Dustin Gandoff
Sipping on Nostalgia: A Journey through Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon
Imagine sitting on a rustic porch in the deep South, with the lingering aroma of oak trees enveloping you as you rock gently in your chair—this is the kind of nostalgia that Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon aims to envelop you in. But, as with any legend, there’s always room for a fresh twist. Let’s dive, glass first, into the world of whiskey where the moonshiner’s spirit lives on!
Tales of the Moonshiner: Clyde May and His Orchard Legacy
Picture this: Alabama in the mid-20th century. Sounds like a setting for a novel, right? Well, it’s the backdrop for our whiskey’s story. There once was a farmer named Clyde May who, let’s just say, had a knack for concocting spirits stronger than your morning cup of coffee. The man was not only famous for his talents as a moonshiner but also for a stint at the ‘big house’—yes, a federal penitentiary, courtesy of his, shall we say, ‘spirited’ entrepreneurial spirit.
What set Mr. May apart were oven-dried apples, his signature move, if you will, tossed into barrels to infuse his whiskey with a flavor as distinctive as his history. This legacy clings to every bottle of Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon like the scent of apple pie on a Sunday afternoon.
Oak and Rye Flavors: Sourced Whiskey with a Promise of Tomorrow
Now, let’s discuss what’s in your glass. Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon carries forward the same boldness as its namesake, albeit, for now, it’s sourced out—it’s a bit like renting a tuxedo, still stylish but not tailored to perfection. The whiskey’s comforting whispers of oak and rye flavors call back to timeless traditions. But let’s face it, we’re all waiting with bated breath for them to produce their homegrown hooch. And guess what? The distillery plans are not just hearsay—they’re in motion, with shovels hitting the earth in early 2022.
The Nose: A Fragrant Prelude
Start with the nose—it’s polite, after all. Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon greets you with scents as delicate as a Southern belle’s handshake. Envision apple chips gently bathed in golden raisins, a sprinkle of hay, and a dash of fresh oak—it’s light, like the tread of a cat on a hot tin roof.
The Palate: An Orchard Dance
The first sip is like a slow dance, smooth with light oak taking the lead, followed closely by the zing of rye spice. It’s a symphony in your mouth with green peppercorns prancing along, and hint of vanilla sidestepping in, subtly sweet like a stolen kiss under the old apple tree. The whisky’s mouthfeel, though, might remind you of that one time you accidentally watered down your drink because the conversation was just too darn good—we’ve all been there.
The Finish: A Spicy Serenade
The finale—ah, this is where Clyde May’s taps you on the shoulder and says, “Remember me.” It’s a slow continuation of light oak, a whisper of vanilla, and a sudden pop of that rye spice that hangs onto you like the last guest at a house party. It’s got a heat that’s more of a Southern summer evening glow than a barn-burner.
Distillery Dreams: Forging a Future
Now, we can’t glance at the past without peeking at what’s coming. Clyde May’s is building something special down in Troy, Alabama—a promise in the form of a distillery that should grace us by Fall 2023. It’s like waiting for a new season of your favorite TV show; the anticipation is as palpable as the Alabama humidity.
Bringing It Home: Straight Bourbon on Your Shelf
Let’s tell it straight—Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon isn’t quite the ‘belle of the ball’ yet in the world of sourced Indiana bourbons. But you know what? It’s a bottle of potential, a bridging of moonshiner history with the craft movement of today. It’s a simple, no-frills dram that’s as comfortable on your shelf as your granddad’s boots by the fire.
Sure, this Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon review reads like the bourbon is waiting for its own distillery to truly shine. But there’s charm in its understated character. It’s like an old photograph that tells a story—a mix of what was, what is, and the hints of what’s to come.
So next time you’re navigating the whiskey aisle, give Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon a whirl. You might just find that the oak and rye flavors, the whisper of apple and heritage, and the promise of distillery plans concoct a pour that’s not just whiskey, but a fleeting sip of Alabama tradition.
Wrapping It Up: A Sip into the Future
Clyde May’s Straight Bourbon might just be biding its time, much like a quiet fiddle waiting for its turn in a rousing bluegrass number. It’s a lineage of lore that’s currently bottling sourced whiskey but with oaks and dreams planted firmly in Alabama soul. So, pour yourself a glass and toast to the history and the future—may they both be as smooth as a well-crafted bourbon.
And remember, folks, you can snag your bottle of this Alabama nostalgia at your friendly neighborhood Frootbat—or any bourbon-lovin’ establishment that knows a thing or two about good taste. Here’s to Clyde May: may his spirit keep dancing in every bottle!
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Conecuh Brands
Distillery: Sourced from an undisclosed Indiana distillery(ies)
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 92
Age: NAS (Website states aged 4-5 years)
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Bright Bronze
MSRP: $40 / 750mL (2023)
I absolutely loved reading about Clyde May’s Bourbon and its rich history in Alabama. The article really captured the essence of the state’s spirited legacy and showcased the unique flavor profile of Clyde May’s whiskey.