Owner Miles Karakasevic is a 12th generation Master Distiller from the former Yugoslavia. His family's winemaking and distilling heritage dates back to the 1750s. But don't think the tradition ends there.
Son Marko has been distilling with dear ol' dad since the age of 10. Following the classical European apprenticeship system (requiring the student to equal or better the skill of one's teacher), Marko has just completed his 25-year apprenticeship. His Master's thesis (50 barrels of whiskey called "Double and Twisted") has recently been accepted. He will be named a Master Distiller in September 2008. That makes him a 13th generation Master Distiller, for those keeping count. And, the good news for Charbay fans is that Marko's "thesis" will be released at the end of 2008.
But, for those who can't wait that long, there's more good news. Charbay just announced the second release of their acclaimed namesake whiskey.
Charbay is open for tours by appointment Monday through Saturday. Just call them at (707)963-9327 or visit their website for more information. Now, you won't be able to taste their whiskey during your visit (due to Napa County regulations) nor will you be able to see their 1000-gallon copper Alambic Charentais pot still (that's at their larger - and closed to the public - distillery in Mendocino). But, you will be able to check out their 25-gallon still and get a firsthand look at the process from a family that knows their business. As Miles' daughter, Lara, says, "We distill pretty much everything we can get our hands on." Now that's a concept I can get behind.
