Single Malt - Crafted from 100% organic malted barley
  • 10 Year Rye - Bold and spicy with refined complexity
  • 12 Year Wheat - Smooth and elegant with delicate sweetness
  • Brandy Cask Finish Bourbon - Rich and layered with fruit notes
  • Millet Bottled in Bond - Innovative grain-forward expression
  • Citrine Gin - Bright and botanical
  • Foret Gin - Forest-inspired with earthy notes

About KOVAL Distillery

Thresh and Winnow is a sister brand of KOVAL Distillery, founded in 2008 by Dr. Robert Birnecker and Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart. KOVAL was the first distillery to legally operate in Chicago since the mid-1800s, breaking over a century of silence in one of America's most historic spirit hubs.

Learn more about our Master Distiller