Distillery: Holladay Distillery—Weston, MO
Proof: 100.0 (50.0% ABV)
Age: Six Years
Mashbill: 73% Corn, 15% Rye, 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $60
A Legacy Missouri Bourbon
Holladay Distillery, sits on limestone-filtered springs first documented by Lewis and Clark in 1804. Located in Weston, Missouri, Holladay is one of only a few distilleries that can claim a lineage dating back to 1856.
With its Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) designation—#5 for Missouri, Holladay is more than just another in a long line of craft producers. It is the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi still operating on its original site. That distinction means that Ben Holladay 1856 Original Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, is a true piece of American whiskey history.
But this isn’t just a heritage label—it’s a Missouri Bourbon, a legally defined category that goes beyond federal bourbon standards. Under Missouri law adopted first in 2019 and updated in 2024, any whiskey labeled as “Missouri straight bourbon whiskey” must:
- Be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in Missouri
- Be aged in Missouri-made oak barrels
- Use corn grown in Missouri
Bottled under the “Ben Holladay” label, 1856 Original runs true to its tradition by using the same mash bill developed by Ben Holladay himself in 1856. It’s an authentic bourbon that proudly carries on the legacy of its namesake.
Who Was Ben Holladay?
Ben Holladay was a Kentucky-born entrepreneur who built an empire across the American West. Dubbed the “Stagecoach King,” he established a stagecoach line, that would later be sold to Wells Fargo. At his business peak, he was the largest private employer in the U.S., owning everything from railroads and steamships to silver mines and saloons.
While his business ventures spanned the country, his legacy is whiskey—with Holladay Distillery as the only remaining piece of his once-strong empire.
Ben Holladay 1856 Original Bottled-in-Bond Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 3.5/5
The first impression is spice-heavy. Burnt brown sugar, dark caramel, and fresh leather emerge as the bourbon opens. While oak char remains subtle, the dominance of spice is undeniable. Given its deep copper color, I expected a bit more balance on the Nose, but the spice-forward profile remains persistent.
Palate – 2.5/5
The mouthfeel is thick. A carryover of the strong spice-forward presence from the Nose is present on the Palate. A surprising sour acidic tang emerges mid-Palate, overshadowing more delicate notes. Hints of toasted nuts and cocoa are there, but they require some effort to detect beneath the acidic profile, which is further amplified by the 100-proof warmth.
Finish – 2/5
The long Finish is a redeeming quality and offers lingering oak notes along with some burnt cinnamon. However, the acidity continues through the Finish, adding a lingering bitterness that prevents it from reaching the quality and complexity of many Bottled-in-Bond bourbons.
Value – 2.75/5
At $60 MSRP, Ben Holladay 1856 Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon holds its own in the Bottled-in-Bond category. It delivers heritage, craftsmanship, and authenticity. The Missouri Straight Bourbon designation adds an element of regional uniqueness, setting it apart from other BnB expressions.
Ben Holladay 1856 Original Bottled-in-Bond Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict
The sour acidity in this bourbon may be polarizing, particularly for those who prefer a softer, more balanced Bottled-in-Bond expression. Even with a splash of water and extended resting time, the acidity persists, making it a challenging pour.
That said, for history buffs and bourbon purists, 1856 Original offers a rare opportunity to experience the legacy of one of America’s oldest distilleries. If you’re looking for a bold, spice-forward Bottled-in-Bond bourbon with a unique Missouri influence, this is a bottle worth exploring.
Verdict – 2.75/5
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 4.5 – 5
- Gold – 4 – 4.5
- Silver – 3 – 4
- Bronze – <3
Mike Long is a staff writer at Bourbon Inspector and has an Executive Bourbon Steward designation from the Stave and Thief Society. He’s a former “wine guy” who discovered his love for bourbon years back at a spur-of-the-moment bourbon tasting he attended. He also loves traveling throughout America with his wife of over 37 years, Debby.
