Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bourbon is a Bottled-in-Bond Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey that you should seek out and sample!
By the Numbers
There are not a lot of wheat bourbons in the marketplace when compared to the number of rye bourbons. However, some iconic American brands have a wheat mash bill. Maker’s Mark is probably the most recognized wheat bourbon in the world. From the iconic red wax to the uniquely shaped bottle with a long history of marketing and advertising. Additional wheat bourbons that you may recognize are Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, Redemption Wheated Bourbon, and maybe the most elusive of all, Pappy Van Winkle.
Kentucky
Many wheat bourbons available are mashed, distilled, and bottled in Kentucky. Some, like Redemption, were distilled by MGP in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Maker’s Mark makes its home in Loretto, while Larceny and Old Fitzgerald are part of Bardstown’s Heaven Hill group of brands. Buffalo Trace now produces Pappy Van Winkle in Frankfort.
The Holladay Distillery
Holladay Soft Red Wheat has a mash bill of 73 percent corn, 15 percent wheat, and 12 percent malted barley. Being a Bottled-in-Bond, it is 100 proof and aged over six years. The Holladay Distillery is headquartered in Weston, Missouri, which makes Holladay a true Missouri Bourbon. For more on the rules for being considered a Missouri bourbon, please visit my previous blog post HERE.
A surprise bourbon
Recently, I included Holladay Soft Red Wheat in a public tasting, and a group of bourbon lovers received it very well. It is smooth and has a flavor profile, making it an ideal sipper. Many of the veteran tasters in the group were surprised by this whiskey. I enjoy it neat, but it will hold up to a large cube or a splash of branch water. For a close look at our recent review, please watch our video HERE.