Holladay Distillery
Bourbon Brothers Distillery Hub
Overview
Ben Holladay is one of the greatest unknown figures in American history. Born in Kentucky, he moved to Weston, Missouri, as a teenager to seek his fame and fortune.
He became the original transportation tycoon, famed as the “Stagecoach King” for creating the Overland Express stagecoach lines that were ultimately sold to Wells Fargo, just one piece of a transportation portfolio that also included steamships, streetcars, and a railroad. He even owned the Pony Express for part of its brief history.
With everything from silver mines to saloons also under his domain, he was the largest individual employer in the US in the late 1800s and kept close counsel with everyone from President Lincoln to Brigham Young. He built an empire that spanned the entire country, and this distillery is the only piece left standing. Little did he know that whiskey would be the lasting legacy that carried the Holladay name well into the future.
Located in Weston, Missouri, the distillery has built a reputation for producing authentic, Bottled-in-Bond bourbons rooted in traditional American whiskey-making. With deep historic roots and a modern renaissance, Holladay has become a favourite among enthusiasts seeking heritage-driven bourbon with genuine provenance.
History
The Holladay Distillery was established over 170 years ago, but the history of the property goes back even further. Ben Holladay purchased the land in 1849. The site consisted of several acres of land and a stone building that had served as a meatpacking house. Upon discovery of the site’s limestone springs, the idea for Ben’s next business venture was born. As a Kentucky native, Ben knew that limestone water was optimal for bourbon production and he and his brother, David, went to work on acquiring the necessary items needed for distillation.
In 1856, Ben and David distilled their first batch of bourbon under what they had named the Blue Springs Distillery. The barrels were stored in an ancient cave on site that had previously been used for meat curing and preservation. To this day, the same cave is intact and continues to be a fan favorite along the tour route of the facility.
After a short year of aging, the first batch of whiskey from the Blue Springs Distillery was sold for 35 cents per gallon. Shortly after, Ben transferred ownership of the distillery to his brother, Major David Holladay. The business stayed in the Holladay family through the end of the 1800s, passing from David Holladay to his son and son-in-law to become Barton & Holladay in 1894.
Over the next century, the distillery changed hands only three more times (purchased by George H. Shawhan in 1900, Isadore Singer in 1936, and Cloud L. Cray in 1950) before being acquired by the current ownership group in 1993.
Distilling Process
Holladay Distillery follows traditional bourbon production methods with a strong emphasis on grain-to-barrel integrity. Locally sourced grains and limestone-filtered water contribute to the distillery’s distinctive flavour profile.
A defining element of Holladay’s production is its commitment to the Bottled-in-Bond standard, meaning the whiskey is:
What Makes Holladay Unique
- One of the oldest distilleries west of the Mississippi
- Deep focus on Bottled-in-Bond bourbon production
- Historic distillery site dating back to the mid-1800s
- Strong connection to Missouri’s frontier whiskey heritage
Holladay’s whiskies reflect a balance of tradition and modern craftsmanship, delivering bold yet approachable bourbons with a strong sense of place.
Master Distiller & Key People
Holladay’s modern whiskey program is led by Kyle Merklein, Master Distiller and Director of Distillery Operations. Merklein oversees production, maturation, and barrel selection, guiding Holladay’s revival and ensuring the distillery’s historic recipes continue to produce world-class bourbon.
Holladay Brand Family
Notable Releases
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Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon – A classic expression that celebrates traditional bourbon structure with caramel, oak, and spice.
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Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bottled-in-Bond – A softer wheated bourbon offering rich sweetness and balance.
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Rickhouse Proof Series – Limited releases exploring how warehouse location impacts flavour and proof.
For Bourbon Lovers
For bourbon enthusiasts seeking authenticity and heritage, Holladay Distillery offers something truly distinctive. With its Bottled-in-Bond focus, historic Missouri roots, and dedication to traditional whiskey-making, Holladay delivers bold, honest bourbon that reflects America’s frontier distilling heritage.
Explore Holladay with Bourbon Brothers
Perfect for:
- Bourbon lovers who appreciate Bottled-in-Bond authenticity
- Enthusiasts seeking historic American distilleries
- Drinkers wanting to explore bourbon beyond Kentucky
