Clyde May's Straight Bourbon

I had hoped this would be like Clyde May's American whiskey, but without the apples. Instead, it's aged a year less (why?) and uses an excessive amount of corn (bourbon is sweet enough, less corn is needed). My expectations weren't high to begin with, but if it's still a sourced MGP product, the grain flavors should be prominent. Similar to the American whiskey, the color is darker than expected for only 5 years of aging (thanks to charred barrels). Fortunately, the rye aroma leads, with notes of cinnamon and banana foster, likely from the high corn content. Moderate vanilla and less caramel from the barrel are present, finishing with a simple corn syrup taste. The aroma is very similar to the American whiskey, suggesting it might share the same mash bill minus the apples. The body is light and watery, requiring swirling and swallowing to perceive any flavor. Sweet corn and vanilla are upfront, with a more herbal rye presence. The spicier notes subtly affect the palate. Barrel spice is noticeable but somewhat weak, with the grain providing most of the sweetness. The finish is slightly spicy yet still watery, with moderate charcoal and raw grain notes. This was certainly not a success. It resembles a budget bourbon from a plastic bottle, a craft brand competing with lower-tier options. While potential exists, there was a lack of commitment to further development beyond barreling and bottling. For me, this was evident. However, it does allow for pure grain and oak flavors without the apple addition found in the American whiskey, making it preferable for a purist profile. Sadly, the lack of effort diminishes the character.

Initial aromas include brown sugar, vanilla, and oak spice, with subtle notes of green apple and black pepper also detectable. The first sip highlighted the sweet components, with brown sugar and vanilla dominating the palate and the oak and pepper providing a mild throat sensation. The flavors fade rather quickly, though they are quite pleasant. A second sip brought a strong wave of vanilla that lingered longer, accompanied by brown sugar. At a higher proof, this might justify its high price, but as is, better bourbons exist for less money, though it's still a decent drink. Overall: Nose - 3/5, Taste: 3.75/5, Overall - 3.5/5 Rebuy: Not at the current price. Type: Friday Night Pour

Round 2 consuming this neat. It mainly became a whiskey for mixing cocktails between rounds. I still detect a significant amount of ethanol on the aroma, even at only 92 proof. There's also some sweetness in the nose, though it's closer to molasses now. The bottle has been open for nine months, and it appears to have benefited from it. It remains fairly uncomplicated. There's slightly more fruit and sweetness at the beginning. Perhaps cherry and vanilla? This is followed by the more characteristic notes of leather and coffee grounds. It's not the smoothest beverage. The conclusion is actually quite decent and seems rather extended. If it were a bit less bitter, the finish would be excellent. A smoky flavor emerges at the end.

Made at MGP? Smells sharp. (Neat) Sweetness hits first, followed by a kick. The dark hue and deep char are appealing, but it didn't soften as anticipated. I'm uncertain if 12% rye qualifies as "high rye," but it might explain the intense bite. (One ice cube melted) Even sweeter, with the bite still noticeable but softened. Likely suitable for an old fashioned, but I'll enjoy this with ice until it's gone. It was a present, so I'm unaware of the cost. I'm still learning about spirits, so any insights on the above would be appreciated.

Nose: Brown sugar Palate: Vanilla, more brown sugar, cinnamon Finish: Short to medium, a little dry but typically sweet with a cinnamon kick due to the 92 proof. Frankly, a rather average sipper. It has a more pronounced finish from the slightly higher proof, but nothing remarkable.

Initially, there are very ripe fruits, subtle vanilla, and light brown sugar. The mid-palate is sharp, oaky, and malty. A slight spiciness leads to a mineral finish. It's certainly a distinct bourbon but far from my favorite. It's a subdued bourbon that doesn't strongly resemble a bourbon; it reminds me of a malt whisky with light brown sugar and spice.