Try This Single Barrel Spirit The Next Time You’re Making a Sidecar or Manhattan

Clear Creek Pear Brandy begins with a spark of obsession. In the mid-1980s, founder Steve McCarthy returned from Europe captivated by the clean, expressive character of traditional eau de vie.

When he discovered that nothing like it existed in the United States, he made a decision that helped shape the early craft spirits movement; he built it himself. Clear Creek Distillery opened in 1985 with a singular mission: to turn the fruit of the Pacific Northwest into world-class brandy rooted in agricultural authenticity.

The Williams pear that anchors European pear brandy is the same Bartlett grown in Hood River, where McCarthy’s own family farmed acres of them. Clear Creek uses only whole, local Bartletts, with twenty pounds of fruit required for every 700 ml bottle. The pears are crushed, fermented, and distilled with no sugar or additives, then proofed with glacier-fed spring water from Mt. Hood. The result is a spirit that delivers pure, orchard-driven character.

The aroma leads with fresh pear and green melon, supported by a gentle buttery warmth. The palate stays dry, round, and silky with notes of ripe fruit and subtle pear skin. A floral, warming finish completes the experience. This precision makes the brandy remarkably versatile. It thrives in classics such as the Sidecar, Manhattan, and French 75, and it creates surprising dimension in modern drinks, especially the Margarita. For sipping, Clear Creek still champions McCarthy’s favorite ritual: served straight from the freezer as Pear Glacier.

While Pear Brandy remains the flagship, Clear Creek continues to explore new territory, most recently with limited 15 Year Apple Brandy Single Barrels. For bartenders, the brand offers an all-natural, high-impact ingredient that brings cohesion and brightness to cocktails.

For gifting season inspiration and more ways to enjoy Clear Creek Pear Brandy, be sure to check out Chilled’s Holiday Gift Guide, 2025!

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