Charbay Releases Whiskey To Benefit Camp Fire Victims

Months following California’s Camp Fire, the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history, Charbay Distillery has released a limited edition Racer 5 (R5) Aged Whiskey to benefit the survivors of this disaster. The newly released Lot No. 5 follows in the Charbay line of making whiskey from bottle-ready beer, and renews their collaboration with Bear Republic Brewery. The whiskey was distilled from Racer 5 IPA, and brings together two family-owned businesses and neighbors. A total of $10,000 will go directly to wildfire survivors in Northern California.

“The 2018 Camp Fire ravaged our local community last fall and we had to step up and do what we could to help our friends and neighbors rebuild their lives,” said Jenni Karakasevic, Charbay’s co-owner and director of operations. “We co-founded the non-profit Stand for Kindness in 2017 to help fire survivors and we knew we needed to do even more. When Marko suggested a fire relief whiskey, we went to work to designate Lot No. 5 as our way to continue supporting local families.”

R5 Aged Whiskey, Lot No. 5 was double distilled in Charbay’s Charentais Alambic copper pot still from bottle-ready Racer 5 IPA. The brainchild of distiller Marko Karakasevic, R5 took more than four years of extensive research with the Bear Republic team. “I chose the award-winning Racer 5 because it is the definition of Northern California IPA,” said Marko. “It’s also my favorite beer, and its flavors translate perfectly into our whiskey.” Lot No. 5 has an aroma of toasted cinnamon and honeysuckle complemented by notes of baking spices and tobacco on the palate before a long, sweet, herbaceous finish.

Bottles of the limited edition R5 Whiskey, Lot No 5, will be available for purchase at select retailers including Winfield Flynn (NYC) and Sunshine Market (Napa Valley, CA) as well as online at Flask and Hi Time. Lot No. 5 has a 49.5% ABV and has a suggested retail price of $60.