92 points

McCarthy’s 6 year old (Batch MC6-21-01), 50%

Single Malt American Whiskey | $100

With a smoky nose reminiscent of a campfire, this velvety whiskey opens up in the glass and presents like a sumptuous barbecue, complete with charcoal smoke and long-cooked meats. It’s extremely flavorful, a 6 year old Oregon single malt from a distiller whose main release is a 3 year old. It is lively and fun, chewy, spicy, and smoky with a touch of mint; water brings in some sweetness that only makes it better.

Reviewed by: David Savona (Summer 2022)

89 points

Clear Creek Distillery 3 year old McCarthy’s Pot Distilled Oregon (Batch W18-01), 42.5%

Single Malt American Whiskey | $50

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)

Reviewed by: David Fleming (Fall 2020)

88 points

McCarthy

Single Malt American Whiskey | $55

3 year old peated malt whisky, aged in Oregon oak. Rich nose of peat—burning leaves, a touch of sweet diesel—and fresh oak. There's no stinting on the peat; it's young, it's in your face. Whiskey to stand toe-to-toe with Portland's hopped-to-blazes beers. Not just peat: creamy malt makes a solid floor and an exit that may be the most complex part of the experience. Refined for a 3 year old. Limited annual release.

Reviewed by: Lew Bryson (Winter 2013)