Distillery: Distilled by Holladay Distilleries—Weston, Missouri
Proof: 120.1 (60.05% ABV)
Age: Six Years
Mashbill: 73% Corn, 15% Soft Red Wheat, 12% Malted Barley
MSRP: $75
A Don’t-Miss Missouri Legacy Bourbon: Who They Are
Long before Missouri bourbon was a recognized category, Holladay Distillery was crafting whiskey. Nestled in Weston, Missouri, this historic site sits atop limestone-filtered springs first documented by Lewis and Clark in 1804. Today, Holladay continues to embrace its tradition while pushing innovation through its various bourbon offerings. (For more details on Holladay Distillery, see our upcoming Distillery Deep Dive.)
Bottled at 120.1 proof, Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof meets the legal standards of a Real Missouri Bourbon. The term Rickhouse Proof may be a fresh take on labeling, but in essence, this is a single-barrel-strength bourbon designed to highlight the influence of aging across Holladay’s seven-story rickhouses.
One of the most unique aspects of this expression is soft red wheat as the flavoring grain. While rare in bourbon production, soft red wheat differs from the more commonly used hard red wheat in that it has a lower protein content and higher starch availability, making it an ideal ingredient for distillation. Typically, red wheat produces a bourbon that leans toward sweet, pastry-like flavors with a round, creamy texture.
What Makes It a Real Missouri Bourbon?
- Under Missouri law, any whiskey labeled as Missouri straight bourbon whiskey must:
- Use corn grown in Missouri
- Be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged, and bottled in Missouri
- Be aged in Missouri-made oak barrels
Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: Tasting Notes
Nose – 4/5
Multi-layered and impressive. Sweet oak, pralines, and butterscotch lead the way, followed by vanilla, pastry crust, and baked apples—a nod to the character expected from soft red wheat. The high proof is noticeable but well-integrated, allowing the aromas to shine without overwhelming heat.
Palate – 4.75/5
The first sip is a caramel bombshell. Cherries and peaches provide balance, while cinnamon and nutmeg add depth and complexity. The mouthfeel is viscous and creamy, coating the tongue with a well-rounded sweetness. Despite its proof, the heat is surprisingly mild, making for an approachable yet full-bodied experience that enthusiasts will greatly appreciate.
Finish – 4.5/5
Long and satisfying. Lingering notes of cinnamon, oak, and sweet tobacco gradually fade into toffee and vanilla. The proof asserts itself more prominently here, but the overall balance is highly impressive.
Value – 4.25/5
At $75, Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof competes in the premium wheated bourbon category. While brands like Maker’s Mark Cask Strength offer a more budget-friendly alternative, Holladay’s Missouri heritage and deep, complex flavor profile make it a worthy buy for enthusiasts seeking something distinctly different.
Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review: The Verdict
Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof is a well-crafted, high-proof wheated bourbon that delivers on both rich sweetness and balanced spice. It holds its own against established wheated heavyweights and easily rivals W.L. Weller Full Proof or Old Fitzgerald.
For wheated bourbon lovers, this bottle is a must-try and a serious contender in the category.
Verdict – 4.5/5
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
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.