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Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey 750mL

- $26.38
  • $65.61
  • $91.99
Drink like a distiller with Holladay Rickhouse Proof

When Kyle begins the process of crafting a batch of Ben Holladay or Holladay Soft Red Wheat, he blends bourbon from different barrels and tastes them in their original form – at Rickhouse Proof. Each expression of Holladay Rickhouse Proof is bottled at the exact proof from the bourbon barrel yield after a minimum of six years aging in one of the original Holladay Rickhouses. No two releases will ever be exactly the same, but every bottle of Rickhouse has one important commonality – full proof, full flavor.

Who was Ben Holladay?

Ben Holladay is one of the greatest unknown figures in American history. Born in Kentucky, he moved to Weston, Missouri, as a teenager to seek his fame and fortune.

He became the original transportation tycoon, famed as the “Stagecoach King” for creating the Overland Express stagecoach lines that were ultimately sold to Wells Fargo, just one piece of a transportation portfolio that also included steamships, streetcars, and a railroad. He even owned the Pony Express for part of its brief history.

With everything from silver mines to saloons also under his domain, he was the largest individual employer in the US in the late 1800s and kept close counsel with everyone from President Lincoln to Brigham Young. He built an empire that spanned the entire country, and this distillery is the only piece left standing. Little did he know that whiskey would be the lasting legacy that carried the Holladay name well into the future.

Where it all began

The Holladay Distillery was established over 166 years ago, but the history of the property goes back even further. Over fifty years before founder Ben Holladay acquired the land, Lewis and Clark passed through in 1804 during their famed expedition to the West. They discovered and charted the limestone springs that run abundantly throughout the property and traveled through what would later become Weston, Missouri.

It wasn’t until 1837 that the town of Weston was officially established, earning its name by virtue of being the “farthermost town west in trade” of that era. It was a small town of fewer than 300 people, but it was the second-largest port on the Missouri River at the time, surpassing both Kansas City and St. Joseph.

Ben Holladay purchased the land in 1849. The site consisted of several acres of land and a stone building that had served as a meatpacking house. Upon discovery of the site’s limestone springs, the idea for Ben’s next business venture was born. As a Kentucky native, Ben knew that limestone water was optimal for bourbon production and he and his brother, David, went to work on acquiring the necessary items needed for distillation.

In 1856, Ben and David distilled their first batch of bourbon under what they had named the Blue Springs Distillery. The barrels were stored in an ancient cave on site that had previously been used for meat curing and preservation. To this day, the same cave is intact and continues to be a fan favorite along the tour route of the facility.

After a short year of aging, the first batch of whiskey from the Blue Springs Distillery was sold for 35 cents per gallon. Shortly after, Ben transferred ownership of the distillery to his brother, Major David Holladay. The business stayed in the Holladay family through the end of the 1800s, passing from David Holladay to his son and son-in-law to become Barton & Holladay in 1894.

Over the next century, the distillery changed hands only three more times (purchased by George H. Shawhan in 1900, Isadore Singer in 1936, and Cloud L. Cray in 1950) before being acquired by the current ownership group in 1993.

Nose

Rich caramel and vanilla lead the way, followed by deep oak, baking spices, and hints of dark fruit. There may also be undertones of toasted nuts and leather, adding complexity.

Palate

The first sip delivers bold flavors of charred oak, toffee, and sweet corn, complemented by notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and dark chocolate. Depending on the batch, you might also detect dried fruit, honey, or a slight nuttiness.

Finish

Long and warming, with lingering spice, caramelized sugar, and a balanced interplay of oak tannins and subtle sweetness. The high proof intensifies the depth, leaving a rich, full-bodied impression.

*SHIPPING NOTICE- If possible, please use a business address for shipping. All shipments require an adult signature which is much more reliable at a place of business.

All orders usually ship within 24-48 hours unless noted otherwise 

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FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY
  • Quick Shipping Orders ship on average within 24 hours.
  • Competitive Prices We make sure you are getting a deal on our products!
  • FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY

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  • 5

    A great company with an awesome selection. Picked up a few bourbons I haven't seen before. Quick shipping!

    JOHN ANGLE

  • 5

    Found a great vodka for my husbands 48th. I called for a recommendation and it did not disappoint.

    STACY ORLAND

  • 5

    Easy and quick shipping. Came package secure. Glad to support this family owned business.

    Robert Makom