Clyde May's Special Reserve 6 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey
Clyde May's Special Reserve 6 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey is a straight bourbon bottled at a bold 110 proof (55% ABV) in 750mL — non-chill-filtered, aged six years in charred American oak barrels, and finished in the brand's signature Alabama style with a slight hint of apple. Named for Clyde May, Alabama's legendary moonshiner and the namesake of the state's official spirit, it is the brand's first-ever line extension, launched in fall 2015. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 55% (110 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Aging: 6 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 whiskey veteran Ron Call; distilled in Indiana per brand coverage
Alabama's Moonshiner, Bottled at Full Strength
Clyde May gifted his best whiskeys to friends along Alabama's Conecuh Ridge — receiving a bottle was a sign of respect. The Special Reserve line, built from three distinct higher-proof Alabama-style whiskies drawn from five-to-six-year-old bourbon stock, is the brand's tribute to that tradition: the original recipes Clyde himself created, finished non-chill-filtered at 110 proof in small, subtly varying lots. Retailers report a high-rye mashbill (55% corn, 30% rye, 15% malted barley) — treat as soft, not brand-confirmed.
Tasting Notes
Brand and retailer copy leads with caramelized orchard and citrus fruits on the nose, vanilla and caramelized sugar; a surprisingly rich palate of butterscotch, apple pie, and toasted oak; and a long, harmonious finish of clove and wood spice. The Whiskey Jug scored it 89; the bourbon-central crowd rates its caramel-dark-chocolate-spice profile a strong value at the ~$60 shelf.
How to Enjoy
Neat or over one cube — 110 proof opens beautifully with a little air or water. It also makes a formidable Old Fashioned. Compare it with its 5-year sibling and the rest of the Clyde May's range, or browse the full whiskey shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the proof of Clyde May's Special Reserve 6 Year? 110 proof (55% ABV), non-chill-filtered.
What is "Alabama style"? The brand's signature finish with a slight hint of apple, per the launch coverage.
Is it a straight bourbon? Yes — aged six years in new charred American oak.
For a high-proof, full-flavored bourbon with real Alabama heritage, order Clyde May's Special Reserve 6 Year from Del Mesa Liquor's online shelf.