Chicago-based KOVAL Distillery has announced that its Single Barrel Bourbon will be featured in United Club locations nationwide as part of the airline’s 2026 beverage program. The organic bourbon will be available as a premium “For Purchase” selection starting March 1, 2026.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for the independent craft distillery, which was founded in 2008 and has grown into one of the largest woman-owned craft distilleries in the U.S.
KOVAL’s Single Barrel Bourbon is recognized for its distinctive mash bill of 51% corn and 49% millet. The grain composition gives the spirit what the distillery describes as a “balanced and unparalleled” drinking experience.
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READ THE STORY“We are grateful for this inclusion in the United Club program,” said Sonat Birnecker Hart, co-founder and president of KOVAL Distillery.
Birnecker Hart, who is credited with helping forge the path for independent craft distilling in Illinois, said the placement represents a chance for local craftsmanship to reach a global audience through a prestigious Chicago neighbor.
“Our focus has always been on creating top-tier organic spirits and we are thrilled to share this appreciation with travelers in our own backyard and beyond,” she added.
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The distillery operates under a “grain-to-bottle” philosophy, sourcing all of its grains from organic farmer collectives in the Midwest. KOVAL oversees every step of the distilling process and has built its brand around a commitment to sustainable, regenerative agriculture.
Having a spirit rooted in those practices included in United’s lounges underscores a broader trend among premium hospitality providers to feature craft and sustainability-focused brands in their beverage offerings. Airlines in particular have increasingly turned to smaller, locally rooted producers to differentiate their lounge experiences.
KOVAL Distillery currently distributes its award-winning spirits globally. The distillery’s portfolio extends beyond bourbon to include a range of whiskeys, gins, and specialty spirits, all produced with certified organic ingredients at its Chicago facility.
The inclusion in the United Club program will give KOVAL significant exposure to the airline’s extensive network of domestic and international travelers passing through club locations across the country.
