Partnership expands access to KOVAL’s organic, grain-to-bottle spirits while providing favorable economics and dedicated market support through LibDib Gold
SAN JOSE, CA and CHICAGO, IL — September 3, 2026 — KOVAL Distillery, the pioneering independent Chicago craft distillery known for its organic, grain-to-bottle spirits, has appointed LibDib as its California distributor. The partnership brings KOVAL’s distinctive portfolio and sustainability-led story to LibDib’s statewide network of restaurants, bars and retailers, backed by a flexible distribution model designed to support profitable, long-term growth.
Founded in 2008 as the first distillery within Chicago city limits since the mid-1800s, KOVAL helped usher in a new era of craft distilling in Illinois. Today, the company is the largest 100% woman-owned, independent organic craft distillery in the United States, with distribution in more than 40 export markets. Every KOVAL spirit is made from scratch in Chicago using only the “heart cut”—the cleanest, brightest portion of the distillate—to create the distillery’s signature grain-forward style.
“California is an important market for KOVAL, and we wanted a distributor that understands both the character of our portfolio and the realities of building an independent brand,” said Sonat Birnecker Hart, co-founder and owner of KOVAL Distillery. “LibDib gives us a strong combination of statewide market access, great margins and hands-on support.”
KOVAL joins LibDib through LibDib Gold, the distributor’s highest-touch service level for emerging and established brands seeking active market support. Gold provides KOVAL with LibDib’s most favorable 14% distributor markup structure, helping protect brand margins, along with a dedicated portfolio manager who assists with market planning, account development and ongoing business growth. The program also supports chain authorization, inventory and warehousing needs, samples, and flexible inbound logistics.
The initial California portfolio will spotlight KOVAL’s core expressions, including Single Barrel Bourbon, made with a distinctive mash bill of 51% corn and 49% millet; Single Barrel Rye, crafted from 100% organic rye; Dry Gin, featuring 13 signature botanicals; and Cranberry Gin Liqueur, an all-natural, bittersweet alternative for spritzes and aperitif-style cocktails. The partnership creates a platform for select releases from Thresh & Winnow, KOVAL’s ultra-premium collection of limited, organic whiskeys and gins.
“KOVAL represents exactly the kind of producer California buyers are looking for: authentic, independent, environmentally forward and uncompromising about quality,” said Cheryl Murphy Durzy, founder and CEO of LibDib. “Sonat, Robert and the KOVAL team have built a remarkable distillery with a compelling portfolio and a story that resonates from the back bar to the consumer.”
KOVAL sources organic grains directly from Midwest farmers and emphasizes traceability from field to bottle. Its flagship bourbon incorporates millet, a regenerative rotation crop that supports soil health, while its production approach and independently owned structure distinguish the brand in a crowded spirits marketplace.
About KOVAL Distillery
Established in Chicago in 2008, KOVAL Distillery was the city’s first distillery since the mid-1800s. The independent, 100% woman-owned distillery produces premium organic whiskey, gin and specialty spirits from scratch using locally sourced Midwest grains and a heart-cut distillation philosophy. KOVAL’s award-winning spirits are available across the United States and in more than 40 international markets. For more information, visit koval-distillery.com.
About LibDib
LibDib is a licensed technology-enabled alcohol distributor that provides emerging and established wine and spirits brands with a modern path to market. Through its multi-state platform, logistics capabilities and buyer network, LibDib helps makers manage distribution, build account relationships and grow their businesses with greater flexibility and transparency. Learn more at libdib.com.