Ben Holladay Introduces Rickhouse-Proof Bourbon
Yesterday, I enjoyed talking with Ben Holladay Master Distiller Kyle Merklein and sampling their newly released Rickhouse Proof Bourbon. I have been impressed with this distillery since I first sampled their bottled-in-bond bourbon in April of 2023. Their soft winter wheat release was a crowd favorite at one of my more significant bourbon-tasting events. I admire this distillery for the quality of its bourbon and for taking the time needed to release a superior product. This is a must-try bourbon whiskey, and it is a flavorful and bold offering. I truly appreciate the time Kyle gave me and look forward to visiting Ben Holladay in the future.
Ben Holladay Bourbon: A Piece of History in Every Bottle
If you want to experience what Missouri Bourbon is all about, look no further than Ben Holladay Bourbon. The Holladay Distillery, founded in 1856, is the oldest working distillery west of the Mississippi, operating on its original site. They have history, heritage, and—most importantly—some of the finest limestone-filtered water in the country.
The barrels? Charred Missouri white oak, level three char, for that perfect balance of caramelized sugars and deep oak character. They age their bourbon for at least six years, letting Missouri’s wild temperature swings do their magic. And in true bourbon purist fashion, it’s bottled-in-bond, meaning it’s aged at least four years, bottled at 100 proof, and made by one distiller in one season. This kind of bourbon respects tradition while forging its own path.
A Taste of Missouri in Every Sip
Ben Holladay Bourbon doesn’t just meet Missouri’s strict bourbon standards—it thrives under them. The result? Thanks to that rye content, it is a bold, balanced bourbon with rich caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of spice. It’s non-chill filtered, keeping the mouthfeel full and the flavors intact. Every sip tells the story of Missouri’s landscape, its dedication to craftsmanship, and a distillery that has stood the test of time. The Future of Missouri Bourbon is on display here. Ben Holladay introduces exactly what a rickhouse-proof bourbon can be.
The state is carving out a serious niche in the bourbon world with laws ensuring that Missouri Bourbon remains truly homegrown, and distilleries like Holladay are leading the charge. Next time you pick out a bottle, consider reaching for one with the Missouri Bourbon name. Because when you drink Ben Holladay, you’re not just drinking bourbon—you’re drinking history, tradition, and the spirit of Missouri itself.
The Missouri Bourbon Law
House Bill 266 put Missouri on the bourbon map in a big way. To be labeled Missouri Bourbon, the spirit must be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled within state lines. The barrels? They must be Missouri white oak, reinforcing the deep connection between the land and the liquor. As of 2020, the law also requires that all the corn in the mash bill is locally grown. Ben Holladay isn’t just bourbon; it showcases Missouri’s natural resources and craftsmanship.