Clear Creek Kirschwasser 750ML

Clear Creek Kirschwasser 750ML is a traditional German-style cherry eau de vie distilled from fresh Bing cherries at 40% ABV (80 proof). This Oregon-made Kirschwasser earned a Platinum medal from SIP Magazine's Best of the Northwest in 2025 and has drawn praise from critics including F. Paul Pacult and Eric Asimov of The New York Times, who recognized its refined subtlety and pure cherry character.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Hood River, Oregon, USA  |  Unaged Cherry Eau de Vie  |  Distillery: Clear Creek Distillery

Production & Heritage

Clear Creek Distillery was founded in 1985 in Hood River, Oregon, and has been owned by Hood River Distillers since 2014. The distillery built its reputation on European-style fruit brandies, and this Kirschwasser remains a cornerstone of its lineup. Fresh sweet cherries — primarily Bing cherries from Wasco County, Oregon, along with Washington-grown fruit — are crushed whole, including their pits, then fermented and double-distilled in the classic German tradition. The spirit is bottled without oak aging, preserving the transparent color and allowing the pure distillate character to come through unobstructed. The deliberate inclusion of cherry pits during fermentation and distillation is the key technique that imparts the distinctive almond and marzipan undertones that define authentic Kirschwasser.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Initially restrained, the nose opens gradually in the glass. Given time, warm cherry aromas emerge alongside soft vanilla and almond notes, with a gentle mintiness developing underneath — a perfumed, delicate bouquet that rewards patience.

Taste: The palate enters gently with a silky texture, building toward sugared cherry and marzipan flavors at mid-palate. Earthy, nutty tones provide depth, while the cherry pit–driven almond character becomes more pronounced as the spirit opens up. The overall impression is one of restrained elegance rather than brute fruit intensity.

Finish: Medium in length with a clean, dry fade and lingering traces of cherry stone and faint vanilla. The finish reinforces the spirit's purity, leaving a quiet echo of orchard fruit without any harshness.

How to Drink Clear Creek Kirsch

Serve slightly chilled in a small tulip glass to allow the shy aromatics to concentrate and bloom. A few minutes of rest in the glass before the first sip will dramatically improve the experience. Beyond neat sipping, this Kirschwasser works beautifully in cocktails: a Rose Cocktail (Kirsch, dry vermouth, cherry syrup) highlights the spirit's delicate cherry core; a Black Forest Flip (Kirsch, chocolate liqueur, egg, cream) leans into the natural almond and cherry pairing; and a classic Lady Finger (Kirsch, gin, cherry liqueur) uses the eau de vie's clean profile to brighten and lift richer ingredients.

Best For

• Bakers and pastry chefs seeking an authentic Kirschwasser for Black Forest cake, fondue, or cherry desserts
• Spirits enthusiasts exploring traditional European-style eau de vie from an American craft distillery
• Gifting to a home cook or cocktail hobbyist who appreciates specialty ingredients
• After-dinner digestif service alongside dark chocolate or fruit tarts

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clear Creek Kirsch taste like? Clear Creek Kirschwasser presents delicate cherry and almond flavors with a silky texture and subtle earthy depth. It is restrained and elegant rather than overtly fruity, with cherry pit–driven marzipan notes at its center.

How does Clear Creek Kirsch compare to Swiss Kirschwasser? Critics have noted that Clear Creek's expression rivals the best Swiss Kirsch, which is high praise given that Switzerland is the traditional heartland of the style. The primary distinction is terroir — Clear Creek uses Oregon and Washington Bing cherries rather than European varieties, yielding a slightly softer, rounder fruit profile.

Is Clear Creek Kirsch good for baking? Clear Creek Kirschwasser is an excellent choice for baking, particularly Black Forest cake, cherry clafoutis, and chocolate truffles, where its pure cherry and almond character adds authentic depth without overpowering other flavors.

Where is Clear Creek Kirsch made? Clear Creek Kirschwasser is distilled at Clear Creek Distillery in Hood River, Oregon, a facility founded in 1985 that specializes in European-style fruit brandies. The cherries are sourced primarily from Wasco County, Oregon, and from orchards in Washington State.

What foods pair well with Clear Creek Kirsch? Dark chocolate and cherry desserts are natural partners, as the almond notes in the spirit bridge beautifully with cocoa. Aged Gruyère or Emmental cheese pairs well, echoing the classic Swiss fondue tradition. Fresh stone fruit — cherries, apricots, plums — served alongside the spirit creates a harmonious seasonal pairing. Almond biscotti or marzipan confections amplify the Kirsch's cherry-pit character.

What sizes does Clear Creek Kirsch come in? Clear Creek Kirschwasser is commonly available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Clear Creek Kirsch worth the price? Clear Creek Kirschwasser positions as a premium American eau de vie that competes directly with top-tier European imports. For its quality of fruit sourcing, traditional production method, and critical recognition — including a Platinum from SIP Magazine and an 88-point rating from Wine Enthusiast — it represents strong value within the authentic Kirschwasser category.

Why Clear Creek Kirsch?

What separates this expression is the combination of premium Pacific Northwest fruit and rigorous Old World technique. Distilling whole cherries with their pits intact is the defining step — it's this detail that produces the almond and marzipan complexity that distinguishes true Kirschwasser from simple cherry brandy. F. Paul Pacult described its character as possessing a "feline delicacy of cherry flavor" in the Spirit Journal, and Eric Asimov highlighted its evolution from muted restraint to "the essence of sugared cherries" in The New York Times. In a category dominated by European producers, Clear Creek has earned a legitimate place at the table as one of the finest Kirschwassers made outside of Central Europe.