Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat Rickhouse Proof
The Barrel Bros’ Review
The nose on the Ben Holladay Soft Red Wheat (Rickhouse Proof) brings a mix of sweet caramel, banana nut bread, and some fruity hints of strawberry and grape. There’s also a hint of freshly baked white cake, along with a subtle wheated grain presence that leans into buttered cracker and Honey Nut Cheerios. Occasionally, there’s also a touch of something like a Payday candy bar.
The mouthfeel on the palate is light and juicy, with a profile that stays mostly on the sweeter side. It opens with a sweet cedar woodiness, and while it doesn’t take any wild turns or add layers of complexity, the taste remains pleasant and full-bodied. It’s a straightforward, easy-going sip that lets the flavor linger without overwhelming with spice or oak.
The finish showcases the proof a bit more, delivering a chest-warming heat that some might find a touch strong. While it does mellow out after the initial proof bite, it leaves a lingering peanut note, which pairs nicely with the rest of the wheated profile.
For wheated bourbon fans, this bottle hits the mark as a solid pour, with enjoyable flavors that shine best when not over-analyzed. Priced at around the $75 MSRP, it’s a decent option if you’re after a more casual, sweet sip with a bit of proof behind it—great for a laid-back night by the fire. It’s not the most complex bottle, but for fans of soft red wheat, this one delivers a solid experience.
If you’re looking for specific notes from our Barrel Bros, read their individual reviews below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
Sweet caramel over banana nut bread with a hint of strawberry/grape fruitiness.
It also smells like a fresh slice of white cake.
THE TASTE:
The mouthfeel is pretty light and juicy but it spreads through the mouth nicely.
It stays on the sweet side, but it does take on a rather woody profile; More sweet cedar than oak.
This isn’t an adventurous sip, it doesn't develop much beyond the single flavor, but fortunately, it’s a rather good one.
THE FINISH:
The finish is rather pleasant, it continues the flavor from the palate but removes the bite from the proof and really mellows out the experience.
BUY OR PASS?
This is a pour that probably presents worse under direct scrutiny. I imagine this bottle would be greatly enjoyed casually around a fire in the fall.
It’s a solid pour and there is much to enjoy from it.
The Hunter Says
Score: 7/10
Value: 3.5/5
THE NOSE:
The wheated grain profile is front and center on the nose, with a buttered cracker or saltine note.
There’s also a touch of sweetness, reminding me of Honey Nut Cheerios, and even a Payday candy bar vibe.
THE TASTE:
The taste gives a good, but basic, bourbon profile. After a few sips, I started getting more of the darker, sweeter flavors I enjoy, but it’s not as sweet as I’d expect from a traditional bourbon.
The wheated profile isn’t my favorite, but for those who love wheaters, I think this will hit the spot.
It’s not very complex, but there’s nothing bad about it either. Just a solid, all-around pour.
THE FINISH:
Here’s where the 119.8 proof really shows up. It hits hard, especially in the chest, and while I usually enjoy higher proof pours, this one feels a bit too harsh.
After the burn fades, I’m left with a heavy peanut note, which lingers for a while, though the finish is mostly just that strong proof heat.
BUY OR PASS?
I typically like barrel-strength pours, but this one comes off a bit too harsh for my taste. It’s good, just not amazing, and doesn’t quite reach the complexity of something like Weller Antique 107.
I’ll have to try the standard Soft Red Wheat next to see if it hits better, but this one is solid overall, just not a standout for me.