McCarthy’s Single Malt Rum Cask Aficionados

Review by: Raygun

One of, if not the first, American single malts, McCarthy’s has been around since 1996. It’s made with peated Scottish barley. This particular release was from a single rum barrel, one of only two they’ve used from what I’ve heard. Selected by the Aficionados group. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 10 minutes.

Distillery: Clear Creek  

Brand: McCarthy’s   

Region/style: Oregon single malt whiskey

ABV: 61.4%. Cask strength. 

Age: 5 years 

Cask type: Rum barrel #702

Color: 1.3 russet. Natural color and chill-filtered.

Nose: Yup, that’s very peaty. Deeply smoky, even slightly burnt. There’s some mineral and brown sugar, even a touch of dark chocolate. Something tart, like tamarind.    

Palate: Sweet and smoky. Got an al pastor thing going, with some grilled pineapple and charred meat. Caramel, charred orange and tomato, and some tamarind and mango chutney. Drinks very easily despite the proof.   

Finish: The rum influence picks up. Nicely smoky with more brown sugar sweetness, charred pineapple, and orange. Pick up the chocolate flavor again, and again tamarind chutney.  

Conclusion: If I didn’t know better, I would definitely have guessed this is an Islay Scotch. Captures that vibe very well. What’s particularly impressive is that it’s so composed at 5.5 years. Great level of smoke, but it’s not the only thing I can taste. Not too sweet either. Very well put together. I’ve heard good things about McCarthy’s and now I can taste why. Gets better with each sip.       

Score: 82

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
  • 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

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