EconTalk Sonat Birnecker Hart on Whiskey
Oct 3, 2022
Sonat Birnecker Hart, co-founder of Koval Distillery, transitioned from academia to whiskey-making, merging her cultural insights with craft distilling. She shares her journey of starting a distillery amidst challenges, emphasizing the delicate balance of art and science in whiskey production. The conversation dives into the differences between American and Japanese whiskeys, highlighting unique ingredients and techniques. Hart also reflects on family roots that inspired Koval, showcasing how heritage plays a vital role in entrepreneurship.
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From Academia to Distillery
- Sonat and her husband considered a Viennese coffeehouse but Meinl had already started one.
- Inspired by her husband's family brandy from Austria and a magazine article, they explored craft distilling.
Lobbying for Change
- Koval Distillery wasn't initially a destination; Illinois law prohibited on-site bars.
- Sonat successfully lobbied to change the law, impacting both Koval and the Illinois distilling industry.
Too Many Whiskeys
- Initially, Koval offered a wide variety of whiskeys, similar to a small Austrian distillery.
- This proved challenging for retail sales, leading them to reduce their product range for better market focus.