Clyde May's Special Reserve 5 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey
Clyde May's Special Reserve 5 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey is the younger sibling of the Special Reserve line — still a straight bourbon, still bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) in 750mL, non-chill-filtered and finished Alabama style with a hint of apple. Drawn from the same higher-proof stock Clyde May's developed with whiskey veteran Ron Call, it trades a year of oak for a brighter, fruit-forward pour. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 55% (110 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: 5 years in charred American oak barrels; non-chill-filtered
- Style: Alabama style — slight hint of apple
- Heritage: Clyde May's, official State Spirit of Alabama; developed with Ron Call
The Five-Year Expression
The 5 Year Old carries the same brand story as the 6 Year — original Clyde May recipes, three distinct higher-proof lots, bottled at 110 proof in subtly varying batches — with the age statement dialed back a year. Retailer copy describes "caramelized orchard & citrus fruits that mingle in the palate with clove and other wood spices for a full, long finish," bottled, as the brand puts it, at "a smooth 110 proof."
Tasting Notes
Expect caramelized orchard fruit and citrus up front, clove and wood spice through the middle, and a full, long finish. The younger age shows as brighter fruit and a touch less oak weight than the 6 Year — same 110-proof backbone, lighter step.
How to Enjoy
Pour it neat to compare directly against the 6 Year Old from the Clyde May's line, or put its 110-proof frame to work in a Manhattan. Either way it punches above its age statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proof of Clyde May's Special Reserve 5 Year? 110 proof (55% ABV).
How does it differ from the 6 Year? One year less in oak — brighter fruit, slightly lighter oak, same proof and Alabama-style finish.
Is it non-chill-filtered? Yes, like the rest of the Special Reserve line.
Order Clyde May's Special Reserve 5 Year online at Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA — 110-proof Alabama bourbon at a daily-drinker price.