Whiskey glass; photo by Stephan Geyer on Flickr (noncommercial use permitted with attribution / no derivative works).
Official State Spirit of Alabama
Alabama designated Clyde May's family recipe for "Special Christmas Whiskey," known as "Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whisky," as the official state spirit in 2004. We wonder ... is Alabama's state spirit ever used in the official state dessert (Lane cake)? All Cultural Heritage Symbols
The History of Conecuh Ridge Whiskey begins with Clyde May, a legendary Alabama moonshiner and bootlegger. From the 1950's to the 1980's, Clyde managed to produce around 300 gallons a week in a still of his own design in the woods near Almeria, Alabama.
According to Alabama Department of Archives and History; "The designation was made because the bourbon, Conecuh Ridge, is produced using pure Alabama water and embodies family pride, independence, entrepreneurial drive, innovation, and respect for the tradition and craftsmanship which is evident in this family tradition."