Clyde May’s Straight 4 Year Rye 750ML

Clyde May’s Straight 4 Year Rye 750ML is a 94-proof straight rye whiskey aged four years in charred American oak barrels, bottled at 47% ABV. It earned Double Platinum at the 2023 Ascot Awards and a 92-point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2019, placing it among the more decorated ryes in its price tier.
Quick Facts: ABV: 47% (94 Proof)  |  Origin: Indiana / Alabama, USA  |  4 Year Age Statement  |  Distillery: MGP (Distilled), Conecuh Ridge (Proofed & Bottled)
Production & Heritage
Clyde May’s traces its roots to legendary Alabama moonshiner Clyde May, whose Conecuh Ridge Distillery became a cornerstone of the state’s whiskey tradition. This straight rye expression is distilled at MGP’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, using a mash bill of at least 51% rye. After aging a minimum of four years in charred American oak casks, the whiskey is shipped to Alabama, where it is brought to proof using fresh Alabama spring water before bottling — a dual-state production process that distinguishes it from most competing rye whiskeys.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Honeysuckle leads the way, followed by waves of salted caramel and apricot. Deeper inhales reveal nutmeg and faint dried dill weed, adding herbal complexity to the floral opening.
Taste: Assertive rye spice hits the palate immediately and drives through the mid-palate, where layers of vanilla and toffee emerge. A subtle undercurrent of dark fruit rounds out the peak, balancing the grain-forward character with sweetness.
Finish: Medium in length and genuinely warming, with cracked black pepper and toasted rye bread lingering alongside oak tannins. Wood spice fades slowly, leaving a dry, pleasantly peppery close.
How to Drink Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye
At 94 proof, this rye stands up well neat or with a single large ice cube; a few drops of water open the honeysuckle aromatics further without dulling the spice. It also shines in cocktails:
Manhattan: The assertive rye spice and toffee sweetness create a textbook balance with sweet vermouth.
Sazerac: Cracked pepper and herbal complexity pair naturally with absinthe and Peychaud’s bitters.
Old Fashioned: The dark fruit undertones and vanilla layers hold their own against sugar and Angostura without being overpowered.
Best For
Building a rye whiskey collection with award-winning expressions
Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates unique production stories
Hosting a Manhattan or classic cocktail night at home
Side-by-side tastings comparing MGP-sourced rye expressions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye taste like? It leads with bold rye spice and transitions into vanilla, toffee, and subtle dark fruit, finishing with cracked black pepper and toasted rye bread. The profile leans spice-forward with enough sweetness to stay approachable.
How does Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye compare to Bulleit Rye? Both are sourced from MGP in Indiana, but Clyde May’s carries a stated four-year age and a higher 94 proof versus Bulleit Rye’s 90 proof and undisclosed age. The Alabama spring water proofing also gives Clyde May’s a slightly softer texture despite the extra proof.
Is Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye good for sipping neat? Yes — 94 proof is robust enough to deliver full flavor without overwhelming heat, and the honeysuckle and toffee notes reward slow, undiluted sipping.
Where is Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye made? The whiskey is distilled at MGP’s distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, then shipped to Alabama where it is proofed with local spring water and bottled under the Conecuh Ridge Distillery label.
What foods pair well with Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye? Smoked brisket complements the peppery rye spice; aged cheddar mirrors the toffee and caramel notes; dark chocolate intensifies the finish’s wood spice; grilled peaches echo the apricot aromatics; and charcuterie boards with salami and mustard play off the herbal, savory undertones.
What sizes does Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.
Is Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye worth the price? Positioned as a mid-range straight rye with a four-year age statement and 94 proof, it delivers above-average complexity for its tier, especially given the Double Platinum recognition at the 2023 Ascot Awards and consistent 92-point scores from respected competitions.
Why Clyde May’s 4 Year Rye?
The dual-state production — distilled at one of America’s most prolific rye distilleries and proofed with Alabama spring water — gives this whiskey a character you won’t find in other MGP-sourced ryes. A Double Platinum from the 2023 Ascot Awards and a 92-point score from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge back up that distinction with independent recognition. At 94 proof with a clear four-year age statement, it delivers transparency that many competitors in this segment omit. For drinkers who want a spice-driven, award-winning rye with genuine regional identity, this expression makes a compelling case.