Conecuh Ridge Distillery

The legacy of Alabama moonshiner Clyde May lives on at Conecuh Ridge Distillery in Troy, Alabama, where his son Kenny has transformed a family recipe into the state's official spirit. What began as legendary backwoods whiskey in the 1950s has evolved into a legitimate distillery operation that honors the original "Alabama Style" approach of aging whiskey with dried apples.

History & Heritage

Clyde May, a World War II veteran, produced high-quality moonshine from the 1950s through the 1980s, distinguishing his product by aging it in charred barrels with dried apples from his own orchard. After his death in 1990, son Kenny May spent over a decade working to legalize his father's recipe, with the first legal bottles appearing in 2002. The new distillery facility broke ground in January 2022, establishing a permanent home for production that had previously been contracted in Kentucky.

The Whiskey

The distillery produces several expressions under the Clyde May's label, including Alabama Style Whiskey, Straight Bourbon, and Straight Rye. The signature "Alabama Style" process involves aging whiskey in heavy-toast charred white oak barrels with oven-dried apples, creating distinctive notes of green apple and cinnamon. Production utilizes spring water from Southern Alabama and a 24-inch column still, with most expressions aged five to six years in the facility's 10,000-barrel rickhouse.

Why It Matters

Conecuh Ridge represents authentic American whiskey heritage, transforming genuine moonshine tradition into legitimate craft distilling. The Alabama legislature recognized this significance in 2004, designating Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey as the state's official spirit and beverage. Recent accolades include Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco Spirits Competition and recognition from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, proving that regional traditions can compete on the national stage when executed with proper craft and commitment.