The Stats
- Distillery: Holladay Distillery
- Location: Weston, Missouri
- Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
- Proof: 111 (55.5% ALC/VOL)
- Age: 10 Years
- Mash Bill: 73% Corn / 15% Rye / 12% Malted Barley
- Release: Limited / 2026
- Price: $125
We've been following Holladay since its first six-year Bottled in Bond release. Now, a decade after bourbon production resumed in Weston, Missouri, some of those earliest barrels have reached ten years old. And we've been looking forward to seeing what that extra time would bring.
The Ben Holladay 10 Year arrives during the distillery's 170th anniversary year, making this a pretty significant release. We've had some outstanding Holladay bourbons over the years, particularly their single barrels and Rickhouse Proof releases, so expectations were understandably high.
The Whiskey Behind the Bottle
Holladay's history dates back to 1856, when brothers Ben and David Holladay established their distillery in Weston, Missouri. Bourbon production eventually stopped, but the distillery returned to whiskey making in 2016 after restoring its original stillhouse.
Rather than rushing whiskey to market, Holladay waited six years before introducing its first Bottled in Bond bourbon. That patience has paid off.
The 10 Year comes from that early production, aged on-site in Holladay's traditional iron-clad rickhouses. Master Distiller Kyle Merklein selected the whiskey for this limited release, bottled at 111 proof.
Unlike a single barrel, which reflects the character of one barrel, this release combines selected mature whiskey to create a more balanced, consistent profile. It's a chance to experience what a full decade of aging can bring to Holladay's original bourbon.
Tasting Notes
Aroma
Sweet vanilla, caramel, and red fruit lead the way, with strawberry and raspberry giving it an almost strawberry-shortcake quality. Baking spice and mature oak add depth.
Taste
Rich and fruit-forward, with vanilla, cherry, oak, cinnamon and leather. The sweetness and mature oak work nicely together, while 111 proof gives it plenty of flavor without overwhelming the palate.
Finish
Warm oak, cinnamon and lingering sweetness, followed by a slightly dry, tannic note. Scott enjoyed the complexity, while Arthur found that final note a little less appealing.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
7.5 / 10 - Very Good
Ben Holladay 10 Year delivers a rich, mature bourbon with plenty of character. The additional aging brings depth without losing the sweeter, fruit-forward qualities we've come to enjoy from Holladay.
Scott considers it the best Ben Holladay he's tasted, and it's easy to understand why. Arthur enjoyed it too, although some of Holladay's younger single barrels have made an even bigger impression.
That's something worth remembering when exploring the lineup. Age doesn't always tell the whole story. We've had younger Holladay barrels that were exceptional, along with others that didn't come close to the 10 Year. Part of the fun is discovering those standout bottles.
The 10 Year offers a more balanced, consistent expression that should appeal to a wider range of bourbon drinkers. It's a different experience from hunting down an exceptional single barrel, and there's room for both.
Buy or Skip:
Buy, with a caveat.
At $125, the price feels a little steep. We'd be considerably more enthusiastic about the value if it were closer to $100.
That said, this is Holladay's first 10-year release, celebrating its 170th anniversary and a decade since bourbon production resumed. It's understandable that a limited celebratory release carries a premium.
If you enjoy the traditional Kentucky bourbon profile, you'll likely enjoy what Holladay is doing. The familiar vanilla, oak, caramel, and baking spice are all here, but a fruit-forward character gives this Missouri bourbon its own personality. And if value is your priority, Holladay's younger expressions are absolutely worth exploring.
Kentucky may still be the benchmark for many bourbon drinkers, but Holladay is making a strong case for looking beyond it. The 10 Year is another reason to keep an eye on what's happening in Weston, Missouri.
Watch the Episode: See how Ben Holladay 10 Year performed against three other Holladay bourbons in our blind tasting.
Where Does It Rank?
Every whiskey we review is scored using the same 10-point scale, making it easy to compare bottles across styles, distilleries, and price points. Explore our complete whiskey rankings to see how every bottle stacks up.
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Product Features
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Care Instructions
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Machine wash cold (max 30C / 90F)
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Tumble dry low or hang dry
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Do not bleach
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Iron on low heat if needed
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Do not dry clean
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