BEYOND EXPERT

https://charbay.com/

Becoming an expert at anything takes time, patience, and great resolve. Some people become experts through educational institutions or corporate ladder climbing, some through dedicated work and painstaking hours of practice, some are born with natural talent, and some are blessed with generations of DNA. As a child, you mimic what you see and hear, and if something is coursing through your veins to propel you into the family business, you begin your journey before you even know it.

Think about being born into a family with 12 generations of experts in one field.

A boy was born into a family whose roots date back to 1751 in old-world Yugoslavia. The majestic West Coast called his father to the fertile and diverse land of bucolic California, where he yearned to make wine and distill spirits like his ancestors. The boy shadowed his father’s movements, latching onto his past while looking toward the future.

That boy is now a full-grown man with dreams of his own, Marko Karakasavic, the Master Distiller, maker of whole fruit extract Vodka, inventor of hopped Whiskey, innovator of perfectly balanced spirits, and a true American creator. To call him an expert would be an understatement. Marko has exceeded the expert status and exists in a world of passionate resolve. He strives to bring forth a tasting experience like no other. Each concept he has brought to market fills his awards chest, transcending the previous. His dedication to extracting the very best texture and layers of flavor bursts the envelope wide open. This man has not only earned the title of Master Distiller but also lives in the hearts of anyone who has had the privilege of consuming his creations.

His days are spent in the rolling hills of Ukiah, California, between his home he shares with his wife, Jenni Karakasvic, and sons Miles and Ivan, and the distillery. Aromas from surrounding nature fill the air and nostrils with such freshness and depth that it is impossible not to have them seep into your skin and mind, filling a true craftsman with inspiration. His curiosity compels him to deliver spirits that define style, creativity, and innovation. At his distillery in Ukiah, California, you will find Marko toiling away on new projects, ideating about what comes next, and new ways to disrupt the spirits field while keeping intact the very foundation on which he was born: dream, create, innovate, and craft until you have mastered your trade. What’s next for Marko and his family business? Maybe we will still be sipping on his tasty concoctions to see a 14th-generation distiller, but I have high hopes to be treated to something astounding until then.

January 5, 2025, UPDATE

I knew it! Marko takes another step beyond greatness to new heights with the launch of his Martini Espresso in a bottle. Two years in the making, the creation was perfected. Just add ice and a shaker, pour some liquid love in, shake it like you mean it, strain it like you want it, and toss a few coffee beans on top of the lovely crema, and you have a swanky ending to your dinner party or gathering. Damn girl, damn! The label alone will add some luxury to your bar. I would list the ingredients and details... but I want you to check them out https://charbay.com/charbay-spirits-collection/charbay-espresso-cocktail/.