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We’ve checked in with Alabama’s Clyde May’s Whiskey on quite a few events relationship again to 2013, and not too long ago we acquired a passel of samples from the model, together with contemporary bottlings of the three whiskeys that comprise its core — rye, bourbon, and Alabama type whiskey — plus a pair of a lot older, restricted version releases.
Let’s dig into the gathering of 5 and see what’s modified within the core lineup — seems lots has modified in a really brief time — and the way the brand new choices acquit themselves.
Clyde Might’s Straight Rye Whiskey (2022) – Indiana-born MGP inventory. This now carries a 4 12 months outdated age assertion as an alternative of a 3 year one. There’s extra refinement right here than within the authentic, however not a lot. It’s nonetheless aggressively grainy and rustic, a heavy punch of dried herbs taking issues in an much more savory route. I get much less spice, extra oak on the nostril, although there’s a sure potpourri character that endures. Peppery and toasty from midpalate to complete, once more I discover the whiskey crying out for some sweetness — although maybe it’s hinted at (very) late within the sport. Nonetheless my least favourite within the Clyde Might’s lineup. 94 proof. B / $43 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Clyde Might’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2022) – This was formerly a 5 12 months outdated Kentucky bourbon, now it’s Indiana inventory with no age assertion however a “4 to five 12 months outdated” discover on the web site. Arguably it’s higher. There’s plenty of char on the marginally sizzling nostril, but in addition plenty of fruit. Apples, cinnamon, sultry vanilla, and a few cocoa powder are all in attendance, making for a easy however absolutely pleasing entrée to the expertise. The palate’s a bit tough across the edges however approachable with its cinnamon toast and apple crumble character, fading to a vanilla-laced milk chocolate character as issues fade out on the marginally candy end. It’s ok at this value stage, although nothing that may blow your thoughts. My tasting notes have nearly no resemblance to these in 2017 (although they’re quality-wise about equal). Contemplating the brand new sourcing, I assume that’s what one ought to count on. Verify the label fastidiously if you happen to’re fascinated about one vs. the opposite. 92 proof. B+ / $38 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Clyde Might’s Alabama Type Whiskey (2022) – We’ve reviewed this twice earlier than, in 2013 (underneath a unique title) and 2018. It has modified once more since our final outing, reverting from a 6+ 12 months outdated bottling again to a 4 12 months outdated, because it was in 2013. It’s Indiana inventory, made — as is the Alabama type — with some apple chips within the barrel. Think about a fruitier model of the bourbon and also you’re about on course right here: The spice stage is about the identical, however there’s a stronger punch of contemporary apples and brown butter, giving the whiskey a extra rounded physique and, in fact, extra sweetness. A lot the identical on the palate, with some cloves and mint pairing effectively with the apple-heavy physique. That this arrives at a significantly decrease abv than the bourbon helps to make for a extra approachable expertise, although the flipside of that’s that it lacks any vital quantity of gravitas. Nonetheless, as whiskey goes, that is about as simple at it will get. 85 proof. B+ / $35 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Clyde Might’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 15 Years Previous (2022) – Wholly totally different inventory than the rack bourbon, but it surely nonetheless carries a few of Clyde’s DNA. Fruity and woodsy in equal proportions, with a slug of chocolate evident, there’s lots to love immediately from the beginning, although a bit chimney soot tempers the proceedings. Filled with vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, and a layer of spice on the palate, this whiskey doesn’t come throughout as outdated or austere in any respect, with purple fruit and baking spice finally dominating because the end comes into focus. Candy and fruity however balanced and invariably participating, I actually discovered nothing to complain about with this expertise — although it doesn’t wholly problem expectations. Heat however not altogether sizzling, I discovered it approachable at bottle energy however definitely value exploring in additional depth with a splash of water. 112 proof. A / $195
Clyde Might’s Cask Power Alabama Type Whiskey 13 Years Previous (2022) – We’ve seen younger expressions of this previously, all a part of the continuing “continuity collection” that started when the whiskey was simply 8 years outdated. (We final encountered it at age 10.) Now it’s as much as 13 years of age, and issues are getting… intense. Daring aromas of oxidized wine and overripe fruit are punctuated with well-charred wooden, black tea, and asphalt notes. Biting and tannic on the palate, the barrel is absolutely having its method with this whiskey at this level, and no quantity of apple chip infusion on the finish of the method goes to vary that. It takes a while for this whiskey to cool down and permit its flavors to coalesce, which it does fitfully. Dried banana and apple notes actually get slapped round by the wooden right here, resulting in a end that’s each super-sweet and closely oaky. Water helps however lower than you’d assume, dulling the warmth of the whiskey a bit whereas permitting extra tea leaf notes to point out by means of. Finest to tug this collection from the cask now earlier than issues actually begin to get loopy. 120 proof. B / $180
Clyde Might’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 15 Years Previous (2022)
$195
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