We’ve been a distilling family for centuries.
It’s in our blood and continues to this day.
Below you’ll find all the amazing spirits we’ve crafted and launched since opening as an original distillery in California in 1983.
1751
The House of Karakasevic (Karakash) is recognized by the Austrian-Hungarian Imperial court of Empress Maria Theresa as makers of fine wines and brandies.
1954
Novi Sad, Yugoslavia – Miles Karakasevic becomes the 12th generation, continuing his family’s 300-year-old profession of winemaking and distilling.
1962
At the age of 21, Miles immigrates to North America (Quebec), bringing his winemaking and distilling skills to the new world after receiving his degree in Enology and Viticulture from the University of Belgrade.
1968
Miles, now a professional winemaker, moves to Traverse City, Michigan, USA.
1972
Miles moves to Napa Valley to become Assistant Winemaster at Beringer Vineyards.
1983
The Karakasevic family establishes Domaine Karakash, a family owned distillery and winery. It’s No. 177 craft distillery in the US and a pioneer of the California craft distillery movement. The inaugural collection under the family name includes an Alambic Methode Charentais Brandy, a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc.
1986
The Karakesevic family install their first Alambic Charentais pot still. It’s a custom-made 660 gallon copper pot still crafted by the Pruhlo family, makers of the finest pot stills in Cognac, France.
1987
The year ‘Charbay’, our Distillery’s name, is born. The name is inspired by an innovation crafted by Miles – a Dessert Chardonnay. The product is a barrel-fermented Chardonnay laced with Brandy liqueur. From the combination of Chardonnay and Brandy the name Charbay was created.
1991
We change our business name to Domaine CHARBAY.
1992
A portfolio of handcrafted spirits, Nostalgie (Black Walnut Liqueur), Grappa di Marko and Calvad’or (California Apple Brandy) are released.
1993
Miles designs a new 25 gallon pot still, the first true Alambic Charentais pot still to be made in the US.
1994
Pachanga, distilled from sunroots (tubers of the sunflower, indigenous to America) is released. Miles created this innovative spirit in celebration of his move to America.
1995
Marko officially joins Charbay full-time, as the family’s 13th generation of family Distillers.
1996
As a salute to Marko carrying on the family tradition of distilling, the first barrel of Distillers’ Port is released.
1998
Release of the original 100% whole fruit extract Vodka. Domaine Charbay Meyer Lemon Vodka is the first, followed by Domaine Charbay Blood Orange Vodka. We also release the first ever California made Pastis, an anise/liquorice apéritif traditionally from France.
1999
The Charbay Pilsner Whiskey Series is distilled. A breakthrough in the whiskey industry, it’s distilled from bottle-ready Pilsner beer. The 5 bottlings will be released in waves, as the flavor develops through aging and the product reaches its full potential.
2002
The first of the Pilsner Whiskey series, the Charbay Pilsner Whiskey Release I hits the market. Distilled in 1999, aged for 2 years in new American white oak.
2003
Time to push into another spirit category… Rum. Charbay Clear Rum and Charbay Tahitian Vanilla Bean Rum are distilled.
2004
Charbay Clear Rum is released, earning accolades and high scores from industry experts. Food & Wine Magazine praise Marko as America’s own Vodka Visionary.
2005
The introduction of innovative vodka flavors continues with the release of Charbay Green Tea Vodka and Charbay Red Raspberry Vodka.
2006
Another new vodka flavor excites the market, Charbay Pomegranate Vodka. The research to distill Tequila begins…
2009
The release of Charbay Tequila Blanco. Distilled in Arandas, Mexico by Miles & Marko. We believe we’re the first American distillers to distill their own tequila and possibly still the only. Charbay Pilsner Whiskey Release II, aged 6 years in new American White oak + 3 years in stainless is released to the market. In December Marko earns the title of Master Distiller with the release of his Doubled & Twisted Light Whiskey.
2010
Charbay Brandy No. 83 is released to the market after 27 years of aging in new French Limousin and Nevers oak. On November 8, 2010 Miles Karakasevic earns the title of Grand Master Distiller, having distilled and released to market all the major spirit categories.
