Turbatto began in July 2017 on a journey through history, music, and friendship. Joe Turbett, a technology executive, and Dave Battocletti, a local sole proprietor, set out to visit the Normandy beaches and see U2 live in Paris.
While planning their trip, Dave mentioned they might spend a night in Honfleur, a medieval port town along the Seine estuary. When he told his father, he was surprised to learn from old family records that Dave’s Italian ancestors had departed for the United States from Honfleur. That settled it — they had to visit.
Arriving in Honfleur late one afternoon, they stopped at an outdoor bar overlooking the harbor and the old stone building of La Lieutenance. As they sipped their beers, a loud motorcycle rumbled past. Joe and Dave looked at each other and said, “What is a Harley doing in France?” Intrigued, they watched the rider pull into a bar called L'Albatross. Figuring that must be the locals' place, they followed him in.
Joe was thrilled to find Guinness on tap, and after a few pints, they struck up conversation with a group of Dutch sailors at the next table. One was a retired engineer who had designed skyscrapers in the Middle East. When asked why he sailed to Honfleur, he pointed to their glasses of golden liquid and said, “For this.”
Joe and Dave guessed it was Scotch. “No — better,” the Dutchman replied, signaling to the bartender with a “V for Victory” gesture and calling out, “Bartender — two!” Moments later, generous pours of a mysterious amber spirit arrived. That was their first taste of Calvados — Normandy’s legendary apple brandy.
The discovery was unforgettable. The flavor, the heritage, and the story behind it became a passion. Back in Ohio, they began spreading the gospel of Calvados, introducing it to local restaurants and bars. Some now keep a bottle on hand just for them, moving it between floors of their establishments depending on where either or both sit.
Given that Ohio is home to over 100 orchards and more than 40 varieties of apples, the idea formed: create an Ohio version of this timeless drink. But the Calvados name, as a protected AOC designation, couldn’t be used. Dave’s wife had the answer — why not call it Turbatto? A blend of Turbett and Battocletti. With its strong consonants, familiar Italian rhythm, and elegant ring — it stuck.
And so, Turbatto was born. Aged apple eau-de-vie, distilled in Ohio. A tribute to heritage, discovery, and the friendships that turn small moments into great stories.