Clyde May's Alabama Style Whiskey (85 Proof)

The distiller provided incorrect information; it's not NAS but aged for 6 years. While I expect oddities and discomfort to accurately represent Alabama, a fake bourbon with added apples is certainly among them (people who make moonshine are peculiar). Fortunately, we have rye here instead of wheat; its spiciness should pair much better with apples than wheat would. Furthermore, 6 years is a respectable age, so I anticipate a prominent apple flavor. The color is quite dark, suggesting a whiskey aged much longer than this, but perhaps the added apples contribute to this. Standard notes found in most "classic" bourbons are present: sweet corn, vanilla from charred oak, and cinnamon, grass, and mint from the rye. However, I detect no scent resembling apples, nor the warm baking or autumn spice that cooked or stewed apples might impart. The initial taste is weak, reflecting the very low proof. Sweet corn is tasted, but more as a grain, with the sweetness diminished. The rye's spice is not tasted and is only perceived as a slight burn on the gums and tongue near the finish. There is indeed an apple flavor; it tastes like a neutral, mildly sweet variety (similar to Fiji), not intensely sweet (like Honeycrisp) or tart (like Granny Smith). This addition is not entirely welcome, as it detracts from the grain's prominence and further weakens the body's presence. See above for the finish; however, several minutes after the last sip, notes of fresh apple flesh do emerge. It's abundantly clear that this whiskey has a strong mashbill base, but the added apples significantly limit the intended audience; I expect a flavor and body like this from flavored whiskies at 40 or 50 proof. I hold out hope that Clyde May's actual bourbon is simply this whiskey without the apples, as that might yield a favorable result. Instead, what we have here is neither as enjoyable nor as flavorful as a proper flavored whiskey, nor does it possess enough unique flavor notes to be consumed on its own, compelling one to seek out specific, often distillery-provided, cocktail recipes for its best use.

I've evaluated this before, and my previous assessment still holds. I get very little from this, with a slight alcohol note. The most pleasant aspect is the somewhat sweet finish, but everything else about it seems watery, and I cannot recommend it. I do enjoy revisiting bottles like this periodically for a reassessment, and I've sampled several tonight. My notes from today align closely with my previous ones, which is perhaps a positive in a way. There are some excellent budget Bourbons and whiskeys available. This is simply not one of them. I must say that most budget Bourbons I've encountered originate from major distilleries; I can't think of any that didn't. Therefore, a good guideline when shopping is that you're more likely to find success with a budget bourbon from a major distillery compared to a private label or a prominent independent brand.

The aroma starts with a mix of charred oak, cinnamon, baked apples and vanilla cream that is rather pleasant. It almost takes on the sharp sweetness of molasses and as it breathes, it all comes together to smell wonderfully of apple crisp. The palate is very light with slight baking spices running down the sides of the mouth while sweeter notes of baked apple and vanilla go over the tongue. Charred oak follows, enveloping the mouth and bringing everything together. It is quite simple and basic and you almost forget there were apples added to the barrels. I expected stronger notes of apple, but ultimately don't feel as though that is adding much to this whiskey. The finish is short to medium with charred oak lingering before all the flavors become a bit astringent. There is spiciness that keeps the mouth tingling a little bit, but the whiskey becomes somewhat quickly forgettable. As something to sip this is perfectly fine. But for something to enjoy, this misses the mark a little bit.

Nose: Smells like baked apple pie and ice cream with notes of apple spice and vanilla. Palate: A subtle hint of apple and a tiny bit of vanilla, but predominantly spice. Finish: A short to medium finish filled with baking spices. An interesting approach: whiskey with an apple finish. It's not a typical flavored whiskey; rather, it offers a whisper of apple in an otherwise sweet and spicy drink (which is noteworthy for its lower proof).

I truly enjoy the aroma…a sweet tobacco note that I really like on an aroma with just a bit of grain. However, the taste is less pleasing…that grain note really comes through with a bit of astringency. Thin in the mouth, but drinks a bit higher than the 85 proof as has some spice on the finish. Paid $10 on clearance at WMT so glad I have, but wouldn’t buy again.

The nose presents medicinal notes with cherry, fruit, vanilla, and apple. The initial taste is somewhat sweet and buttery, with abundant fruit, and is sweet and revitalizing. A trace of apple and caramel is present alongside some unusual woody undertones. It has a thin mouthfeel and is quite mellow, leading to a simple finish that persists pleasurably. I find it enjoyable.