Some of the best results come from looking for new ways to get the most out of something. Clear Creek Distillery owner, Steve McCarthey, had traveled in Europe and knew of the variety and quality of eau de vie (clear fruit brandy) produced there. He realized the fruit produced from the McCarthy’s family orchard would be the perfect starting point for brandy. And so Clear Creek Distillery was born in the 1980s, named after the creek running through their pear orchard in Parkdale, OR.

The artisanal distillery uses traditional European pot stills and produces a wide variety of eau de vies, grappas, brandies and fruit liqueurs. An obvious place to start would be the Williams Pear Brandy or the Kirschwasser (Cherry Brandy) for comparison to the European classics. For a local twist on something a little more obscure,  you can take a cue from chef Gabriel Rucker and opt for the Douglas Fir.

More recently (as in the last 14 years), McCarthey’s inspiration has been highland bound. He’s distilled an Oregon version of an Islay Single Malt using Scottish barley.

Their products are sold around the country, but if your travels take you to Portland, they have a store and tasting room at the distillery.