From one of the very few artisanal distilleries in the United States, McCarthy’s has only been in production since 2000. It hasn’t wasted any time, though, winning awards and other high marks in short order. McCarthy’s is also unique in that the whisky is made from peated malt imported from Islay, given that Oregon shares certain climate qualities with Scotland. The aging renders their young whisky surprisingly smooth.
This proud distillery was forced to close its doors in 1996 but thankfully reopened in 2001. Ownership has changed hands several times since it was founded in 1826, ranging from such notables as Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott to Charles Grant, son of the Glenfiddich distillery founder. If such luminaries found merit in GlenDronach, we feel in good company sharing their appreciation.
Located in North East Scotland, the Glen Garioch distillery produces its whisky in small batches, tucked away in the fertile hills that bring out a lot of character. Lucky bastards. The Glen Garioch 12 Year is part of the distillery’s main line of offerings.