Clear Creek Distillery

Stephen McCarthy planted the seeds of American craft distilling in 1985 when he founded Clear Creek Distillery with a bold vision: to create fruit brandies in Oregon that could stand alongside the finest European eau de vie. Working with the abundant orchards of the Pacific Northwest, McCarthy became one of the original pioneers of the American craft spirits movement, decades before it became fashionable.

History & Heritage

Clear Creek emerged from McCarthy's family history of Oregon orchard ownership and his travels through Europe, where traditional eau de vie opened his eyes to what American fruit could become. Originally established in Portland, the distillery relocated to Hood River in 2017, positioning itself closer to the Mount Hood glacier-fed spring water and fruit sources that define their spirits. Hood River Distillers acquired the operation in 2014, preserving McCarthy's vision while expanding distribution.

The Whiskey

Clear Creek earned its place in whiskey history with McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt, credited with pioneering the American single malt category. While the distillery built its reputation on fruit brandies like their flagship Pear Brandy and innovative Douglas Fir Brandy, their single malt whiskey represents a crucial chapter in American craft distilling. The whiskey demonstrates the same commitment to traditional methods and superior ingredients that defines their entire portfolio.

Why It Matters

Clear Creek represents the genesis of serious American craft distilling, proving that New World spirits could match Old World standards through traditional European pot still methods and superior ingredients. Their nine James Beard Award nominations and recognition from critics like F. Paul Pacult, who named their Williams Pear Brandy among his top spirits of 2014, validate McCarthy's original vision. For those who appreciate good whiskey, Clear Creek's single malt stands as both historical artifact and continuing testament to American distilling innovation.