Clyde May's

Clyde May's Whiskey honors the legacy of Clyde May, a legendary Alabama moonshiner who began distilling in 1946 and became known for producing the finest illegal whiskey in the state — so respected that the Alabama legislature posthumously named him the Official State Spirit of Alabama. The brand was revived by his son Kenny May to carry that heritage into legitimacy.

Clyde May's most distinctive expression is the Alabama Style Whiskey — a straight bourbon finished with oven-dried apples, a production technique that references the original Clyde May recipe. The apples impart a subtle, warm fruit note that complements the bourbon's natural caramel and spice without dominating the profile. The bourbon and rye expressions in the lineup follow more traditional American whiskey production.

The Clyde May's Lineup

Clyde May's Alabama Style Whiskey — Straight bourbon finished with oven-dried apples. The signature expression — caramel, warm baking spice, and a subtle apple note that distinguishes it from standard bourbon. Clyde May's Straight Bourbon Whiskey — The core straight bourbon without the apple finishing — honey, vanilla, and oak spice. Clyde May's Special Reserve — A higher-tier expression aged longer, offering greater oak integration and depth. Clyde May's Cask Strength — The Alabama Style Whiskey at natural cask strength, uncut and undiluted for maximum intensity. Clyde May's Rye Whiskey — Straight rye from the same Alabama heritage tradition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Clyde May's Alabama Style Whiskey unique?

The apple finishing — oven-dried apples are added during the finishing process, imparting a subtle warm fruit note that references the original Clyde May moonshine recipe. No other mainstream American whiskey uses this production technique. The result is a bourbon with a distinctive character that's immediately recognizable without being novelty-forward.

Who was Clyde May?

A legendary Alabama moonshiner who began distilling in 1946 in Bullock County, Alabama. Known for producing the finest illegal whiskey in the state — reportedly so good that federal revenue agents would drink it themselves after confiscating it. The Alabama legislature posthumously declared him the Official Distiller of the State Spirit of Alabama.

Is Clyde May's good for sipping neat?

Yes — the Alabama Style Whiskey in particular is designed for neat sipping, where the subtle apple note and bourbon spice are most apparent. The Cask Strength version benefits from a few drops of water to open the full profile. The standard bourbon and rye are also excellent on the rocks.