Clyde Mays Special Reserve 110 Proof Whiskey 750ML

Clyde May's Special Reserve 110 Proof Whiskey 750ML is a barrel-strength, non-chill filtered Alabama-style whiskey bottled at 55% ABV. This expression earned a Double Gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, affirming its standing as one of the more serious high-proof American whiskeys on the market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 55% (110 Proof)  |  Origin: Alabama, USA  |  Aged 6–7 Years  |  Distillery: Conecuh Ridge Distillery

Production & Heritage

Conecuh Ridge Distillery carries forward the legacy of Clyde May, a celebrated Alabama moonshiner whose apple-kissed whiskey became a regional icon. The Special Reserve is built on a mashbill of 55% corn, 30% rye, and 15% malted barley, then aged six to seven years in new charred American oak barrels at a heavy char #4 level. The whiskey undergoes an apple-finishing process — a signature "Alabama-style" technique involving dried apples — and is bottled non-chill filtered at a full 110 proof, preserving the barrel character and texture that filtration would strip away.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Stewed apples and ripe pears lead, followed by warm caramel, nutmeg, and cinnamon. A second pass reveals deeper layers of clove and orchard fruit that intensify as the whiskey opens up in the glass.

Taste: The entry is surprisingly sweet, with butterscotch arriving immediately alongside brown sugar and bright fruit tones. At mid-palate, baked apple pie flavors take hold, joined by chocolate and assertive baking spices driven by the 30% rye content. The 110-proof strength amplifies every note without overwhelming the balance.

Finish: Long and tannic, with cinnamon and clove lingering well past the swallow. Residual brown sugar sweetness fades gradually into dry oak and a subtle warmth that reminds you of the proof.

How to Drink Special Reserve 110

At 110 proof, this whiskey rewards a slow pour neat in a Glencairn glass — a few drops of water unlock additional fruit and soften the heat without diluting the texture. The high proof also makes it an exceptional cocktail backbone.

• Old Fashioned: The butterscotch and baking spice foundation holds up beautifully against bitters and a sugar cube, with the apple notes adding a unique twist.
• Manhattan: The rye-forward spice and dark fruit profile complement sweet vermouth without getting lost in the mix.
• Whiskey Sour: At 55% ABV, the spirit punches through citrus and simple syrup while the apple-tinged sweetness creates a more complex sour than standard bourbons deliver.

Best For

• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates barrel-proof expressions
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Alabama-style whiskey against traditional bourbon
• Building high-proof cocktails that need a spirit with enough weight to carry the drink
• After-dinner sipping sessions where a bold, warming dram is the focus

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clyde May's Special Reserve taste like? The dominant profile centers on butterscotch, baked apple pie, and brown sugar, layered with clove, chocolate, and baking spices. The non-chill filtered, high-proof bottling delivers a rich, full-bodied texture that carries those flavors through a long, tannic finish.

How does Special Reserve 110 compare to Belle Meade Reserve? Both are high-proof, aged American whiskeys that emphasize baking spice and fruit-forward character, and drinkers frequently cross-shop between them. Clyde May's distinguishes itself with its apple-finishing process and heavier rye influence at 30%, giving it a spicier, more orchard-fruit-forward profile than Belle Meade Reserve's sweeter, grain-driven character.

Is Special Reserve 110 good for sipping neat? Yes — despite the 110-proof strength, the non-chill filtered bottling and six-to-seven-year aging produce a surprisingly smooth and layered neat pour. A few drops of water open it further for those sensitive to higher alcohol levels.

Where is Clyde May's Special Reserve made? It is produced by Conecuh Ridge Distillery in Alabama, a brand rooted in the legacy of legendary Alabama moonshiner Clyde May. The "Alabama-style" designation reflects the distillery's signature apple-finishing technique.

What foods pair well with Special Reserve 110? Smoked pork ribs complement the whiskey's brown sugar and clove notes. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts the butterscotch sweetness. Apple tart or pie echoes the orchard fruit character. Dark chocolate with sea salt mirrors the chocolate and spice notes. Pecan pralines align naturally with the caramel and toasted oak flavors.

What sizes does Special Reserve 110 come in? The standard release is available in 750ML bottles.

Is Special Reserve 110 worth the price? This expression positions as a premium barrel-proof whiskey, and the six-to-seven-year age statement, non-chill filtered process, Double Gold medal at the 2021 SFWSC, and 110-proof strength represent strong value within the high-proof American whiskey category.

Why Special Reserve 110?

The Double Gold medal at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition is not an accident — this is one of the few widely available barrel-strength American whiskeys that combines meaningful age (six to seven years), a spice-forward mashbill with 30% rye, and a genuinely unique finishing step rooted in Alabama moonshining tradition. The non-chill filtered bottling at a full 110 proof delivers texture and intensity that more processed competitors cannot match. For drinkers who want a high-proof whiskey with real provenance and flavor complexity beyond standard bourbon conventions, this expression makes a compelling case.