Clyde May's 5 Year Single Barrel Bourbon

This was a gift, so I didn’t really have expectations either way. Not that gifts aren’t nice—it’s just that this was not really on my radar when I got it. I’ve had the standard Clyde May’s, which I don’t particularly recall though I do think I found it to be decent. Barreled 02/03/17. Barrel No. 642. Nose: Vanilla, caramel, and toffee. Cocoa. Sawdust. Black tea. Lemon/lemon rind. Tapioca. Almond and walnut. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and oak. Palate: Caramel, vanilla, milk chocolate, fudge, toffee. Almond and pistachio. Golden raisin and caramelized apple. Dried apricot. Sweet tea. Cola. Cocoa. Black tea. Pipe tobacco. Black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice. Finish: Kicks off with Lemon-Lime—almost like you’re washing down a Sprite. Followed by pistachio and almond. Caramel and fudge. The same black pepper, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and oak spice notes round this one out. It’s a long finish. Interesting bourbon here. The nose had my expectations a little low. It gives off a young-ish aroma. But the palate was a marked improvement, and the finish was fantastic. Unique profile, again, especially true of the finish. It’s very respectably proofed at 51% ABV and while doesn’t boast a substantial age statement, it’s nice to see one at all. The body and finish certainly drank like an older bourbon. 4/5. At $46, it’s a fantastic value. It’s a single barrel, so mileage may vary, but I recommend it based on this one. Looking forward to exploring more of Conecuh Ridge.

2nd pour off this bottle. VA ABC Store pick, this is at 105 proof but couldn't find it here and this one seemed apporiate. Off the nose I get a bit of bubblegum then the sweet corn. A nice toasted taste off the inital hit, then hits with corn. Sorta one note, not too much complexity. The burn is consistent but not too long.