Tag: Missouri

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

Last year, I reviewed Holladay Distillery’s Bottled-in-Bond rye bourbon. I had low expectations at the time. Boy, was I surprised! Today, I’m diving into Holladay’s Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond expression. Naturally, my expectations are much higher. Let’s see if I’m right.

Pour: Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bourbon (BiB)
Proof: 100
Age: 6 years
Color: rich amber
Nose: vanilla, butter toffee, maraschino cherry
Taste: caramel drizzle, fresh-baked sugar cookie, nutmeg
Finish: moderate length w/ buttered wheat toast & honey, light spice

Overall: While not significantly complex, Holladay’s Soft Red Wheat is everything the producer claims and more. Sweet? Yes. Soft? Yes. I’ll add to that delicious and incredibly pleasant to sip. If you have the opportunity to try or buy, do both.

Rating: MO better bourbon

Bottle courtesy of Holladay Distillery, Weston, MO.

Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

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.