Most folks know in order for a bourbon to be labeled "Bottled-In-Bond" that it must be aged for 4 or more years in a federally bonded warehouse (hence the name), bottled at 100 proof where it was distilled and produced in a single season. But...... Did you know that in this particular case, this brown water is aged more than six years? In addition, Missouri law requires that bourbon must be mashed, fermented, distilled, aged and bottled in Missouri in order for it to have the "Missouri" label on it? What really impresses us about this is the law was updated in 2020 for all corn to be grown in Missouri as well. Keep in mind, going forward, that the Show Me State is taking things very seriously with bourbon by showcasing the the talents and determination from their distilleries.
The Soft Red Wheat has a mash bill of primarily corn. Wheat and barley round out the grains and no rye is present here. Red wheat in particular tends to present a sweeter aroma and taste in the glass, which is exactly what we picked up when tasting this bottle neat.
The majority of the whiskey from each of the Soft Red Wheat releases has historically come from Floor 4 of the rickhouse. That seems to be the sweet spot and the distiller has honed in on what's really working here. Here's what we think....
Medium chestnut color in the glass. You get cinnamon stick, honey, baking spices and strawberry cheesecake for the initial aromas. Some swirling and time in the glass (that's always the hard part!) throw homemade caramel and red fruits at you as well. The mouth-watering aromas are justitified at first sip. Strawberry preserves, honey, cinnamon, fresh baked biscuits and cherry candy are dominant. There's a very welcoming and surprising mint leaf component that shows up with some cocoa powder towards the mid palate to finish.
We think that this bottle lives up to every accolade that is published about it. And we will be so bold to say that we think this gives Weller Antique a very hard run for the money! This is a bottle that you want to have a back up in place in your bar and then a back up for the back up bottle! If you're a wheater fan, we have no doubt that this is going to be a pleaser for your palate. We love what Holladay is doing and where they are going. This is definitely a brand to keep on your radar and you'll want to snatch up whatever they produce because if this bottle is any clue of the deliciousness they are producing, they are creating another footprint in their long legacy.
Distillery: Holladay Distillery
