Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review

Distillery: Distilled by Holladay Distillery—Weston, Missouri

Proof: 100 (50.0% ABV)

Age: Six Years

Mashbil: 73% Corn, 15% Soft Red Wheat, 12% Malted. Barley

MSRP: $49

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A Heritage Wheated Bourbon: Who They Are

Holladay Distillery has a legacy stretching back to 1856, making it one of the longest-standing spirits producers in the country. Holladay continues to distill on its original site—making for over 165 years of tradition. Their federal Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP) designation is #5 for Missouri, giving just another example of how deep their roots run.

With Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond, the distillery pays homage to traditional Bottled-in-Bond bourbons while elevating the experience through an uncommon grain choice: Soft Red Wheat.

What Makes Soft Red Wheat Unique in Bourbon?

Soft Red Wheat (SRW) is an uncommon grain, accounting for less than 1% of Kansas wheat production. While most wheated bourbons use hard red winter wheat, SRW is primarily grown east of the Mississippi River, where farmers often double crop it—meaning two crops are grown on the same land within a single year.

SRW wheat is commonly used in baking as an ingredient in cookies, crackers, pastries, flatbreads, and pretzels. It even makes its way into Twizzlers candy and another well-known wheated bourbon, Maker’s Mark.

When used in bourbon, SRW is expected to give the whiskey a soft, creamy mouthfeel. Expect pastry-like flavors and subtle floral notes.  This unique grain choice sets Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond apart, offering a distinct experience within the wheated bourbon category.

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.25/5

The soft red wheat influence is immediate as rich pastry aromas rise up immediately upon opening the bottle. Cornbread and honey-drizzled croissants set the stage for an inviting aroma, followed by vanilla bean and caramelized sugar, subtly reminiscent of fresh cotton candy. Hints of toasted oak round out the profile.

Palate – 4.5/5

The mouthfeel is velvety, rich, and coating, yet never heavy. The initial sip delivers waves of caramel, butterscotch, and sweet cinnamon. The signature softness of the red wheat is present throughout. Mid-palate, there are notes of fig, toasted marshmallow, and butter, making for an exceptional sipping experience without any rough edges or scratchy throat.

Finish – 4.25/5

The Finish lingers with vanilla and a touch of Biscoff cookie. As the flavors fade, a gentle dryness settles in. The balance of sweet wheat and mild spice provides just enough depth to make the Finish highly enjoyable.

Value – 4.5/5

At $49 MSRP, Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond sits in a highly competitive space. Given the quality of the pour and the heritage of Bottled-in-Bond production, this bourbon delivers fantastic value—especially for those seeking a unique alternative to traditional wheated expressions.

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review: The Verdict

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond is a flavorful and well-crafted wheated bourbon that delivers on the promise of a soft, sweet profile. It has enough complexity to please seasoned bourbon drinkers while also being in the sweet spot for those new to wheated expressions.

Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond has been out for a while.  So, please share your thoughts in the Insider Community!

Verdict – 4.25/5

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

A Legacy of Bootlegging and Resilience

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