Today I'm checking out this Ben Holladay 6-year-old. Let's first start with the incredibly interesting history of Holladay Distillery, per their website:

"It all started with the limestone spring. First discovered in what would become Weston, Missouri, by Lewis and Clark during their 1804 expedition, a pure limestone spring was a rarity whose potential was recognized by two enterprising young brothers by the names of Ben Holladay and Major David Holladay. After visiting the site, which was then a meat-packing house, the Holladay brothers divined an even greater purpose for that limestone spring: Bourbon.

Together, they founded this distillery in 1856. Ben Holladay went on to great fame and fortune as the “Stagecoach King,” running the stagecoach lines from Missouri to the West Coast that later became the Wells Fargo Express, and ultimately acquiring the Pony Express as well. He was a serial entrepreneur who owned saloons, hotels, and silver mines, and by 1864, he was the largest individual employer in the United States. Little did he know that his distillery would become the lasting legacy that carried the Holladay name well into the future.

The Holladay Distillery evolved as the decades passed, changing ownership and names a number of times before ultimately becoming known as McCormick Distilling Company in 1942. Acquired in 1993 by Ed Pechar, Mike Griesser, and a small group of private investors, the distillery has since grown in size and expanded its portfolio of products. In 2016, the distillery commemorated 160 years of rich history and paid homage to its founders by going back to its bourbon-making roots and bearing the proud name of Holladay Distillery, operated by McCormick Distilling Company."

What a cool heritage to carry forward for this distillery.  To be perfectly honest, many times Kentuckians and those whose primary spirit of choice is Kentucky bourbon, turn their noses up at any other distilleries offerings that originate outside the state, minus the ever-present MGP products.  I'm hopeful that these folks will branch out and not immediately write-off a non-KY distiller because there are so many great ones out there.  This Holladay Soft Red Wheat 6 year is one that should put this distillery on the map.  

Stats: 6 years old; Bottled-in-Bond 100 proof; 73% Corn, 15% Soft Red Wheat, 12% Malted Barley; $58

Verdict: The aromas on the nose are a symphony of vanilla, caramel, and bready notes creating a Crème Brulee bread pudding mixture that keeps you sniffing for a while and heightens the anticipation of the sip to come.  A spring bouquet of floral dances in the background to add a sense of airiness to the aromas.  The palate unfolds as you would expect from the nose with a velvety mouthfeel adding a bit of vanilla frosting and apple topping to the bread pudding.  A sip later and more toffee enters the sweet fold while it transitions to a focus on the baking spice mixture on the back of the palate.  This playful dancing back and forth of flavors keeps inviting you in for more sips.  This is not a bourbon to be ignored.  It's soft but not weak, easy to drink but very complex.  A bit of an anomaly in todays bourbon world.  Whether a seasoned whiskey drinker or beginner, this is one you need in your rotation as it's as approachable as it is complex which is an almost impossible achievement for the people of Holladay Distillery.  I may need to add this to the next Best Bourbon $50-$75 rankings.