From Sparrow’s Scotch and single malt list, McCarthy’s Single Malt is a piece of American whiskey history, one of the first ever American single malts ($14 by the pour, or $21 for a larger pour).
About McCarthy’s Single Malt
Originally launched in 1996, McCarthy’s is one of the first ever American Single Malt Whiskies. It is made from 100% peat-malted barley imported from Scotland, distilled in small copper pot stills, and aged for 3 years in Oregon Garryana Oak. The whiskey comes from Clear Creek Distillery, founded by Steve McCarthy in Oregon and now part of Hood River Distillers. By using Scottish peated malt but maturing in native Oregon Garryana oak, McCarthy set out to make an Islay-style whisky with a distinctly Pacific Northwest signature, and in doing so helped pioneer the whole American single malt category.
Tasting Notes
It drinks like a robust Islay style Scotch with notes of smoke, iodine, leather, and baking spice. The peat-malted barley gives it that maritime, smoky backbone, while the Oregon Garryana oak lends its own character. It is bold and characterful, a great introduction to the smoky end of the single malt world.
What to Pair It With
This smoky single malt is a natural sipping whisky, neat or over a large cube in our 21+ lounge. Its everyday price also makes it a great pour to explore during our daily happy hour, 3 to 5 PM. From the Sparrow dinner menu the smoke pairs well with the American Wagyu steaks, the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, or the Truffle Deviled Eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is McCarthy’s Single Malt?
Launched in 1996, it is one of the first American single malt whiskies, made from 100% peat-malted Scottish barley, distilled in copper pot stills, and aged 3 years in Oregon Garryana oak by Clear Creek Distillery.
What does McCarthy’s Single Malt taste like?
It drinks like a robust Islay-style Scotch, with notes of smoke, iodine, leather, and baking spice from the peated barley.
How much is a pour of McCarthy’s Single Malt at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland, McCarthy’s Single Malt is $14 by the pour, or $21 for a larger pour.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu alongside its sibling bottlings the McCarthy’s 6 Year Sherry Cask and the McCarthy 6 Oloroso Finish. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come taste it.