Clyde May's 12 Year Cask Strength Alabama Style Whiskey

A first pour, enjoyed neat. A deceptive 12-year MGP product labeled as Alabama Whiskey. Yes, please. Oak and apple are prominent on the nose, with the apple tasting like it's been dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar. The oak presence is remarkable, more so than typically found in 12-year MGP, approaching levels usually seen in 14 or 15-year expressions, yet without being overoaked. It possesses the depth of a 12-year with that oak intensity. Vanilla bean, coffee bean, and black tea notes are present. It's developing its own MGP profile, even resembling tiramisu. Red fruits, specifically cherry, are now appearing. Impressive. Thick, oily, and coating mouthfeel. Starts dark, with cinnamon, brown sugar, and coffee bean. Mid-palate transitions to lighter notes, with vanilla and apple delivering strong blows. The finish is more conventional MGP: honey, graham cracker, chocolate, and butterscotch. Lingering oak provides a slight, non-off-putting bitterness. Vanilla reappears in waves. Delicious! While not as astonishing as the nose, the taste did not disappoint. A distinctive flavor profile for MGP. I'd purchase another if the opportunity arose.

Appearance: Resembles a blonde ale, with a honey hue. The legs form very slowly. Smell: Green apple, red licorice, oak, vanilla extract, cinnamon. Taste: Cinnamon apples, a pleasant oaky spice, vanilla, dark toast. Aftertaste: Oak spice persists with notes of toasted bread. It mainly stays on the back of the tongue and doesn't extend down the throat or chest. A dependable bourbon, not overly demanding. Features a really nice oak character throughout, without being too strong. 78/100

Enjoyed neat in a glencairn glass, thank you to a friend for the sample, cheers! Nose: Wow, this smells exactly like an apple turnover with a sweet, crumbly crust. Lots of cinnamon, baked apples, sugar, vanilla, and a well-balanced oak presence. Palate: Surprisingly gentle for being 120 proof, it has a creamy texture that coats the palate like ice cream with an espresso-like leathery feel. Finish: Fades quickly but has notes of black tea, black pepper, and oak. A solid 90/100 score.

A pleasant aroma of red apple, leather, and tobacco emerges from the glass, mingling with oak. The palate is very oaky, which I personally enjoy. Caramel apple notes seem to dance on the tongue. The finish is long and robust. A highly enjoyable drink!

Not a 12-year. Slightly nutty, sweet, and smooth. Easy to drink. I wouldn't rush to buy a bottle but wouldn't refuse a pour.

A strong nose, met by gentle yet developed flavors.