Charbay Distillery

Charbay Distillery was established in 1983 by Milorad "Miles" Karakasevic, a master distiller whose family heritage spans 13 generations of distilling expertise. Moving from former Yugoslavia to California, Miles applied his family's time-honored traditions to create a pioneering craft distillery in the United States. The decision to start Charbay stemmed from a desire to continue a long-standing family legacy in distillation while innovating and crafting premium spirit products that reflect the flavors of the region. Over the years, Charbay has marked many milestones, such as the introduction of its one-of-a-kind Hopped Whiskey in 1999, which effectively married the techniques of beer brewing and whiskey distillation. This innovation took the craft spirits community by surprise and helped solidify Charbay’s reputation as an avant-garde distillery. Additionally, the distillery has continually sought to expand its offerings, introducing a myriad of vodkas, rums, and other spirits through creative experimentation and methodical production techniques. Today, Charbay stands as a proud family-owned business, continuing to produce small batches of handcrafted spirits. The distillery embraces its roots and dedication to artisanal perfection, which remains evident in each product it releases, solidifying its essential place in the American craft distilling landscape.

Located at 3001 S State St suite 48, Ukiah, CA, Charbay Distillery benefits from the distinctive characteristics of Northern California's landscape. The surrounding climate is influenced by a Mediterranean temperature pattern, featuring warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters that contribute to the cultivation of high-quality ingredients used in their spirits. The proximity to natural water sources, coupled with the rich, fertile soil of the region, plays a significant role in sourcing the fruits and grains that fuel Charbay's production processes. The distillery is positioned near the scenic Anderson Valley, well-known for its diverse agricultural outputs, including some of the best grapes and fruit in California. Moreover, the mountainous terrain provides a unique microclimate ideal for artisanal production, allowing for exquisite flavor development in the vast selection of spirits crafted at Charbay. This geographical advantage, alongside careful attention to the natural qualities of their ingredients, enhances the distinctive profiles of the distillery's offerings, culminating in a rich tapestry of flavors that honor both tradition and innovation.