We’ve checked in with Alabama’s Clyde Could’s Whiskey on quite a few events relationship again to 2013, and not too long ago we acquired a passel of samples from the model, together with contemporary bottlings of the three whiskeys that comprise its core — rye, bourbon, and Alabama fashion whiskey — plus a pair of a lot older, restricted version releases.
Let’s dig into the gathering of 5 and see what’s modified within the core lineup — seems lots has modified in a really quick time — and the way the brand new choices acquit themselves.
Clyde Could’s Straight Rye Whiskey (2022) – Indiana-born MGP inventory. This now carries a 4 yr outdated age assertion as an alternative of a 3 yr one. There’s extra refinement right here than within the unique, however not a lot. It’s nonetheless aggressively grainy and rustic, a heavy punch of dried herbs taking issues in an much more savory course. I get much less spice, extra oak on the nostril, although there’s a sure potpourri character that endures. Peppery and toasty from midpalate to complete, once more I discover the whiskey crying out for some sweetness — although maybe it’s hinted at (very) late within the recreation. Nonetheless my least favourite within the Clyde Could’s lineup. 94 proof. B / $43 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY] [BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT]
Clyde Could’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2022) – This was previously a 5 yr outdated Kentucky bourbon, now it’s Indiana inventory with no age assertion however a “4 to five yr outdated” discover on the web site. Arguably it’s higher. There’s plenty of char on the marginally sizzling nostril, but in addition plenty of fruit. Apples, cinnamon, sultry vanilla, and a few cocoa powder are all in attendance, making for a easy however totally pleasurable entrée to the expertise. The palate’s a bit tough across the edges however approachable with its cinnamon toast and apple crumble character, fading to a vanilla-laced milk chocolate character as issues fade out on the marginally candy end. It’s ok at this worth degree, although nothing that may blow your thoughts. My tasting notes have just about no resemblance to these in 2017 (although they’re quality-wise about equal). Contemplating the brand new sourcing, I suppose that’s what one ought to count on. Examine the label fastidiously when you’re serious about one vs. the opposite. 92 proof. B+ / $38 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Clyde Could’s Alabama Model Whiskey (2022) – We’ve reviewed this twice earlier than, in 2013 (beneath a special identify) and 2018. It has modified once more since our final outing, reverting from a 6+ yr outdated bottling again to a 4 yr outdated, because it was in 2013. It’s Indiana inventory, made — as is the Alabama fashion — with some apple chips within the barrel. Think about a fruitier model of the bourbon and also you’re about on track right here: The spice degree is about the identical, however there’s a stronger punch of contemporary apples and brown butter, giving the whiskey a extra rounded physique and, in fact, extra sweetness. A lot the identical on the palate, with some cloves and mint pairing properly with the apple-heavy physique. That this arrives at a significantly decrease abv than the bourbon helps to make for a extra approachable expertise, although the flipside of that’s that it lacks any important quantity of gravitas. Nonetheless, as whiskey goes, that is about as simple at it will get. 85 proof. B+ / $35 [BUY IT NOW FROM CASKERS]
Clyde Could’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 15 Years Outdated (2022) – Wholly totally different inventory than the rack bourbon, nevertheless it nonetheless carries a few of Clyde’s DNA. Fruity and woodsy in equal proportions, with a slug of chocolate evident, there’s lots to love immediately from the beginning, although slightly chimney soot tempers the proceedings. Stuffed with vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, and a layer of spice on the palate, this whiskey doesn’t come throughout as outdated or austere in any respect, with crimson fruit and baking spice ultimately dominating because the end comes into focus. Candy and fruity however balanced and invariably participating, I actually discovered nothing to complain about with this expertise — although it doesn’t wholly problem expectations. Heat however not altogether sizzling, I discovered it approachable at bottle power however actually value exploring in additional depth with a splash of water. 112 proof. A / $195
Clyde Could’s Cask Energy Alabama Model Whiskey 13 Years Outdated (2022) – We’ve seen youthful expressions of this up to now, all a part of the continuing “continuity collection” that started when the whiskey was simply 8 years outdated. (We final encountered it at age 10.) Now it’s as much as 13 years of age, and issues are getting… intense. Daring aromas of oxidized wine and overripe fruit are punctuated with well-charred wooden, black tea, and asphalt notes. Biting and tannic on the palate, the barrel is totally having its method with this whiskey at this level, and no quantity of apple chip infusion on the finish of the method goes to alter that. It takes a while for this whiskey to calm down and permit its flavors to coalesce, which it does fitfully. Dried banana and apple notes actually get slapped round by the wooden right here, resulting in a end that’s each super-sweet and closely oaky. Water helps however lower than you’d suppose, dulling the warmth of the whiskey a bit whereas permitting extra tea leaf notes to point out by. Finest to tug this collection from the cask now earlier than issues actually begin to get loopy. 120 proof. B / $180
Clyde Could’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 15 Years Outdated (2022)
$195
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