How far is the distillery from Louisville?

Neeley Family Distillery is about 45 minutes northeast of Louisville in Sparta, Kentucky. It's in Gallatin County, off the main Bourbon Trail routes, so plan for a bit of a drive through rural Kentucky.

What makes their bourbon different from larger distilleries?

The Neeleys grow some of their own corn right on the property and handle most of the production themselves as a family operation. You're tasting spirits made in small batches with direct family involvement from grain to bottle, rather than mass-produced bourbon.

CRAFT DISTILLERY

Alabama

Conecuh Ridge Distillery

Troy,

Alabama

— Bourbon, Other

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

DISTILLERY SNAPSHOT

🌐 http://www.clydemays.com/

📍 248 Clyde May Wy, Troy, AL 36081, USA

ABOUT THIS DISTILLERY

Conecuh Ridge Distillery sits in Troy, Alabama, home to the legendary Clyde May’s Alabama Style Whisky that’s been part of the state’s drinking culture since the 1940s. Founded by Clyde May himself as a moonshine operation during Prohibition, the brand went legitimate decades later when his son Kenny May decided to honor his father’s recipe and bring it to market legally. The distillery opened its doors to visitors in the early 2000s, housed in a facility that pays homage to Alabama’s whiskey-making heritage while meeting modern production standards. What started as backwoods moonshine has evolved into Alabama’s most recognized whiskey brand, with Clyde May’s earning the official designation as Alabama’s state spirit in 2004. The operation produces their signature Alabama Style Whisky along with bourbon and other spirits, all carrying forward the May family’s approach to whiskey making that includes their famous apple and spice finish. You’ll find this isn’t your typical Kentucky bourbon story—it’s deeply rooted in Alabama soil and family tradition, with recipes that stretch back through generations of moonshiners who knew how to coax something special from corn, wheat, and local ingredients.

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WHAT SETS THEM APART

Clyde May’s holds the rare distinction of being Alabama’s official state spirit, a recognition that speaks to its deep cultural roots in the region. The distillery’s flagship whisky gets finished with dried apples and spices, a technique that traces back to Clyde May’s original moonshine recipe from the 1940s when he’d add oven-dried apples to his mash. This apple finish isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a family tradition that creates a distinctly Southern flavor profile you won’t find anywhere else. The May family’s story bridges the gap between illegal moonshine and legitimate distilling, representing a piece of Alabama’s bootlegging history that’s now celebrated rather than hidden.

TOURS AVAILABLE

TASTINGS

FOOD AVAILABLE

COCKTAILS

RESERVATIONS

FAMILY FRIENDLY

BOTTLE SALES

THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

The distillery offers guided tours that walk you through the production process while sharing stories about Clyde May’s moonshining days and how his son Kenny brought the family recipe into the legal market. You’ll see the copper stills and learn about their apple-finishing process that gives their whisky its signature character. The tasting room lets you sample their core lineup including the original Alabama Style Whisky alongside their bourbon expressions. Tours tend to be intimate affairs where you can ask detailed questions about the family history and production methods. The space feels more like a working distillery than a polished tourist destination, which fits the down-to-earth Alabama heritage they’re celebrating.

IS IT WORTH VISITING

If you’re interested in American whiskey history beyond the Kentucky bourbon trail, Conecuh Ridge offers something genuinely different. The apple-finished whisky is polarizing—you’ll either love the unique flavor profile or find it too sweet for your taste, but either way it’s worth trying for the novelty. This appeals most to whiskey enthusiasts curious about regional variations and visitors interested in Alabama’s moonshining heritage. Don’t expect the scale or polish of major Kentucky distilleries, but you’ll get a more personal experience and taste something you can’t find elsewhere. The tours provide good value for understanding how moonshine traditions evolved into legitimate distilling operations.

⚠️ VISITING TIPS

Call ahead to confirm tour availability since they don’t always run on a fixed schedule, especially during slower seasons. The distillery is located on Clyde May Way, which is easy to find with GPS but you’ll want to double-check the exact address since it’s in a somewhat industrial area of Troy. Ask specifically about their apple-finishing process during the tour—it’s their most distinctive technique and the guides enjoy explaining how they’ve adapted Clyde’s original methods for modern production. If you’re not sure about the apple finish, start with small tastes during the tasting since it’s quite different from traditional bourbon. The gift shop carries bottles that might be harder to find in other states, making it worth stocking up if you enjoy what you taste.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Conecuh Ridge Distillery — Visitor FAQ

What makes Clyde May’s different from regular bourbon?

Clyde May’s Alabama Style Whisky gets finished with dried apples and spices, a technique that comes from the founder’s original moonshine recipe from the 1940s. This creates a sweeter, more complex flavor profile that’s distinctly different from traditional bourbon. They also make straight bourbon without the apple finishing for those who prefer conventional whiskey flavors.

Do I need to book tours in advance?

Yes, it’s best to call ahead since tours don’t run on a fixed daily schedule, especially during slower periods. The distillery is still primarily a production facility, so tour availability can vary based on operations and staffing.

Is Clyde May’s really Alabama’s official state spirit?

Yes, in 2004 the Alabama Legislature officially designated Clyde May’s Alabama Style Whisky as the state’s official spirit. This recognition acknowledges both the brand’s deep roots in Alabama moonshining culture and its role in the state’s legal distilling industry.

GETTING THERE

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📍248 Clyde May Wy, Troy, AL 36081, USA

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Conecuh Ridge Distillery

Conecuh Ridge Distillery — Visitor FAQ