A little background
Clyde May’s Special Reserve Alabama Style Whiskey from Conecuh Ridge Distillery bears the name of the man responsible for the brand, Clyde May. Clyde crafted his first spirits in 1946, but it wasn’t until 2001 that the distilling operation was made legal. The company built its name around this popular “Alabama Style Whiskey”, which according to their website is finished with a hint of apple and is the Official State Spirit of Alabama. Clyde May’s Special Reserve Alabama Style Whiskey is bottled at 110 Proof and has a retail price of around $60. According to Clyde May’s, it’s a select reserve of their special stock that’s been aged 6 to 7 years in 53 gallon #4 char barrels and finished with a natural essence of apple.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn.)
Color
Medium Copper
Nose
Stewed apples and pears. Caramel, nutmeg, cinnamon.
Palate
A surprising amount of butterscotch is noticeable with an unsurprising amount of baked apple pie.
Finish
Short and one note given the proof with Barrel char taking the place of the apples and pears.
In closing
That went better than anticipated. Sure, the “natural apple essence” was noted but it did not overpower the intrinsic whiskey characteristics. While I consider myself a purist when it comes to finishing whiskey, I must say I would not turn this down if offered to me. I recommend giving this one a try, you may just like it!
NOTE: The sample used for this review was provided at no cost courtesy of Clyde May’s. We thank them for the sample and for allowing us to review this great whiskey!
Clyde May’s Special Reserve Alabama Style Whiskey
110 Proof
The Good
- Butterscotch Palate
The Bad
- Finish
Nose
3.5
Palate
4.5
Finish
5.5
Complexity
3.5
Value
3.5
Just couldn’t get behind this whiskey. Ripe red fruit with an unsettling hit of Play Doh on the nose.
Palate is straight up Hawaiian Punch. The proof is hidden well but man..i had to trade this bottle to a friend. Borderline gross neat. In a cocktail, perhaps would shine, but pricey mixer.