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

The Distillery Nation Podcast

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.