Clyde May’s Special Reserve Alabama Style Whiskey

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!