Review by: Raygun

Here’s one I have zero idea what to expect from. The spirit is a blend of grape and pear brandy, then infused with Douglas fir buds. Never had an eau de vie made with tree buds before. There’s always a first time. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 10 minutes.

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Distillery: Clear Creek

Bottler: Clear Creek

Region/style: American eau de vie 

ABV: 47.75%

Age: Unaged

Cask type: N/A  

Color: My usual color bar doesn’t work on this one. Pale green/yellow.

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Nose: I do get the grape and pear smell. There’s a very green, piney, resinous fragrance as well. Don’t know what Douglas fir smells like, but I suppose it’s this.   

Palate: Oh…yeah. This is weird. Grapey sweetness, and then…it’s like chewing on a tree. I suppose it could be described as herbal. Somewhat like rosemary, but sharper. Or like chewing on fir needles and sap. Very aggressive. It’s distinctive, I’ll say that.   

Finish: Intense evergreen flavor. My wife described it as drinking pine essential oil, and that’s pretty spot on. Some sweetness, but mostly very resinous with hints of tar. Some floral pokes its head in.   

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Conclusion: Not my cup of tea, I have to say. It absolutely brings the tree flavor. It just happens that I don’t particularly care for fir flavor. I can imagine it might work nicely in some cocktails. On its own, it’s too much for me. 

Buy a bottle? Hard pass

Score: 55

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent brandy worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.