2011
Milorad (Miles) Harvey Karakasevic, the 14th generation is born. Distilling whiskey from bottle-ready beer continues with Lot S 211A Stout Whiskey, from Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout.
2012
First shipment of Tequila Tapatío Blanco arrives in the US. R5 Whiskey is distilled from bottle-ready Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA. This first R5 Whiskey is clear. Miles honored with his first ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award by the US Bartenders Guild.
2013
Our 30th Anniversary. A very active year…the arrival of Tequila Tapatío Reposado, Añejo, Blanco 110 and 100 cases of extremely rare Excelencia. Our own crafted releases include Pilsner Whiskey Release III, R5 Whiskey Lot 2, Stout Whiskey Lot S 211A, Brandy No. 89 and Distillers’ Port.
2014
Marko moves to Ukiah to be at the Distillery full-time. R5 Whiskey Lot No. 3 released. Lucky to receive a second 100-case allocation of Tequila Tapatío Excelencia.
2015
Pilsner Whiskey IV, aged for 13 ½ years in new American white oak is released. Sells out in 2 days! The next batch of Pilsner Whiskey is distilled and barreled for future releases.
2016
Charbay Double Aged Rum, distilled in 2005, then aged for 5 years in stainless steel + 3 years in used French oak, is released. Pilsner Whiskey V, aged for 14 ½ years in new American white oak is released, completely selling out to a wait list. Talks of Charbay Bourbon have begun! Ivan Fletcher Karakasevic, generation 14, second son to Marko and Jenni, is born.
2018
Charbay celebrates 35 years of distilling in CA and 20 years of handcrafting vodka. Perfect timing to win the Food & Wine Best Pairing and 2 x Best Spirit Awards. Doubled & Twisted Lot 2 is released. Charbay assists Stand For Kindness with a Christmas program for 400 children who lost their homes in the devastating Camp Fire in Northern CA.
2019
R5 Whiskey, Lot 5 (“Fire Relief Whiskey”) is released. Charbay will donate $10,000 to Stand For Kindness, a non-profit co-founded by Jenni Karakasevic for CA Fire Relief. Charbay and Marko nominated for Spirit Brand/Distiller of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in their popular Wine Star Awards.
1751
The House of Karakasevic (Karakash) is recognized by the Austrian-Hungarian Imperial court of Empress Maria Theresa as makers of fine wines and brandies.
1954
Novi Sad, Yugoslavia – Miles Karakasevic becomes the 12th generation, continuing his family’s 300-year-old profession of winemaking and distilling.
1962
At the age of 21, Miles immigrates to North America (Quebec), bringing his winemaking and distilling skills to the new world after receiving his degree in Enology and Viticulture from the University of Belgrade.
1968
Miles, now a professional winemaker, moves to Traverse City, Michigan, USA.
1972
Miles moves to Napa Valley to become Assistant Winemaster at Beringer Vineyards.
1983
The Karakasevic family establishes Domaine Karakash, a family owned distillery and winery. It’s No. 177 craft distillery in the US and a pioneer of the California craft distillery movement. The inaugural collection under the family name includes an Alambic Methode Charentais Brandy, a Chardonnay and a Sauvignon Blanc.
1986
The Karakesevic family install their first Alambic Charentais pot still. It’s a custom-made 660 gallon copper pot still crafted by the Pruhlo family, makers of the finest pot stills in Cognac, France.
1987
The year ‘Charbay’, our Distillery’s name, is born. The name is inspired by an innovation crafted by Miles – a Dessert Chardonnay. The product is a barrel-fermented Chardonnay laced with Brandy liqueur. From the combination of Chardonnay and Brandy the name Charbay was created.
1991
We change our business name to Domaine CHARBAY.
1992
A portfolio of handcrafted spirits, Nostalgie (Black Walnut Liqueur), Grappa di Marko and Calvad’or (California Apple Brandy) are released.
1993
Miles designs a new 25 gallon pot still, the first true Alambic Charentais pot still to be made in the US.
1994
Pachanga, distilled from sunroots (tubers of the sunflower, indigenous to America) is released. Miles created this innovative spirit in celebration of his move to America.
1995
Marko officially joins Charbay full-time, as the family’s 13th generation of family Distillers.
