McCarthy’s American Single Malt 6 year old

My Price: $99.95

Country/Area: United States/Oregon

Distillery: Clear Creek Distillery

Proof/ABV: 100 proof/50% ABV

Mash Bill: Peat Smoked Malted Barley

Barrel: New Oregon Oak

Age: 6 years

Nose: Peat, chocolate and brine

Taste: Peat smoke, bread and barbeque

Review:

Smoky scotches are some of the whiskies that really got me started in my whiskey journey. When I learned that there was an Islay style American Single Malt made in Oregon, I knew I had to try it.

This latest release is aged 6 years which is 3 years longer than the standard release as well as having a few more proof points.  On the nose I was surprised to pick up notes of dark chocolate and brine which I sadly did not pick up on the taste. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a fantastic whiskey and I think the extra age and proof does the whiskey a lot of good.

Although it’s not as mossy as a Lagavulin 16 or as briny as a Laphroaig 10 it still stands up to those whiskies despite being aged roughly half the length or less. It is impressive what a distiller in Oregon was able to accomplish using peated malt from Scotland and aging in Oregon Oak casks. If you come across a bottle it is worth checking out although it’s $100 price point and limited availability keep me from rating it at the higher “stock” rating.

My Rating: Sip it!

Interesting and complex. Stands toe to toe with most of the Islay Scotches out there.

Rating scale:

-Spit: Don’t bother with this one. If a friend gives you a dram of it, are they even your friend?

-Shoot: Good enough to get you drunk.

-Sip: Tasty enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

-Stock: I’d recommend keeping a bottle on hand.

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.

Cheers!