Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond Review

Distillery: Distilled by Holladay Distillery—Weston, Missouri

Proof: 100 (50.0% ABV)

Age: Six Years

Mashbill: 73% Corn, 15% Wheat, 12% Malter Barley

MSRP: $49

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A Missouri Legacy Bourbon: Who They Are

Few distilleries can claim a continuous legacy dating back to 1856, but Holladay Distillery stands as one of the longest-running bourbon producers in America. Holladay continues to produce whiskey on its original site, maintaining a commitment to time-honored traditions.

A notable distinction is Holladay’s Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) designation—#5 for Missouri. That number is more than just a historical marker; it represents the distillery’s deep roots in American whiskey history, predating even the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897.

For bourbon enthusiasts who love to dive deep, Holladay maintains aDistillers Journal on its website, providing extensive details on each release. If you want to explore more about the August 2023 bottling, you can find its entry here.

Now, let’s see how this Bottled-in-Bond bourbon stacks up.

Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4/5

Bold vanilla and caramel apple lead the way, followed by notes of toasted oak and charred marshmallow. As the bourbon opens, layers of brown sugar, cinnamon, and dark cherry emerge, complemented by a subtle hint of well-aged leather.

Palate – 3.5/5

The first sip delivers an immediate burst of toffee, baking spice, and oak. Sweetness follows, with honey and caramelized sugar, while mid-Palate brings notes of black pepper and cocoa nibs. The 100-proof is noticeable—present enough that it slightly distracts from what is otherwise a well-rounded flavor experience.

Finish – 3/5

The Finish brings lingering notes of oak, cinnamon, and a subtle tanginess that transitions into a tannic dryness. While the flavors persist for an ok length, the Finish is abrupt and did not leaving me with an eager anticipation for the next sip.

Value – 3/5

At $49 MSRP, Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond competes pretty well within the Bottled-in-Bond category. The heritage, craftsmanship, and well-developed Nose make it a solid contender, though the slightly overwhelming warmth on the Palate and a shorter-than-expected Finish keeps it far from being a standout at this price point.

Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond Review: The Verdict

Ben Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond has a classic bourbon character. While the Nose is very good, the Palate and Finish leave much to be desired, making it a decent pickup but definitely not a top-tier Bottled-in-Bond selection.

For seasoned enthusiasts, this is a respectable addition to a collection if you are looking to explore non-Kentucky Bottled-in-Bond bourbons. For newcomers, there are other Bottled-in-Bond options that are a better introduction to the category.

If you’ve had the chance to try Holladay Missouri Straight Bourbon Bottled-in-Bond, let us know your thoughts in the Insider Community!

Verdict – 3.25/5

Insiders, please pay attention to this don’t miss bottle!

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