Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof Bourbon 750ml

Holladay Soft Red Wheat is a Missouri Straight Bourbon Whiskey made using the original Holladay recipe but substituting soft red wheat for rye, resulting in a softer, sweeter taste profile. It's bottled-in-bond at 100 proof, aged on-site in the distillery's iron-clad rickhouses using Missouri white oak barrels, and adheres to the state's specific requirements for "Real Missouri Bourbon". The use of soft red wheat, with its lower protein and minimal gluten, contributes to the bourbon's smooth finish and creamy vanilla sweetness, while a different gelatinization temperature and amino acid concentration compared to rye influence the flavor.

Key Characteristics
Soft & Smooth:
The primary characteristic derived from the soft red wheat in the mash bill, which lends itself to a smoother, less spicy profile than a rye-based bourbon.

Bottled-in-Bond:
This designation signifies that the bourbon was distilled, aged, and bottled at the same distillery in the same season, ensuring authenticity.

Real Missouri Bourbon:
The bourbon meets the specific requirements of a 2019 Missouri law, mandating state-grown corn, in-state production, and aging in Missouri oak barrels.

Aged in Missouri:
The aging process occurs in the distillery's unique, iron-clad rickhouses, and the barrels are made from Missouri white oak.

The Role of Soft Red Wheat
Softer, Sweeter Flavor:

Replacing rye with soft red wheat creates a noticeable difference, producing a sweeter taste and smoother palate.
Lower Protein & Gluten:

Soft red wheat contains lower protein levels and minimal gluten, which contributes to the spirit's gentle character.
Unique Chemical Profile:

The specific amino acid concentrations and gelatinization temperature of soft red wheat impact the fermentation process, influencing the final congener (flavor compound) profile of the bourbon.