Thursday, March 12, 2026
Eric Williams
*** Registration is limited! ***
Join us for a private tour of Koval Distillery in the North Center neighborhood of Chicago. Sample three of their finest products while mingling with fellow alumni.
Agenda:
- 6:30pm Arrive, relax, mingle
- 7pm Tour & Tasting
- 8pm Continue the conversation over a la carte cocktails and browse the Koval selection
Price:Penn Club Members: $25 | Non-Members: $35
About Koval Distillery:
KOVAL Distillery crafts a portfolio of whiskey, gin, and specialty spirits made from distinctive organic grains and a signature “heart cut” distillation process that captures only the finest portion of each run. Celebrated worldwide for its bright, approachable flavor profiles and distinctive creativity in both liquid and design, KOVAL has earned more than 100 international awards.
Founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Dr. Robert Birnecker and Dr. Sonat Birnecker Hart, KOVAL was the first distillery to open in Chicago since the mid-1800s. Before launching KOVAL, Sonat and Robert built accomplished careers in government and academia before choosing to chart a new course together. Their vision was to unite centuries-old distilling traditions from Robert’s Austrian heritage with state-of-the-art technology, raising the bar for both consistency and creativity in modern spirits.
Beyond the distillery, KOVAL’s founders are recognized leaders in craft distilling education and innovation. Through their consulting work with Kothe Distilling Technologies, they have helped establish hundreds of distilleries worldwide, shaping the global craft spirits movement. As active ambassadors for independent distillers, they maintain close relationships with trade organizations, industry groups, and policymakers, advocating for the continued growth and success of craft spirits around the world.
