McCarthy's

Finally tasted a glass of McCarthy's. Available at the Highland Stillhouse. I think I will hold off from buying a bottle for $55, I think. A bit steep for what I tasted. If it was ten dollars cheaper, I would probably buy. It's just hard to spend the same money on a local curio when I could buy Caol Ila, Laphroaig QC, Talisker, or Ardbeg 10 for the same price or cheaper.

Here are my notes:

Age: Three Year

Nose: Sharp young Isla composition; a bit gamey; wet marsh meets typical Isla peat and smoke and salt.

Palette: Needs about 20 minutes to settle into a glass. Warm it in your hands to bring it to life sooner, or set it in the sunshine. Similarities to Talisker, Caol Ila. The peat and smoke does not impress until it warms, and then it gives way to fairly good composition with hints of brine and caramel.

Finish: flat and short. Unextraordinary to me. The immediate finish is enjoyable certainly, and even fun, but it fades very fast inded. When compared with the big boys from Isla and other parts of Scotland, it does not stand out particularly. It's not bad, even enjoyable, but unimpressive to me if one is judging the artistry and craftsmanship.

Last night I tasted an 18 year Talisker that was quite delicious. Having that in my recent memory did not help my appreciation for McCarthy's, even though I am a "local Portland boy" and do very much like to see scotch made here, especially with Islay characteristics. But it is what it is. I cannot fudge or put on rose colored glasses when I review a whisky. Accuracy and honesty is vital. I always say precisely what I think.

In this case, McCarthy's could be much much better with more time. It's just not old enough to be a distinguished offering. Clear Creek Distillery needs to look beyond merely selling out their product, year by year. The management needs to reach for excellence and fine craftsmanship, as it does in its other offerings.

For Chrissakes, Clear Creek distillers go to the trouble to grow fricking pears and apples INSIDE BOTTLES ON THE TREES OF ORCHARDS for some of the other offerings. Now that is dedication. So why not put aside some casks of this single malt for longer than three measly years? Why not show the same dedication?

The potential for greatness is there in McCarthy's, but the achieve of the thing has not materialized. I like the ABV level and the fact that no coloring or fake additives detract from the craftsmanship of this very young whisky. Making whisky is more than just a way to earn money. It's an artform. Let's not forget that.

Bottling year tasted? Not sure. This does make a difference. Some years are better than others. 2008 was very good indeed. This bottle that I tasted was most likely not that year. The Highland Stillhouse was quite busy; I could not get the precise year of the bottle that I tasted. I will call when it's not busy and add that below when I can.