Holladay Distillery – Tweet Drams

To say I’m impressed with Holladay Distillery is an understatement. Having tasted both recipes (wheat and rye bourbon) and nearly every expression, I can attest they’re doing things right. I suppose it only makes sense when your master distiller’s inspiration is Jimmy Russell.

Pour: Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof
Proof: 119.9 (batch dependent)
Age: 6 years
Color: dense copper
Nose: English toffee, syrupy oak char, blood orange
Taste: brown sugar, charred sweet corn, caramel chew
Finish: long w/ vanilla spice, woody cola, baked cinnamon

Overall: Move over, Maker’s Mark Cask Strength. Watch out, Weller Full Proof. Holladay Distillery’s Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof has the depth and complexity of a serious contender. Given national distribution, this could very well be a game-changer.

Rating: Here’s the proof.

Bottle courtesy of Holladay Distillery, Weston, MO.

When you think of Missouri, do you think, bourbon? Probably not, but you soon might. The Holladay Distillery has a history stretching back to 1856. Recently resurrected, this is the brand’s flagship expression, aged 6 years on the 1st and 5th floors of a 7-story clad rickhouse.

Pour: Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Proof: 100
Age: 6 years
Color: copper
Nose: caramel popcorn, brown sugar, cinnamon
Taste: toasted vanilla, English toffee, charred oak
Finish: moderately long w/ burnt sugar, clove, peppery spice

Overall: When I say Ben Holladay is good whiskey, I mean it’s really good whiskey. Not just “good for craft” or “good for cocktails,” but genuinely good. Frankly, I’m a bit taken aback. The level of complexity and sheer enjoyability is first-rate.

Rating: Showed-me bourbon.

Bottle courtesy of Holladay Distillery.