Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review & Tasting Notes
Today, we will explore the distinguished attributes of Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bourbon, a Bottled-in-Bond Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey of remarkable smoothness and depth. A vital addition to any bourbon aficionado's repertoire, this offering stands out in a landscape dominated by rye bourbons, similar in appeal only to such revered wheat-based bourbons as Maker's Mark, Larceny, and Pappy Van Winkle.
Although many acclaimed wheat bourbons hail from Kentucky, Holladay Soft Red Wheat distinguishes itself by its Missouri roots, produced by the esteemed Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri. This Bourbon's mash bill, characterized by 73% corn, 15% wheat, and 12% malted barley, coupled with its aging process over six years at 100 proof, establishes Holladay as a quintessential Missouri bourbon.
The Ben Holladay Distillery, formerly McCormick Distillery, epitomizes a rich heritage of craftsmanship and dedication dating back to 1856. Situated in Weston, Missouri, it is one of the longest-operating spirits producers in the United States. This esteemed distillery continues to operate from its original location, sustaining over 165 years of tradition. Notably, its Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) designation is #5 for Missouri, underscoring its deep-rooted legacy.
An intriguing aspect of Holladay Bourbon is its certification as Real Missouri Bourbon, a distinction achieved under a 2019 statute. This designation mandates that the Bourbon adhere to strict federal standards while being entirely produced within Missouri. The production process must be conducted within the state, from mashing and fermenting to distilling, aging, and bottling. Moreover, it must be aged in Missouri-made oak barrels and, starting on January 1, 2020, be produced using exclusively Missouri-grown corn. This commitment ensures that Holladay Bourbon remains genuine to its Missouri heritage.
Tasting Notes:
Appearance: A rich amber, very slow legs, and medium drops.
Nose: A caramelized wheat sweetness flows out of the glass with a fusion of apples and pears, subtly complemented by undertones of wild berries. The aroma flows with a thread of vanilla-infused charred oak, butter toffee, and graham cracker, and a hint of spice is intermingled throughout, providing a beautiful complementary element to the wheat sweetness and fruit.
Palate: The semi-creamy mouthfeel is velvety, rich, and warming. The initial sip delivers waves of caramel, butterscotch, and sweet cinnamon with hefty toffee and charred oak upfront. The trademark softness of the red wheat is present throughout. Mid-palate, there are notes of a grassy and peppery spice and a faint note of leather, and a note of chocolate comes out. The flavors harmonize seamlessly, collaborating rather than competing for individual prominence, resulting in an appealing sipping experience with no rough edges.
Finish: The Finish lingers with vanilla, caramel, toffee, buttered wheat toast, and light peppery spice. The spice characteristics extend seamlessly into the finish, imparting a lasting, enjoyable warmth that lasts until your next sip. Notably, cinnamon and ground pepper are the most prominent among them. As the flavors fade, a gentle dryness settles in. The balance of sweet wheat and mild spice provides just enough depth to make the finish enjoyable.
Summary: Encountering Ben Holladay, Missouri Bourbon for the first time was a memorable experience initiated at a bottle-sharing event in Tennessee. A colleague and fellow instructor from Missouri introduced me to three distinctive varieties of Ben Holladay bourbons. Among them, I sampled the Bottled-in-Bond and Rickhouse Proof offerings, which left a profound impression on me. Compelled to add a bottle to my collection, I faced the initial challenge of finding it, given the lack of distribution in New Jersey. However, the search concluded successfully when I discovered availability in New York.
Ben Holladay Distillery honors the rich tradition of Bottled-in-Bond bourbons while enhancing the experience with Soft Red Wheat, an unconventional grain selection. Typically associated with baking in products such as cookies, crackers, pastries, flatbreads, and pretzels, Soft Red Wheat now makes its mark in the bourbon world. Its inclusion is anticipated to impart a smooth, creamy texture with flavors reminiscent of pastries and nuanced floral notes. This distinctive choice of grain positions Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond as a remarkable entity within the wheated bourbon category.
Positioned within the $50 to $60 direct sales price range, Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond competes vigorously in its segment. Its complexity, coupled with the enduring heritage of Bottled-in-Bond production, provides exceptional value. It particularly appeals to experienced bourbon aficionados seeking a unique alternative to conventional wheated varieties.
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