McCarthy’s Single Malt

McCarthy’s Oregon Single Malt Pot Distilled Whiskey
Batch W16-02

42.5% ABV
$50
Website

What the Distillery Says
McCarthy’s® Oregon Single Malt Whiskey is distilled in a Holstein pot still using one pass distillation. This premium, non-chill filtered product is then barrel-aged in air-dried Oregon Oak barrels. The result is remarkably smooth for a 3-year-old whiskey.

What Gary Says
Nose: Peat and cereal malt, with some vegetal/herbal notes; a bit of sour oak and smoke.
Palate: A subtle barley sweetness with peat and some savory spice notes, pepper bite in the back.
Finish: Moderately long and drying, but also gets sweeter.
Comments: For only being three years old, I’m very impressed. Don’t get me wrong – this isn’t a richly complex dram that would leave you thinking it was a 12 year single malt – but it is a helluva lot better than most three year whiskey I’ve tried. I haven’t been a big fan of single malt whiskey done here in the States (whether from smaller craft distilleries or even the Parker’s Heritage Collection offering by Heaven Hill). I’m wondering if barley malt just needs to be dumped much earlier when aged in new wood? Either way – if you like peaty Scotch, I’d definitely be open to this. And if you’re a whiskey nerd – I’d look for an opportunity to experience it!
Rating: Stands Out / Must Try

What Richard Says
Nose: An interesting mix of delicate peat, wet pine needles, and campfire smoke.
Palate: A rich honeyed sweetness intermingled with an authoritative peat and pine straw.
Finish: The finish is lingering smokiness, cracked pepper, and a bitter tinge.
Comments: “Oregon Pot Still Whiskey”, what the hell is that? This is easiest to describe as an American version of Laphroaig 10 Year. It tastes A LOT like that. The fact that this is only three years old really blows me away. Fans of smoky Scotch should really give this one a try. It is incredibly impressive.
Rating: Must Try

We would like to thank Hood River Distillers for sending us a bottle for review.

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