How do you become a Master Distiller these days?

Marko Karakasevic graduates from Distiller to
Master Distiller at Charbay Winery & Distillery__

St. Helena, CA - February, 2010 - Marko Karakasevic has earned the title 'Master Distiller' following a colorful 26 year apprenticeship under his father, Miles Karakasevic, who is a 12th generation European Grand Master Distiller. The family owns Charbay Winery & Distillery, an independent artisan winery and distillery based in the Napa Valley. Miles held the standards high and it was up to Marko to prove himself.

To become a Master Distiller, Marko was to source, distill and bring to market a spirit equal to or better than spirits he'd distilled under his Master. Marko's thesis is a whiskey called Doubled & Twisted, which is an old distilling term referring to a critical point in the second distillation. When he told his father he had sold his first case, Miles, beamed with pride, shook his hand and said: "Congratulations, Marko. You are now a Master Distiller. Let's drink some whiskey and smoke cigars."

Marko's apprenticeship included 26 years around the family Copper Alambic pot stills. Together, Miles & Marko fermented wines, distilled brandy, made ports (fortified with their own brandies), liqueurs and distilled grappa, pastis, vodkas, rums, Pachanga, whiskey and their latest release: Charbay Tequila which they personally distill in Mexico. They are hands on distillers.

It was Marko's idea to produce Charbay fresh fruit vodkas back in 1998 when he was just 25 years old. The 100% whole fruit vodkas went national. The Food & Wine article by Pete Wells fueled the buzz that these vodkas truly captured the fresh fruit flavors. They woke up the world to a new category of artisan vodkas. Marko was honored with the Vodka Visionary award by Food & Wine magazine. Gourmet Magazine said they "...tasted better than the real fruit..."

Charbay is family owned and operated. They work with restaurateurs across the country including Employees Only, NYC; Michael Mina, S.F.; Rock House, Bahamas to the International Aman Resorts.

The family will soon release their first brandy, 1983 Folle Blanche. Marko was ten years old when the family distilled it. This is a family of artisans. You're sure to meet one of them when you visit their Still House in Napa Valley.

Marko's thesis is called Doubled & Twisted Light Whiskey. He bottled his first release in 1 liter jugs and it sells for $58. This is just the beginning of a new line of Charbay whiskeys.

CHARBAY WINERY & DISTILLERY was started in 1983 by Miles & Susan Karakasevic. Miles is a 12th generation winemaker & Grand Master Distiller from Europe. His family carries on a lifetime of artisan skills combined with the 'can do' spirit of California and the wonderful fruits available. Son Marko, who grew up in St. Helena, is the 13th generation winemaker/distiller in the family. Come taste the wines & ports of Charbay, an independently owned and operated winery & distillery.

http://www.charbay.com