Holladay Distillery releases rare 10-year-old bourbon
The limited-edition spirit marks the 170th anniversary of the oldest operating distillery west of the Mississippi.
By Ibrahim Howard ·
Holladay Distillery in Weston, Missouri, launched Ben Holladay 10-Year Bourbon on October 17. The release commemorates the company’s 170th anniversary and represents the oldest spirit produced since the distillery resumed modern operations.
The distillery, located 30 minutes north of Kansas City, began operations in 1856. It holds the distinction of being the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi River that remains at its original site. The new bourbon is a limited-edition product that spent a full decade maturing before reaching shelves.
Master Distiller Kyle Merklein selected the barrels for this release from the company’s ironclad rickhouses. He chose a final strength of 111 proof. Merklein stated that this level allowed the drinker to experience the specific changes caused by a decade of aging. The production process utilized the distillery’s original bourbon mash bill.
The maturation process occurred in Weston, where local weather patterns influenced the final product. Merklein noted that the unpredictable seasons of Missouri played a role in the spirit’s development over the ten-year period. The barrels were hand-selected to ensure consistency for this anniversary release.
Holladay Distillery invites visitors to its facility for tours and tastings. The town of Weston features a historic downtown and antique shops. The distillery provides tour and tasting information on its website for those planning a visit.
