Holladay Soft Red Wheat Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey - Rickhouse Proof - Holladay Distillery

Holladay Distillery stands as a remarkable blend of rich history and modern craft, being the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi still operating on its original site since 1856. Founded by the "Stagecoach King" Ben Holladay, who once owned the Pony Express and was America's largest private employer, the distillery supplied whiskey to Wild West saloons before ceasing production in 1985. Since its 2015 revival, Holladay has meticulously honored its heritage while creating exceptional whiskey, using original mashbill recipes, barrel entry proofs, and distillation techniques gleaned from historical records. This Soft Red Wheat Bourbon represents Master Distiller Kyle Merklein's "study in grain," swapping rye for wheat to create a softer, sweeter profile while still qualifying as a Real Missouri Bourbon under the 2019 law they helped establish—requiring Missouri-grown corn, in-state production, and Missouri oak barrels. With their commitment to authenticity, transparency, and patient aging (releasing no bourbon under 6 years old), Holladay has quickly established itself as one of the most requested distilleries among Blind Barrels members.