McCarthy's 6 Year Old Oregon Single Malt Whiskey
McCarthy's 6 Year Old Oregon Single Malt Whiskey is a 100-proof (50% ABV) American single malt aged six years in Oregon oak — the flagship of the distillery that pioneered American single malt, Clear Creek Distillery in Hood River, Oregon (Hood River Distillers), founded by Steve McCarthy with the original 3-year release in 1996. It is 100% peat-malted Scottish barley, single-pass distilled in 60-gallon Holstein pot stills, non-chill filtered, and aged in 36-month air-dried Oregon oak casks — modeled on Islay single malts. The distillery's own words: "The balance of peat and oak, the subtle sweetness that lets you in the door and the tempting smell of a nearby campfire, all balance out to make an exceptional whiskey." Platinum at the 2026 ASCOT Awards, 92 points from Whisky Advocate (2023), 94 points and Double Golds at the 2022 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and SIP Awards. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 50% (100 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: 6 years in 36-month air-dried Oregon oak casks
- Grain: 100% peat-malted Scottish barley (NOT bourbon — single malt)
- Distillery: Clear Creek Distillery / Hood River Distillers, Hood River, Oregon
- Awards: ASCOT Platinum 2026; Whisky Advocate 92 (2023); USC 94, SFWSC Double Gold, SIP Double Gold (2022)
Where American Single Malt Began
Before "American single malt" was a category, there was McCarthy's. Steve McCarthy released the first 3-year in 1996, built on peat-malted Scottish barley and a love of Lagavulin, and the 6-year doubles down: twice the Oregon-oak aging, the full 100 proof, the campfire-and-honey balance intact. Single-pass pot distillation and no chill filtration keep it honest. Stand it beside the other age-stated pours in our whisky collection and the full McCarthy's line.
Tasting Notes
Nose: peat smoke, nearby campfire, subtle sweetness. Palate: balanced peat and oak, honeyed sweetness. Finish: long, smoky, warming.
How to Enjoy
Neat with a few drops of water — at 100 proof it opens beautifully. A peated old fashioned for the adventurous; browse our cocktail-ready spirits for more bold mixers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is McCarthy's a bourbon?
No — it is an American single malt: 100% peat-malted barley, pot-distilled in Oregon. The store's Type has been corrected from Bourbon Whiskey to American Whiskey.
How is the 6-year different from the 3-year?
Twice the Oregon-oak aging (6 vs 3 years minimum) and a higher proof — 100 proof vs the 3-year's 85.
What awards has the 6-year won?
Platinum at the 2026 ASCOT Awards, 92 points from Whisky Advocate (2023), and 94 points plus Double Golds at the 2022 USC, SFWSC, and SIP Awards.
The pioneer of American single malt at full proof — order McCarthy's 6 Year Old online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.