Special Seminar by Chicago Craft Distillery 'KOVAL' to Commemorate America's 250th Anniversary, Held at 'BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club' on July 4th, U.S. Independence Day! Rare Cask Samples to Be Featured!

KOVAL Seminar – Special Program for America’s 250th Anniversary

America is approaching a historic milestone: its 250th anniversary. In celebration of this momentous year, Royal Mile Co., Ltd. (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kazunori Shizuya), operator of BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club, will host a special seminar featuring KOVAL (Koval), a craft distillery from Chicago, on Sunday, July 4, 2026, starting at 19:00.

Reservations here

Event Highlights

In addition to KOVAL’s four core lineup expressions, the event will feature a rare and exclusive cask sample—the highlight of the evening. This one-day-only premium seminar offers a multisensory experience to explore KOVAL’s journey and the future of American whiskey, paired with curated food pairings.

Speaker: Fuyuko Kojima, Asia Brand Manager, KOVAL Distillery

Inspired by her study abroad experience in Scotland, Ms. Kojima decided to pursue a career in whisky production. She joined KOVAL Distillery to learn distillation and now oversees marketing and sales across Asian markets. Her media appearances include features in Nikkei's 'Whisky Girl', 'Orenai Career', NHK's 'Ohayō Kansai', a solo interview in the whisky magazine 'Whisky Galore', and BS Fuji’s 'Whiskeypedia'.

Event Background: Celebrating the Essence of American Craft on Independence Day

This year, America celebrates its 250th anniversary—a significant milestone. On this historic day, we present a special evening dedicated to KOVAL, a pioneering craft distillery from Chicago. We are honored to welcome Ms. Fuyuko Kojima, the only Japanese employee at KOVAL and head of its Asian operations, as our guest speaker. Attendees will hear firsthand about the latest distillation insights from the distillery and the philosophy behind KOVAL’s globally acclaimed craft whisky.

Founded in 2008, KOVAL has led the American craft whiskey movement with its commitment to organic ingredients and innovative distillation techniques. Today, it is internationally recognized as one of America’s premier craft distilleries.

This is a unique opportunity to experience KOVAL’s journey as a craft distillery and the evolving potential of American whiskey, sip by sip. Don’t miss this one-day-only special seminar, made possible by this landmark anniversary year.

Reservations here

Event Details

- Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 19:00–20:30 (Registration from 18:45)

- Venue: BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club

- Capacity: 20 guests

- Admission: ¥4,000 (tax included)

- Includes: Tasting of 4 KOVAL whiskies + rare cask sample (event highlight), paired with food

- Access: Google Map, 3-11-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022, 3rd Building, Shinjuku Tochi Kenyu, B1-A

- Contact: 03-3354-2229

KOVAL Distillery

In the world of whisky and spirits, craft distilleries (small-scale distilleries) are currently receiving the hottest attention. Among the pioneers, and a multi-award-winning name worldwide, is KOVAL Distillery, located in Chicago, USA.

Founded in 2008 by Robert and Sonat Birnecker, KOVAL is also known as the first distillery established in Chicago since the Prohibition era. Its defining characteristics are an unwavering commitment to 'organic ingredients' and the 'fusion of innovative technology'.

- 100% Organic Ingredients: Meticulous Grain Selection

All raw materials for KOVAL’s whiskies and gins are 100% USDA-certified organic grains. The distillery sources non-GMO grains directly from trusted local farmers. While producing classic 'Bourbon' and 'Rye', KOVAL also pushes boundaries by crafting unique single-grain whiskies using 100% millet and oats—rare ingredients in American whiskey. The resulting clean, vibrant flavors that highlight the true potential of each grain continue to astonish whisky enthusiasts worldwide.

Venue: BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club

Dedicated to showcasing the essence of bourbon, BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club specializes in bourbon whiskey and bourbon cocktails.

Aiming to be a gateway to bars, whisky, and bourbon, the venue hosts distillery seminars, develops bourbon cocktails with guest bartenders, and organizes events to explore and promote the possibilities of bourbon.

Address: B1-A, 3rd Building, Shinjuku Tochi Kenyu, 3-11-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022 (Google Map)

Phone: 03-3354-2229 | Hours: 18:00–26:00

Owner of BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club: Kazunori Shizuya

- Current Positions and Public Roles

- Owned Bars: 'BAR LIVET', 'BAR Shinjuku Whisky Salon', 'BAR Tokyo Bourbon Club', 'BAR LAST WORD'

- Industry Associations: Deputy Technical Director, Tokyo Chapter, Japan Bartenders Association (N.B.A.) / Council Member, Japan Whisky Culture Revival Association

- Official Roles: Official Taster, Whisky Galore / Judge and Chairman, Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition (TWSC)

- Production & Management: Producer, SAKI Glass series / Director, Taiki Cosmic Glen Distillery

- Expertise and Accolades: Unparalleled Knowledge

Driven by an insatiable curiosity for whisky, Mr. Shizuya achieved the unprecedented feat of ranking first in Japan across all levels (1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade) of the Whisky Certification Exam. His exceptional palate has been proven through consecutive victories in blind tasting competitions.

He also holds professional wine qualifications and possesses deep expertise in all alcoholic beverages. A firm believer in fieldwork, he has visited nearly 100 distilleries worldwide.

In 2019, he became the youngest person ever to earn the 'Master of Whisky' certification from the Whisky Culture Research Institute.

- Global Recognition and Competition Achievements

In 2019, he was awarded 'The Glenlivet Best Ambassador' in Scotland. That same year, his produced expression 'Glenglassaugh Black George' won triple honors at TWSC 2019: 'Grand Gold', 'Best in Class (Single Cask Scotch)', and 'Best of the Best', securing the world’s No. 1 ranking.

Since then, he has served as a judge and chairman at the same competition for six consecutive years.

In cocktails, he was the Japanese representative in 'Bols Around The World 2019' and won 'CT Spirits Japan Cocktail Challenge 2021'.