Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Overall Value: 4.5/5
Distillery: Holladay Distillery
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: McCormick Distilling Company
Release Date: June 2022
Proof: 100
Age: 6 Years
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Walnut
MSRP: $60
The Barrel Bros’ Review
Today we’re discussing Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, exploring how a newer offering in the market is punching well above its weight class.
The nose of the Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond bourbon seamlessly combines notes of sweet butterscotch, toffee, and a hint of oak right from the first encounter — offering a sensory journey reminiscent of a gooey 3 Musketeers bar center complemented by undercurrents of dark chocolate and vanilla-pudding richness. We also picked up notes of faint banana and bright citrus.
The nose alone sets a high bar, making it the standout feature of this bourbon.
Despite its relatively young age of 6 years, Ben Holladay BIB presents an oakiness on the palate that is assertive yet not overpowering. Hints of butterscotch from the nose blend with oak to strike a perfectly sweet balance. The mouthfeel, though slightly on the thinner side, does not detract from the overall experience. The finish pleasantly surprises with a lingering sweetness bearing notes of caramel, corn, and a savory cherry flavor — all of which round off the sip quite nicely.
With an MSRP of $60, Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon emerges as an exceptional value, proving itself a heavyweight contender in its category… without the heavyweight price tag.
This bourbon, easy to find and even easier to enjoy, is a must-have for both seasoned collectors and those new to the whiskey scene.
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
The smell of oak was immediately present but in a light and alluring fashion, which then moved into the faintest scent of banana followed by a bright citrus note, ending in a sweet vanilla-pudding richness.
The nose was by far my favorite aspect of this bourbon.
THE TASTE:
The sweetness of the oak carries over nicely from the nose, however it lacks some of the richness previously present. I didn’t happen to draw any other underlying flavors or notes, but what is present on the palate is very enjoyable. The mouthfeel was on the thinner side, and I noticed it leaving my mouth a bit dry moving into the finish.
THE FINISH:
The first flavor present to me in the finish was corn, which also brought some weight that I found lacking in the palate. This warms up nicely, leaving a savory cherry flavor in the mouth as the sip wraps up. Overall, while not my preferred notes for a finish, I was certainly happy with what was there.
BUY OR PASS?
As a Missouri native, I am thrilled that this offering from a local Missouri Distillery is as good as it is!
Additionally, at $60 it is easily categorized as a fantastic bottle to buy simply for the value. It is certainly worth a try, and should not disappoint!
The nose was the highlight for me, but there are many things to enjoy about this bourbon for whiskey enthusiasts.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: 4.5/5
THE NOSE:
Right off the bat, this bourbon greets you with a hug of sweet butterscotch and toffee, reminiscent of the gooey center of a 3 Musketeers bar. And just when you think you've got it figured out, it starts to open up, revealing layers of dark chocolate.
The nose on this one is arguably the highlight of the experience. It's a journey through darkness and sweetness, with not a fruit note in sight.
THE TASTE:
The oakiness introduces itself in a way that I prefer: present but not overbearing. The butterscotch whispers from the nose don't just disappear… they waltz right onto your palate, blending seamlessly with the oak to create a pleasant level of sweetness that's hard to put down.
Now, the mouthfeel might not be everything I'd dreamed of, but, for a bourbon that's only seen 6 years in the barrel, it's throwing punches like a seasoned heavyweight.
THE FINISH:
The finish is an encore you didn't think you'd get in a 6-year bourbon, leaving you wishing the sweetness and caramel would linger just a bit longer.
BUY OR PASS?
When we talk about value, Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond is knocking it out of the park. At $60, this bottle is an absolute steal, and you won't have to go on a treasure hunt to find it. It's easy to find and even easier to enjoy.
Whether you're a seasoned bourbon collector or just dipping your toes into the world of whiskey, Ben Holladay deserves a spot on your shelf.
