Clyde May’s bourbon is a departure from their traditional Alabama Style whiskey because it contains no apples; it’s a straight bourbon. Clyde May coined, and trade-marked, the term Alabama Style Whiskey which is essentially a traditional bourbon that has oven-dried apples added to the barrels full of new-make. This is that traditional bourbon sans apples.
In the Distillery’s Words: Clyde May’s Bourbon
“Paying homage to Clyde May himself – a moonshine icon who made the best whiskey Alabama ever tasted – and his dedication to his craft, this non-chill filtered straight bourbon is a classic 5-year-old, easy drinking spirit. Using simple and traditional ingredients, the bourbon mash is patiently aged in heavily “alligator” charred new American oak barrels to produce exceptional flavors that feature a soft, sweet nose of brown sugar, baked apricot, wild strawberry and nutmeg. Its soft palate delivers complex aromas of barrel spice, fruit and oiled leather, while the finishes are robust, long and delicious.”
I tasted the “traditional” Alabama Style at a tasting a couple years ago and I remember liking it, but I don’t have any notes to compare it to. Though with how tasty this stuff is it might be worth picking up a bottle if it’s just this with some apples in it. Anyways, let’s see how the distillery’s words hold up in the Clyde May’s Bourbon review below.
Clyde May’s Bourbon Info
Region: Alabama, USA
Distiller: Clyde May
Mashbill: 55% Corn, 30% Rye, 15% Malted Barley
Cask: New charred Oak
Age: 5 Years
ABV: 46%
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Price: $50*
Clyde May’s Bourbon Review
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Caramel corn, marshmallows, spice, vanilla ice cream, little bits of oak, dried cherries and an earthy undertone that reminds me of mushrooms. It’s a nice aroma for sure.
PALATE
Caramel, vanilla, dried corn, peanuts, herbal spice, a light citrus and something that reminds me of root beer. As tasty as the aroma is nice.
FINISH
Medium and dry peanut brittle, anise, peanut oil, pepper and mint.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Decent balance, medium body and mild easy sipping’ feel.
OVERALL
Clyde May’s Bourbon has a nice balance, especially to the aroma with the sweet and rustic notes aligning nicely. The palate is a bit heavier on the rustic notes, which I like, and after awhile the peanut notes on the palate grow and become even more pronounced. Overall it reminds me quite a bit of Henry McKenna, like it’s the missing link between Henry McKenna and the Henry McKenna 10 year Single Barrel Bottled In Bond.
It’s interesting to see craft brands like this putting out a well matured product that’s been handled in a traditional manner and to see just how good it is. There is so much going on here and it shows what can be achieved when short cuts aren’t taken and well honed processes and traditions are respected. Clyde May’s Bourbon is easily among the top of the craft bourbons out there.
SCORE: 87/100 (B+)
*Disclosure: This Clyde May’s Bourbon was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
