Clyde May's Special Reserve Bourbon 110 Proof

Product Description

Clyde May's Special Reserve: Alabama's Official State Spirit

Clyde May was a moonshiner by trade but a craftsman by heart, aging small batches in charred oak barrels along Alabama's Conecuh Ridge and experimenting until he perfected his own unique finish. Each year, he gifted most of his very best whiskey to close friends and lucky locals, and receiving it was seen as a genuine sign of respect. His commitment to the craft came at a real cost: in 1973, Clyde served an 18-month sentence at Maxwell Air Force Base for operating outside state liquor laws, and in a moment of true Southern grace, he gave up his own cell to the man who'd convicted him, Attorney General John N. Mitchell, who would later be convicted himself on charges stemming from the Watergate scandal.

After Clyde's passing in 1990, his son Kenny worked to legalize and honor his father's original recipe, and the whiskey has carried that legacy forward ever since, formally designated Alabama's official "State Spirit" by legislative resolution in 2004. Special Reserve represents a select reserve of the brand's finest stock, aged 6 to 7 years in 53-gallon char #4 barrels, non-chill filtered, and finished during bottling with a natural essence of apple, developing a generous amount of caramelized orchard and citrus fruit that carries through the palate alongside clove and wood spice.

That craftsmanship has earned genuine recognition: Special Reserve took home Double Gold at both the 2021 and 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, along with 95 points at the New York International Spirits Competition and 93 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For bourbon drinkers who want real Southern history behind a high-proof, remarkably balanced pour, Clyde May's Special Reserve delivers both.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Bright crimson.

Nose: Generous aromatics loaded with caramelized orchard and citrus fruits, brown sugar, and clove.

Palate: Harmonious and seamless, with sweet caramelized fruit balanced by clove and wood spices.

Finish: Smooth and long, with lingering clove, chocolate, and baking spice.

Food Pairings

Clyde May's Special Reserve's orchard fruit and clove character pairs beautifully with smoked ham, aged cheddar, or a charcuterie board with dried apple and toasted nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Clyde May's Special Reserve is a high-proof bourbon and drinks like one; if a strong burn isn't your preference, serve it on the rocks or with a couple drops of water. Enjoyed neat, it's genuinely sweet on the palate and well worth savoring slowly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "Clyde May's Special Reserve" the same as "Clyde May's Special Reserve 110 Proof"? Yes, they're the same bourbon. The full name includes the 110-proof designation, though some retailers list it without that detail.

What is the alcohol content? 55% ABV (110 proof).

How old is this bourbon? Aged 6 to 7 years in 53-gallon char #4 barrels.

Is this whiskey flavored? It's finished during bottling with a natural essence of apple, contributing to its orchard fruit character, though it remains classified as a straight bourbon.

Has this bourbon won any awards? Yes. It earned Double Gold at both the 2021 and 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, plus 95 points at the New York International Spirits Competition and 93 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

How should I enjoy it? Neat, on the rocks, or with a couple drops of water to soften the proof.

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