McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt American Whiskey (700ml)

Clear Creek Distillery was something of a pioneer of Single Malt American whisky in the 1990s. The distillery's focus began with traditional European brandy-making techniques sourcing the finest fruit from Oregon orchards to produce eaux de vie, grappas and brandies. With the same German pot stills, McCarthy's single malt transpired from a mash of peated Scottish barley - think Lagavulin in style, according to the distillers. Initial maturation takes place in old sherry casks followed by time in barrels made from air-dried Oregon oak. 42.5% Alc./Vol. Non chill filtered.

Other reviews... This effusive and characterful whiskey is dominated by bright notes of apple skin, dried orange peel, and dried grass. The finish has some bitterness with marzipan and freshly cut oak taking over from the fruit and earth-dominated mid-palate. 92 points - Excellent, Highly Recommended - Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2021

Other reviews... A blast of peat bonfire starts on the nose, before moving into more subtle peat on the palate. Here it creates a delicate overlay to notes of vanilla, toasted marshmallow, peaches and cream, dried red fruits, and pepper. The finish offers length, more dried red fruits, peat, and peppery spice, with an earthy note of char at the end. Delicate, refined, and balanced, particularly in light of its relative youth. (6,192 bottles) 89 points - whiskyadvocate.com, reviewed by: David Fleming 2020

...Hook me up a mask so I can breathe this one in all day...An American masterpiece - and now an institution'. 94.5 points. - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2011