Clyde May's 6 Year Special Reserve Straight Bourbon

Review score: 18/23 Nose: Somewhat tart and dry, with background notes of sweet, spiced apple resembling apple pie filling. This nose is far from full, and I detect a hint of alcohol. There's also the slightest touch of very tart tropical fruit, along with whispers of buttered cornbread. Despite the pleasant descriptors, the nose is actually quite dry, tart, and thin. It's not appealing. Palate: Pleasant rich spices emerge, leading into wood grain and a touch of woody bitterness. Some bitter herbal notes are present, as are rich, sweet apples. A hint of slightly buttery cornbread richness is also there. Overall, the palate is rich and decadent, but not particularly engaging or flavorful. Later, a significant vanilla profile becomes apparent. Finish: The rich fullness and spice persist. It's spicy, with full, rich wood that has sweetness at its core. Perhaps a touch of vanilla, but definitely not the apple from the palate. - Conclusion - This is quite drinkable, but I'm not overly impressed. Early Settler (10/23) offers comparable complexity, though it's lighter and sweeter. This is undeniably more complex and superior. Russell's Reserve 10 (16/23) is similarly complex, but thinner and more bitter. I consider this one the clear victor. Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is somewhat bold, but much spicier with less immediate complexity. I find this comparable to Russell's Reserve Single Barrel and Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered, leading me to rate it an 18. To be honest, this is much better than anticipated. Thank you to a friend for the sample!

To avoid confusion, this isn't the Clyde May's Alabama style whiskey with added apple flavoring. I also secured this on discount for thirty dollars, which is an excellent price for this bourbon. It's a six-year MGP bourbon at 110 proof. I noticed some unfavorable reviews for the five-year version, which made me hesitant, but I'm a big admirer of MGP and decided to take a chance. The aroma presents apple, butterscotch, vanilla, and oak. The taste mirrors the aroma. The finish is underwhelming. Overall, it's not bad. It might not match the MGP single barrels of comparable age I've sampled, but at six years, it has respectable age, a pleasing flavor profile, and a good proof. For the price I paid, it offers great value. I suspect there's slightly more apple in the flavor profile than typical MGP of this age, making me wonder if Clyde May selects MGP barrels with this characteristic to complement their flavored whiskey.

Caramel, orange, apple, vanilla, and cinnamon with allspice. I'm a fan of MGP, and I particularly enjoy their 36% rye bourbon mash bill. I couldn't find the mash bill for this one, but I took a chance hoping it was the high rye. Unfortunately, it tastes very similar to Belle Meade Reserve, leading me to believe it's likely a lower rye mash bill. Despite this slight letdown, it's actually quite delicious. I'd consider it a good value at around $50 if I hadn't just bought a case of Belle Meade Reserve for $30 a bottle. It's not different enough from the BMR to warrant a separate rating. Edit: I've had more from this bottle, and while it seems a bit younger, it has more fruit, which I appreciate. I actually think I slightly prefer this to the BMR.

An aroma of apple, chocolate, and florals greets you. The initial sip brings notes of black pepper spice and leather. There's a substantial warmth and lingering sensation, indicative of a full flavor. It's certainly a worthy Clyde option and merits consideration for purchase.

Strong caramel notes, a pleasant lingering warmth, I would purchase this again.

Significant heat, but a smooth finish.