McCarthy’s 3 Year is a peated Oregon single malt whiskey, and it is poured at Grappa in Seattle’s Queen Anne neighborhood. As one of the original American single malts and a fellow Pacific Northwest spirit, it holds a special place on our list — a smoky, characterful pour with a rich sense of place.

About the Distillery

McCarthy’s is made by Clear Creek Distillery, founded in Oregon by Steve McCarthy. Clear Creek was among the very first producers of single malt whiskey in the United States, and McCarthy’s helped establish the idea of American single malt decades before the category took off. It remains a benchmark for what a Pacific Northwest peated malt can be.

Style & Region

This is a single malt — made entirely from malted barley — rather than a blend, and it carries the name of its three years of aging. Its smoke comes from peat-malted barley sourced from Scotland, while its maturation is distinctly local: it rests in barrels made from Oregon oak, which lends a regional twist you won’t find anywhere else. The peat here is moderate and aromatic rather than aggressive.

Tasting Notes

Expect a nose of soft campfire smoke, sea air and a hint of fresh citrus. The palate is clean and well balanced, moving from honeyed and lightly fruity to a silky, almost leathery depth, with a gentle white-pepper warmth. The finish is smoky and dry with a touch of tropical fruit — reminiscent of a coastal Scotch, yet unmistakably its own.

What to Pair It With

McCarthy’s coastal smoke is made for briny, savory plates. It is a standout with our Fresh Oysters and our Spaniard Octopus, the peat playing off the sea. It is also lovely beside our Charcuterie Board. Explore the full dine-in menu to round things out.

How It’s Served at Grappa

McCarthy’s 3 Year is poured neat at $13.

FAQ

Where is it from?

It is an Oregon single malt whiskey from Clear Creek Distillery, one of the first American single malt producers, aged in Oregon oak barrels.

What does it taste like?

It offers soft campfire smoke, sea air and citrus on the nose, then a clean, honeyed palate with white-pepper warmth and a smoky, dry finish.

Is it peated or smoky?

Yes. McCarthy’s is made with peat-malted barley, giving it a moderate, aromatic smokiness reminiscent of a coastal Scotch.

When you’re ready, book a table, explore the cocktail & spirits list, and browse the dine-in menu.