Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/205467
TP1113_066-107.indd 100 10/24/13 9:25 AM 5 4 I FERMIN SALAS "We really like it. We have a lot of brands but this is something different. It's new FIRST AVENUE VINTNER MARIA RIGAS "It's a great American whiskey, well balanced between apple, cinnamon, ginger and caramel. It is perfect after dinner or just sipping in the cool weather. It is also an excellent 'adult' dessert!" ODYSSEY WINE AND SPIRITS 12 11 DAVID FRIESER "The flavor profile is certainly different than the normal. We have a pretty dedicated following of people looking BEEKMAN DONNA PABTS It made sense for us because bourbons are so hot. It's a very limited production and anything that's a limited production is attractive to our customers. " BRITE BUY WINES & SPIRITS t's been in the New York market only since June, but in short time, Clyde May's whiskey is making Alabama a New York state of mind. Retailers we spoke with overwhelmingly liked the spirit's novelty—from its sweet 'n spicy profile to the spicy backstory of its moonshining creator. "Aficionados seem to appreciate what it is. The story behind it … the connection to Alabama rather than the typical Kentucky bourbon differentiates it," said David Frieser at Beekman, the venerable Upper East Side shop. At 67 Wines, Paul Bressler agrees. "I wanted something esoteric for my customers who are looking for something different. This is something I would consider it an addon spirit—something that a bourbon drinker might add to his collection because it's just different." And this being a city of "gotta have its," many liked the small-batch, exclusive appeal of Clyde May. "A lot of our customers want to stay ahead of the curve. I love watching their faces when they discover it," said J.C. Parra of Ninth Avenue Vintner. "It's nice to be the store that can offer that." Perhaps Costas Mouzouras of Gotham Wines & Liquors sums up the southern heat wave hitting Manhattan: "It's the best-kept secret at this point of time." Not for long, we reckon. We asked these retailers for the buzz about Clyde. Here's their down-low. by Lana Bortolot Clyde May's Whiskey in NYC 10 1 3 2 1 PETER PANAYIOTOU "I like that it's a small production and something different and I can tell the customer to try this one. It was a small company and I wanted to help them. " CELLAR 53 WINE & SPIRITS ALEC YANKUS "Clyde May is distinct in that they achieve the fruit notes that typically takes many years to develop in the barrel in a shorter time. " GARNET WINES & LIQUORS (554 W. 235th St. Bronx, NY 10463) MARTIN RODRIGUEZ "They came with a new type of bourbon that's really hitting the mark right now. Some are too smoky or peaty, but this has more RIVERDALE VINTNER