By
George Brozowski
Well,
I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks. Who
knew, outside of Alabama, that there is an Alabama style whiskey?
And just what might Alabama style be like? Well, according
to the guy who invented it, Clyde May, it
involves oven dried apples that are added to the barrels during
ageing. Really, apples?
Well,
I suppose if anyone could pull off that special Alabama style
it would have likely been Clyde May. It turns out that old
Clyde was a moonshiner all his life, hell he even spent some
time as guest of the state in their not so glamorous prison
system. Over those many decades, honing his skills, using
hand built stills hidden along Alabama's Conecuh Ridge, he
experimented with variations of his recipes until he came
upon that apple thing. Clyde Mays Alabama Style Whiskey
is a curated blend of aged barrels that have been mellowed,
non-cold filtered and finished in the Alabama style and bottled
at 110 proof.
Well,
I have to admit that this sure has piqued my interest so without
further ado let's take this spirit for a taste drive. The
color is that of brewed tea and not only do I get a hint of
apple in the nose but I also sense a bit of pear and some
smoke and sweet whiskey and oak but very little ethanol followed
by a hint of spice. Oh my, that is some sweet sipping whiskey,
on the palate I again get that hint of sweet apples and pears
and then smokey oaky depth followed by the taste of fine whiskey
and just a touch of spice and heat. The finish is just as
nice and sweet and fruity and slightly smoky and leaves a
warmth in the back of the throat accompanied by a touch of
spice and heat.
This
is a wonderful whiskey that is very complex and deep in structure
that delivers a wide range of flavors and uniquely delivers
that fruity sweet flavor that is not too sweet and well balanced.
I do believe I really like this Alabama style whiskey. It
is as complex and deep as some fine scotch or cognac and yet
at around 110 proof it is smooth yet spicy and delivers just
the right amount of heat. Y'all should go get you some of
this stuff because I guarantee it will liven up your holidays.
Clyde
Mays Alabama Style Whiskey is 110 proof and can be
purchased for around $70.00 per 750ML bottle.
By George Brozowski
For
more Rants & Raves click
here.
http://www.mayswhiskey.com/