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From Russia to China in One Bottle

Green Tea Vodka

Since antiquity, perfumes, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, along with the alchemy for gold and elixir of life, were among the prime-time fascinations of the learned ones, who at the beginning of the second millennium ultimately gave us the spirits of modern times. The processes which were begun long ago, are being continued and perfected today at the Charbay Winery & Distillery, which just released Green Tea Vodka, flavored with a blend of whole leaf green teas.

Miles Karakasevic is a European winemaker and Master Distiller. Born in old Yugoslavia, he apprenticed in the tradition followed by the Karakasevic family since the 1750's. Following in their footsteps, learning the secrets of his forefathers, he eventually became certified as a Master Distiller, a title earned by equaling or bettering the work of another Master. Along the way, Miles studied Enology and Viticulture at the University of Belgrade. His son, Marko, is a California native and the 13th generation to carry on the family tradition. Together, they produce small releases of vodkas, ports and classic Alambic Pot Still spirits such as rum, pastis, whiskey, brandy and grappa.

All this finally led to the creation of Green Tea Vodka. This is a process which Miles daughter Lara said took around five years for her father to formulate and perfect. “I wanted to highlight the delicacy, lightness and fragrance of green tea—but in a martini or rocks glass,” said Miles Karakasevic, owner and 12th generation Master Distiller.

The vodka contains extractions of four varieties of highest quality tea imported from the Anhwei Province of China, a prime source and growing region along China’s famed Silk Route.  In a crowded market of flavored vodkas, Charbay retains the distinction of creating its own flavors exclusively from whole, fresh ingredients—a central principle of Miles Karakasevic and his son, Marko.

Miles spent over three years sourcing the teas and perfecting his techniques for extracting and distilling them. He blended the green teas akin to how perfumes are formulated, creating a top-note fragrance, middle structure and long, smooth base finish.

Charbay, located in St. Helena, Napa Valley in Mendocino County, offers traditional non-flavored spirits as well as tantalizing flavors like Key Lime Vodka, Meyer Lemon Vodka, and Tahitian Vanilla Rum to name a few. For their next release, they are promising a Red Raspberry Vodka.

Essential Information

Visits to Charbay are available by appointment only throughout the week (closed Sundays). Visits are $20 per person and a Mastercard/Visa is required to guarantee a spot as only one party can be accommodated at a time.

The drive up Spring Mountain Road from St. Helena takes about 15 minutes. You will get directions when your visit is confirmed. Plan on spending approximately an hour at Charbay.

Unfortunately, California Law prohibits tasting any spirits at the winery and selling most spirits at the winery.

Retail locations are available by calling Charbay at 800-634-7845 (M-DISTILL).

All this information and more can be accessed at their informative website www.charbay.com

Edited by Erika Wright

Photo courtesy of Mitch Rice

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