Clyde May's Special Reserve Alabama Style Whiskey (110 Proof)

I'm not sure it's entirely fair to cast this as "flavored whiskey." That, to me, suggests a certain heavy-handed forcing of alien flavors into a whiskey. This isn't some kind of science experiment or adding flavored syrup, though. Clyde May's simply adds some oven-dried apples to the barrels...it just feels like a different kind of mindset than, say, Rebel Yell's root beer flavored "whiskey." Of course, maybe the difference here is that I like this one, but would generally turn my nose up at the genre of "flavored whiskey"...so, perhaps I'm just trying to justify myself. At any rate, it certainly is not an unnatural flavoring - it smells like taffy apples, and tastes like a green apple inflected, spicy bourbon with a buttery mouthfeel and a surprising cocoa note that pops up. Personally, I enjoy it; the higher proof for the Special Reserve does give it a bit of extra oomph than the standard bottling (including a richer mouthfeel), but it feels a bit hot at 55% ABV. Not sure this is worth the usual $50-60 price tag, but at the 40% clearance rate...well, that I'm willing to pay.

On initial tastings, wasn’t feeling it. A lot of that, I suspect, was down to the bullshit marketing which underpins the Clyde May’s brand—it’s one of those brands who front like their product is deeply grounded in some rich history. It’s not. But now that the tedious marketing is at the back of my mind, I’m enjoying the product. There’s an oaky, smokey apple on the nose, and it follows through to the tongue. The finish is briefer than ideal, beyond a lingering top note of candy apple rye. I’d prefer the producers spent more time and money on production rather than marketing, but I guess my issues are with capitalism rather than the bourbon.

My first review on Distiller, despite being an avid whiskey drinker and collector. I received this as a gift - so it was free - but wanted to review it to help my fellow man who is spending money on a new whiskey. Do not buy this. It is god awful. From nose to finish, it is just cheap whiskey that should be in a plastic bottle. The added green apple and cinnamon are forward, but not strong enough to cover the astringency of the juice behind it. This calling itself whiskey is the same as fireball calling itself whiskey.

Hidden gem. Balanced smell (rich and smooth), great flavor (fruit, nuts, light smoke, butterscotch), clean and smoky aftertaste. Very pleasantly surprised by this drink. Very easy to over consume. Dangerously smooth, great overall balance, and 110 proof to boot. Overall score 96/100. Pick one up before price increases.

Fun. Not much burn and caramel apple very up front for a 110 proof. Definitely ok with a large ice cube, you won’t miss any complexity. It’s apple. But, an easy end to a nice dinner while others enjoy their desert. I wouldn’t have it in my ‘tight’ collection, but glad I tried it.

55% ABV Alabama style whiskey infused with dried apples and cinnamon. The additions are not at all overwhelming and create a delicious flavor profile. Super good. Reminiscent of some of the better High West bottles. 4.25.