From Pears to Single Malt: Caitlin Bartlemay on Clear Creek's Distilling Legacy

In our latest episode of the Distillery Nation Podcast, we sit down with Caitlin Bartlemay, Master Distiller at Clear Creek Distillery, to explore one of America's most innovative craft distilling stories. From her early steps into the industry to mastering the art of fruit brandy production, Caitlin's journey reflects the passion and precision that have made Clear Creek a standout in American spirits.

Clear Creek Distillery has been focused on brandy production since its founding, with a particular expertise in pear brandy that sets them apart from other American distilleries. Their famous pear-in-bottle offering represents more than just a novelty—it's a testament to the patience and craftsmanship required in fruit brandy production. Caitlin walks us through the meticulous process of growing pears inside bottles, a technique that requires timing the attachment of bottles to pear trees at just the right moment in the growing season.

But Clear Creek's innovation doesn't stop at fruit brandies. The distillery also holds a significant place in American whiskey history through McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt, which pioneered the American single malt category long before it became the trend it is today. Caitlin shares insights into how McCarthy's helped establish what would eventually become a recognized category of American whiskey, breaking new ground decades ahead of the current single malt boom.

Throughout our conversation, Caitlin's expertise shines as she discusses the technical aspects of distillation, the importance of sourcing quality fruit, and the vision that continues to drive Clear Creek's commitment to producing distinctive, high-quality spirits. This episode offers listeners a fascinating look at a distillery that has consistently pushed boundaries while honoring traditional European distilling methods.