Ben Holladay “One Barrel Bourbon” 126.5 proof – Selected by Mash & Journey Whiskey Club

Age: 7-years 2-months

Mash Bill: 73/15/12 Corn/Wheat/Malted Barley

Source: Holladay Distillery; Weston, MO

Proof:126.5 proof

Tasting Notes: For the Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof Bourbon, the selection was a bit closer. We went blind to select a 7 year butterscotch and spice bomb. Stats: Distilled on2/26/2017, Age is 7 years, 2 months, Aged on the 5th floor in Rickhouse C and proof comes in at 126.5 proof. Nose: The nose kicks off with almonds and baking spices. There’s a rich caramel quality to it that leads in cream soda, vanilla custard and a small hint of juicy fruit gum.

Palate: The front of the palate explodes with spice and sweetness. An oily experiencekicks off with toffee, heavy vanilla, butterscotch and sweet caramel apples. The lingering spice brings rye, black pepper, candied ginger and cinnamon. A sweet cornbread note rounds out the finish with a long lingering finish.

Bottle count:150 bottles

About the product:Back in March, the Mash and Journey Whiskey Club went on an epic barrel picking experience at Ben Holladay in Missouri. After a great tour and learning about the history of the distillery that spans back to the mid 1800’s, we were fortunate enough to taste 10 different barrels, 5 rye bourbons and 5 wheated bourbons. What we ended up with are 2 incredibly impressive bourbons.

The finest bourbon results from an ideal combination of climate and geology that is rare outside of Kentucky but is found in the rolling hills of Weston, Missouri at the Holladay Distillery.

It is remarkable how one ingredient in a recipe can change the entire taste profile of a spirit. Holladay Soft Red Wheat is crafted with the original Holladay recipe with one substitute: wheat for the rye. Holladay Soft Red is made in the original stillhouse, barreled in Missouri white oak barrels, aged onsite in iron-clad rickhouses, and bottled at 100 proof.

Using wheat in a bourbon mash bill often results in a softer and sweeter taste profile than a bourbon made with rye, which typically adds spice to the palate. Soft Red Wheat has lower protein levels, red bran, and minimal gluten compared to other classes of wheat. Bourbons crafted with Soft Red Wheat offer a soft, smooth finish just as the name suggests.