077: Charbay Distillery

On today’s episode of Distilling the West, Dan and Dave sit down with Marko Karakasevic — the 13th-generation master distiller behind Charbay Distillery. Marko shares the extraordinary history of the Karakasevic family, whose distilling lineage spans centuries. He talks about how this heritage influences his approach to craftsmanship, innovation, and preserving Old World techniques in a modern American distillery.

During the conversation, they taste and explore three standout Charbay spirits:

• ​Doubled & Twisted – a boldly expressive whiskey distilled from finished beer.
• ​Brandy No. 89 – a refined, elegant 24 year old brandy that reflects generations of artistry.
• ​Double-Distilled, Double-Aged Rum – a rich and layered rum shaped by time and technique.

From family legacy to creative experimentation, this episode dives deep into what makes Charbay and the Karakasevic story truly one-of-a-kind—paired with lively tasting notes and behind-the-scenes insights.