Did you know that whiskey is distilled from beer?

Normally referred to as "low wash" or "distiller's beer", it's not something you'd reach for on a hot, sunny day.

In 1999, our distillers, Miles & Marko, said, "What if?"

They decided to distill 20,000 gallons of bottle-ready Pilsner beer to create CHARBAY Whiskey.

It took them 3.5 weeks of 24/7 distilling, taking shifts to check on the Pot Still every 3-4 hours. (One of the main reasons nearly all whiskey is column distilled.)

In 2002, we released the first 2 barrels. Just 3 years old, it was dangerously smooth at cask strength (129.4 proof).

Six years later, we're pleased to announce that Release II is ready!! Miles & Marko selected 5 barrels - 124 cases. 

"There is no other whiskey out that you can really taste the beer that it's made from", says Marko.

"The spice from the hops and the barley flavors are very well balanced with just the right amount of oak."

Why the Charbay Whiskey Project... it is a rare chance to watch an exclusive Whiskey Batch as it evolves. Distilled in 1999, Miles & Marko invite you to follow the life of a very full bodied Hop Flavored Whiskey distilled in a classic Charentais Alambic Pot Still.

Premiere Release: Two barrels bottled at full barrel strength so you could taste it as if you were there with Miles & Marko pulling a sample from the French oak barrel.

Release II: With more age, five barrels were bottled at 110 Proof.

Release III:  Stand By. They will continue sharing the evolution of flavors.

Enjoy the Whole Collection -

         
Collectors Alert: Astor Wines & Spirits (NYC) and PlumpJack (SF) have notified us that they have a few bottles left of our "Double Barrel" (Release I).

Famous Quotes:

“HOLY WOW!  You have really outdone yourself, this release is absolutely amazing.  This seriously might be one of the best made American Whiskies I have ever laid my lips on, and just ask my liver, I have had quite a few.” – Buyer/Morrell Wines & Spirits, NYC 

Want to learn more about Whiskey? 
My favorite source is 
Jon Hansell's
Malt Advocate.
Here's a great starting page for you:
http://www.maltadvocate.com/docs/whisky_resources/default.aspx