1996
As a salute to Marko carrying on the family tradition of distilling, the first barrel of Distillers’ Port is released.
1998
Release of the original 100% whole fruit extract Vodka. Domaine Charbay Meyer Lemon Vodka is the first, followed by Domaine Charbay Blood Orange Vodka. We also release the first ever California made Pastis, an anise/liquorice apéritif traditionally from France.
1999
The Charbay Pilsner Whiskey Series is distilled. A breakthrough in the whiskey industry, it’s distilled from bottle-ready Pilsner beer. The 5 bottlings will be released in waves, as the flavor develops through aging and the product reaches its full potential.
2002
The first of the Pilsner Whiskey series, the Charbay Pilsner Whiskey Release I hits the market. Distilled in 1999, aged for 2 years in new American white oak.
2003
Time to push into another spirit category… Rum. Charbay Clear Rum and Charbay Tahitian Vanilla Bean Rum are distilled.
2004
Charbay Clear Rum is released, earning accolades and high scores from industry experts. Food & Wine Magazine praise Marko as America’s own Vodka Visionary.
2005
The introduction of innovative vodka flavors continues with the release of Charbay Green Tea Vodka and Charbay Red Raspberry Vodka.
2006
Another new vodka flavor excites the market, Charbay Pomegranate Vodka. The research to distill Tequila begins…
2009
The release of Charbay Tequila Blanco. Distilled in Arandas, Mexico by Miles & Marko. We believe we’re the first American distillers to distill their own tequila and possibly still the only. Charbay Pilsner Whiskey Release II, aged 6 years in new American White oak + 3 years in stainless is released to the market. In December Marko earns the title of Master Distiller with the release of his Doubled & Twisted Light Whiskey.
2010
Charbay Brandy No. 83 is released to the market after 27 years of aging in new French Limousin and Nevers oak. On November 8, 2010 Miles Karakasevic earns the title of Grand Master Distiller, having distilled and released to market all the major spirit categories.
2011
Milorad (Miles) Harvey Karakasevic, the 14th generation is born. Distilling whiskey from bottle-ready beer continues with Lot S 211A Stout Whiskey, from Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout.
2012
First shipment of Tequila Tapatío Blanco arrives in the US. R5 Whiskey is distilled from bottle-ready Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA. This first R5 Whiskey is clear. Miles honored with his first ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award by the US Bartenders Guild.
2013
Our 30th Anniversary. A very active year…the arrival of Tequila Tapatío Reposado, Añejo, Blanco 110 and 100 cases of extremely rare Excelencia. Our own crafted releases include Pilsner Whiskey Release III, R5 Whiskey Lot 2, Stout Whiskey Lot S 211A, Brandy No. 89 and Distillers’ Port.
2014
Marko moves to Ukiah to be at the Distillery full-time. R5 Whiskey Lot No. 3 released. Lucky to receive a second 100-case allocation of Tequila Tapatío Excelencia.
2015
Pilsner Whiskey IV, aged for 13 ½ years in new American white oak is released. Sells out in 2 days! The next batch of Pilsner Whiskey is distilled and barreled for future releases.
2016
Charbay Double Aged Rum, distilled in 2005, then aged for 5 years in stainless steel + 3 years in used French oak, is released. Pilsner Whiskey V, aged for 14 ½ years in new American white oak is released, completely selling out to a wait list. Talks of Charbay Bourbon have begun! Ivan Fletcher Karakasevic, generation 14, second son to Marko and Jenni, is born.
2018
Charbay celebrates 35 years of distilling in CA and 20 years of handcrafting vodka. Perfect timing to win the Food & Wine Best Pairing and 2 x Best Spirit Awards. Doubled & Twisted Lot 2 is released. Charbay assists Stand For Kindness with a Christmas program for 400 children who lost their homes in the devastating Camp Fire in Northern CA.
2019
R5 Whiskey, Lot 5 (“Fire Relief Whiskey”) is released. Charbay will donate $10,000 to Stand For Kindness, a non-profit co-founded by Jenni Karakasevic for CA Fire Relief. Charbay and Marko nominated for Spirit Brand/Distiller of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in their popular Wine Star Awards.