McCarthy’s 6-Year Sherry Cask is a distinctly American single malt with a Scottish soul, a peated Oregon whisky given depth and sweetness by a sherry-cask finish. We pour it at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle, for those who love smoke and richness woven together.

About the Distillery

McCarthy’s is the flagship single malt of Clear Creek Distillery, founded by Steve McCarthy in Portland, Oregon, and now part of the Hood River Distillers family. Clear Creek pioneered American single malt long before the category found its name, drawing on peat-smoked barley to craft a whisky that pays homage to the Scottish tradition while remaining proudly rooted in the Pacific Northwest.

Style & Region

This is a peated American single malt from Oregon, built around malted barley smoked with peat for a gentle, earthy character. The 6-Year expression spends its life maturing before a finishing period in sherry casks, which layers dried-fruit sweetness over the smoke. The result marries Northwest peat with the warmth of sherry wood, an Old-World technique applied to a New-World malt.

Tasting Notes

Expect a smoky yet sweet pour: raisin, black cherry, and brown sugar lead, underscored by an earthy thread of peat. There are notes of caramel, raspberry jam, and toasted oak at the midpoint, before the smoke turns savory with hints of tobacco and leather on the finish. It is layered and characterful, balancing campfire warmth with sherried fruit.

What to Pair It With

McCarthy’s smoke-and-sherry character is a striking match for our charcuterie board, the peat playing against cured meats and aged cheese. It is wonderful with our flourless chocolate cake, where smoke meets cocoa. For something bold, pair it with our American Wagyu steaks. Browse the full dine-in menu.

How It’s Served at Grappa

We pour McCarthy’s 6-Year Sherry Cask neat at $32. We recommend it neat to let its smoke and sherried fruit speak clearly.

FAQ

Where is it from?

McCarthy’s is an Oregon single malt made by Clear Creek Distillery in Portland, Oregon, now part of the Hood River Distillers family, and a pioneer of American single malt.

What does it taste like?

It is smoky and sweet, with raisin, black cherry, and brown sugar over earthy peat, plus caramel and toasted oak, finishing savory with tobacco and leather.

Is it peated?

Yes. It is made with peat-smoked barley and finished in sherry casks, so it balances gentle Northwest smoke with dried-fruit sherry sweetness.

To enjoy McCarthy’s with us, book a table, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and the dine-in menu.