Clear Creek Eau de Vie of Douglas Fir 375ml Bottle

The suggestion to sip this eau di vie neat is one that should probably be taken with a grain (or two) of something else. The flavors are harshly herbal, astringent to the point of unpleasantness, and need mellowing with something. I'm not sure what. The idea is spectacular, and the spirit can probably lend sprightliness and herbal undertones to other drinks, but neat . . . this is not a drink that pleases the palate. My suspicion is that the creators, in their desire to bring the Oregon woods to the bottle, went a bit too far. The high alcohol content masks the subtle fir aromas and flavors, and the bitterness is just about the only flavor that registers.