While out bourbon hunting, I came across a beautiful red bottle sitting on the shelf of one of our local liquor stores. I had absolutely no clue what this bottle was, who made it, or if it was worth purchasing. I did however know it was either a unique or an allocated bottle for NoCo. How did I know that, well let me tell you.

So how did I know this was unique or an allocated bottle, well that is what I love so much about this local liquor store. When this store receives unique or allocated bottles for Colorado, they often hide these bottles on the shelves with the regular stock and mark them at MSRP with a sticker. I believe this is meant as a surprise for the next lucky patron to come across and also a very fair way to allow everyone a chance at special bottles.

So what is this bottle, today’s review is of Clyde May’s Special Reserve Straight Bourbon Whiskey. From their website: Today we bring you Special Reserve Straight Bourbon. A select reserve of our special stock that is nonchill filtered and aged 6 years in American Oak Barrels. Incredibly balanced with a smooth long finish. You get a generous amount of orchard fruits on the nose and clove and spice on the palate.

Overall, this was a delightful bottle of bourbon, but often came off a bit too sweet for me. I find this previous statement quite funny though, as I typically love sweet bourbon, but perhaps it was the simplicity that went with this sweetness that was just too much. Nonetheless, it does still make a very good mixer for sweeter cocktails. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Sweet Simplicity of Brown Sugar and Fruitiness
• Palate: Upfront Sweetness with Lingering Notes of Brown Sugar, Vanilla, and Fruitiness
• Finish: Medium to Long Finish of Sweet Spiciness on the Mid-Palate
• 2023 MSRP: $55
• 2023 National Average: $73
• Proof: 110
• My Rating: Mix It!

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman