Clyde May's Straight Bourbon 750ML

Clyde May's Straight Bourbon 750ML is a 92-proof (46% ABV) straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 750ml, sourced from an Indiana distillery and non-chilled filtered. This expression earned a 93-point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and a Gold medal at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, establishing it as a serious contender in the mid-shelf bourbon category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 46% (92 Proof)  |  Origin: Indiana, USA  |  Straight Bourbon  |  Distillery: Undisclosed (Indiana)

Production & Heritage

Clyde May's name is deeply rooted in Alabama moonshine tradition — the brand's flagship Alabama Style whiskey is known for adding oven-dried apples to barrels of new-make spirit. This Straight Bourbon represents a deliberate departure from that signature, containing no apple additives whatsoever. Built on a mashbill of 78% corn, 12% rye, and 10% malted barley, it is aged in heavily charred new American oak barrels — often described as "alligator char" for the deep, cracked texture of the wood's interior — and bottled without chill filtration to preserve the whiskey's full body of oils and flavor compounds.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Caramel corn and marshmallow sweetness arrive first, followed by vanilla, dried cherries, and an earthy undertone. Beneath that layer sit notes of apple chips, golden raisins, hay, and fresh oak.

Taste: The palate opens with caramel and vanilla before moving into dried corn and a subtle peanut character at mid-palate. Herbal rye spice, green peppercorn, and light citrus emerge alongside something reminiscent of root beer, giving the bourbon unexpected complexity for its price tier.

Finish: Medium in length, drying into peanut brittle, anise, and black pepper. Lingering mint and a faint peanut oil texture round out the close.

How to Drink Clyde May's Straight Bourbon

At 92 proof with no chill filtration, this bourbon holds up well neat or with a single ice cube, which can coax out its sweeter caramel and vanilla notes. It also works as a versatile cocktail base: try it in an Old Fashioned, where the peanut brittle sweetness and rye spice complement bitters beautifully; in a Bourbon Smash, where its citrus and herbal qualities amplify fresh mint and lemon; or in a Brown Derby, where the underlying dried fruit and earthy character pair naturally with grapefruit juice and honey.

Best For

• Bourbon drinkers exploring non-chilled filtered expressions under 100 proof
• Gifting someone who appreciates approachable, award-winning American whiskey
• Building a home bar with versatile cocktail-to-sipping bourbons
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Indiana-distilled bourbons

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Clyde May's Straight Bourbon taste like? It leads with caramel, vanilla, and dried corn sweetness before rye spice, green peppercorn, and a distinctive peanut character take over. The finish is medium-dry with peanut brittle, anise, and a touch of mint.

How does Clyde May's Straight Bourbon compare to Henry McKenna? Both are Indiana-sourced bourbons with a similar flavor DNA — tasters have described Clyde May's Straight Bourbon as occupying the space between standard Henry McKenna and the 10-Year Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond. The Clyde May's is bottled at a slightly higher proof (92 vs. 80 for standard Henry McKenna) and is non-chilled filtered, which tends to deliver a fuller mouthfeel.

Is Clyde May's Straight Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the 46% ABV and non-chilled filtration give it enough weight and flavor intensity to stand on its own without water. Its layered sweetness and moderate proof make it accessible for neat sipping without excessive heat.

Where is Clyde May's Straight Bourbon made? While the Clyde May's brand has Alabama roots, this straight bourbon is sourced from an undisclosed distillery in Indiana. It is aged in new American oak barrels with heavy alligator char before bottling.

What foods pair well with Clyde May's Straight Bourbon? Smoked pulled pork benefits from the bourbon's caramel sweetness and rye spice. Pecan pie mirrors its peanut brittle finish. Sharp aged cheddar contrasts nicely with the vanilla and dried fruit notes. Dark chocolate with sea salt highlights the earthy undertone and anise character. Cornbread with honey butter echoes the dried corn and marshmallow sweetness on the nose.

What sizes does Clyde May's Straight Bourbon come in? The standard widely available size is the 750ml bottle reviewed here.

Is Clyde May's Straight Bourbon worth the price? It positions as a mid-shelf bourbon that punches above its price tier, particularly given the 93-point Ultimate Spirits Challenge rating and non-chilled filtered bottling at 92 proof — features more commonly found in pricier expressions.

Why Clyde May's Straight Bourbon?

What separates this bourbon from the broader Clyde May's lineup is the complete absence of apple additives — a conscious step away from the brand's Alabama Style identity into traditional straight bourbon territory. The decision to skip chill filtration and bottle at 92 proof signals a commitment to delivering the whiskey's full character without compromise. A 93-point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Gold at the New York World Wine & Spirits Competition back that up with third-party validation. For drinkers who want a flavorful, corn-forward bourbon with enough rye backbone and an unusual peanut-inflected finish, this expression earns attention on its own merits.