Distillery profile

Clear Creek Distillery

Explore the distillery's history, craft, production, and the distinctive character of its whiskies.

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Clear Creek Distillery

Overview of the Distillery

Clear Creek Distillery is a fruit-based distillery in the Pacific Northwest of the USA, founded in 1985. The distillery is particularly known for its clear eau de vie brandies produced from whole, local fruits and for using old European distillation methods. Water from Mount Hood and fruit from regional orchards are central ingredients. In addition to unaged fruit brandies, they also produce aged apple brandies, grappa, a selection of liqueurs, and a fruit-based vodka.

History

Clear Creek opened in 1985 with a vision to translate the Pacific Northwest's fruit bounty into spirits of European quality. From the start, production was based on whole fruits and traditional, old techniques, which made the distillery one of the early American craft distilleries. Flagship products such as Pear Brandy quickly gained recognition; it is documented that it takes large amounts of fruit — 20 lbs of pears for a single 700 ml bottle. Over time, the range has expanded to include both unaged eau de vie, aged apple and grape brandies, as well as liqueurs and grappa. Most recently, the portfolio also includes a fruit-based vodka, presented as a significant product expansion after several years of quiet on new launch areas. The distillery and its products have received awards, including a Gold in 2021 and a Platinum in 2025.

Raw Materials and Production

Production is based on fruit rather than grain. Whole, local fruits are used for fermentation and distillation; grappa is produced from grape pomace, which is hand-scooped directly into pot stills. The vodka is 100 percent fruit-based, fermented and distilled from 14 different non-GMO apple varieties and distilled on a 46-column still. The water for dilution comes from glacier-fed springs on Mt. Hood. Technically, both pot stills (especially for grappa and traditional eau de vie) and column stills for the vodka are used. Many of the products are made using small-scale, artisanal methods with a focus on preserving the fruit's purity in the finished spirit.

Aging and Barrel Types

Many of Clear Creek's fruit brandies are left unaged to preserve fruit intensity and the bright color. The exceptions are especially apple and grape brandies, which are aged in French oak barrels. These maturations are documented as 2 years and longer (for example an 8-year-old apple brandy), where the barrels add extra depth and complexity to the aged products.

Whiskies

The core of the range is the clear fruit brandies (eau de vie) such as pear, plum, cherry, and raspberry. In addition, the portfolio includes aged apple brandies and an Oregon blend brandy, a muscat grappa, a broad range of fruit liqueurs, and a fruit-based vodka. Pear Brandy is highlighted as a signature product, while the liqueurs and grappa complement the repertoire for cocktails, desserts, and as a digestif.

Whisky Type / Series Alcohol Age Cask and Style Flavor Profile Status
Pear Brandy Fruit Brandy (Eau de Vie) Flagship Pear Brandy; distilled from whole pears. It is noted that it takes 20 lbs of pears to make a single 700 ml bottle. Core Range
Pear in Bottle Fruit Brandy (Eau de Vie) A traditional, unaged pear eau de vie, bottled with whole fruits. Core Range
Blue Plum (Slivovitz) Brandy Fruit Brandy (Eau de Vie / Slivovitz) Slivovitz-distilled from plums, presented as a clear fruit brandy. Core Range
Cherry (Kirschwasser) Brandy Fruit Brandy (Kirschwasser) Kirsch-style clear fruit brandy distilled from whole cherries. Core Range
Douglas Fir Brandy Fruit Brandy / Needle-Infused Brandy An unusually clear brandy made with Douglas fir elements as flavor components. Core Range
Raspberry (Framboise) Brandy Fruit Brandy (Framboise) Clear raspberry brandy (framboise) distilled from whole fruits. Core Range
2-Year Apple Brandy Aged Apple Brandy 2 Years French Oak Apple brandy aged in French oak barrels for 2 years. Core Range
8-Year Apple Brandy Aged Apple Brandy 8 Years French Oak Apple brandy with a longer aging of eight years in French oak barrels. Core Range
Oregon Brandy (Aged 2 Years) Aged Fruit Brandy 2 Years French Oak A blended Oregon fruit brandy aged two years in French oak barrels. Core Range
Cranberry Liqueur Liqueur Cranberry-liqueur intended to be served in cordial glasses, cocktails or over vanilla ice cream. Core Range
Cassis Liqueur Liqueur Cassis-liqueur for desserts and cocktails. Core Range
Cherry Liqueur Liqueur Cherry liqueur suitable for cocktails, desserts or as a digestif. Core Range
Loganberry Liqueur Liqueur Loganberry liqueur in the portfolio of fruit-based sweet spirits. Core Range
Marionberry Liqueur Liqueur Marionberry liqueur, part of Clear Creek's range of berry liqueurs. Core Range
Pear Liqueur Liqueur Pear liqueur in the range; suitable for cocktails or desserts. Core Range
Raspberry Liqueur Liqueur Raspberry liqueur produced as part of Clear Creek's range of fruit-flavored liqueurs. Core Range
Grappa Muscat Grappa (pomace brandy) Grappa distilled from Muscat grape pomace; pomace described as pressed skins, stems, and seeds scooped directly into pot stills. Core Range
Clear Creek Vodka Vodka (fruit-based) 40% 100 percent fruit-based vodka, fermented and distilled from 14 different non-GMO apple varieties and cut to 80 proof with glacier-fed spring water from Mt. Hood. Distilled on a 46-column still.; Nose: Mild notes of crushed apple blossom; Palate: Minerality and brightness. Core Range

General Flavor Profile

The range spans from bone-dry, fruit-intense eau de vie to a mineral- and floral-sober fruit vodka. The clear brandies are described as bone-dry with high fruit intensity, while the vodka is praised for its minerality, clarity, and mild apple-blossom notes.

Fruitiness is described as clear, intense fruit notes (pear, plum, cherry, raspberry and grape) throughout. Floral notes are described as mild notes of crushed apple blossom in the vodka.

Visit the Distillery

There is a tasting room operation under Hood River Distillers in Hood River: the tasting room address and contact details are provided, and the space is open daily from 12pm–6pm. Visitors can meet and taste parts of the portfolio in the tasting room setting. For questions or special visits, contact via the tasting room phone or e-mail.

The stated opening hours are Open Daily: 12pm – 6pm.

Philosophy and Craft

Clear Creek consistently works with local fruits and old European techniques to highlight the quality of the raw ingredients rather than strong oak influence. The goal is to let the fruits' natural aroma and intensity guide the products, supplement where relevant with French oak barrels and use pure source water from Mount Hood in the distillation and dilution processes.

Awards and Recognitions

  • Platinum (2025)

  • Gold (2021)