Ben Holladay 8 Year One Barrel Bourbon
The Stats
- Distillery: Ben Holladay
- Location: Weston, MO
- Type: Single Barrel Bourbon
- Age: 8 Years 4 Months
- Proof: 120 (60% ALC/VOL)
- Mash Bill: Corn: 78% Rye: 18% Malted Barley: 4%
- Rickhouse/Floor: C/2
- Rick/Tier: 11/3
- Release: 2025
- Price: $85
Founded in 1856 and proudly operating under Missouri’s DSP #5, the Holladay Distillery is one of the oldest and most historic bourbon producers west of the Mississippi. After decades of dormancy, the brand re-emerged in 2016 with a focus on Bottled-in-Bond standards, local grains, and a transparent grain-to-glass approach that quickly earned them serious respect in the bourbon community.
With their Rickhouse Proof and Bottled-in-Bond releases already cult favorites, Holladay has now introduced their oldest release yet: the 8-Year One Barrel Bourbon. Expectations were high.
But does more time in the rickhouse automatically mean a better bourbon?
Aged Ambitions, Mixed Results
We love this distillery, but this single barrel fell short of the complexity we’ve come to expect. While it hits hard with bold spice and high proof, the overall profile felt a bit one-dimensional.
Gone are the fruity and creamy notes we loved in the 6- and 7-year bottles. Instead, this pour leans heavily into cinnamon, pepper, and dry oak. For fans of bold spice, this might be a hit. For us, it lacked the finesse we were hoping for with the added age.
Tasting Notes
Aroma:
Warm cinnamon and dusty oak lead the way, backed by caramel corn, flat cola, dry sawdust, and light vanilla. A bit earthy, a bit nostalgic—but not especially layered.
Taste:
An immediate punch of cinnamon and black pepper. There’s some toasted oak, bready grain, and the faintest whisper of vanilla—but the sweetness and depth never fully develop. Lacking fruit, creaminess, and the vibrant mid-palate we’ve come to expect from Holladay.
Finish:
Medium length with a tingly, peppery finish. Oak and spice linger, but not in a particularly satisfying way. The proof is felt more than it’s enjoyed.
Artfully Bourbon Rating
6 / 10 - ABOVE AVERAGE
We both landed at a 6—just above average. While we’re big fans of Holladay’s work overall, this 8-Year single barrel felt like a step back rather than forward. It shows promise in age and proof, but this barrel lacked the nuance and balance of younger, blended offerings from the brand.
If you’re curious, try before you buy—or seek out a trusted rickhouse/floor combo. Some barrels are better than others.
For newcomers? Start with the Bottled-in-Bond or Rickhouse Proof.
For the rest of us? We’ll keep sipping—and waiting for the 10-Year.
