Ep. 98: Holladay Distilling with Jordan Germano and Kyle Merklein

Holladay Distilling burst onto the scene in 2022 with a 6-year-old Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon that won Best First Release at the 2022 Whiskey Ring Awards. It was a fantastic pour that beat out several other highly-touted distilleries from around the world, including Lochlea (helmed by the legendary John Campbell) and Keeper's Heart, which stole Brian Nation from Midleton and brought his influence to America. 

It was a statement: we're from Missouri, we're making Missouri Bourbon, and just try and beat us. 

After a few batches of the original Bottled-in-Bond - plus "rickhouse proof" versions - they followed it up with what might be my favorite new release of 2023, the Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon. Simply divine, and the best wheater I've had in over a year. 

The story is fascinating: McCormick Distillery, the brand's parent distillery, is named for the Stagecoach King of the World; though his story just barely predates the more well-known titans (Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Gould) he died in near-poverty. McCormick has had several names, was allowed to distill during Prohibition, and at one point was owned by MGP. 

It's a company and distillery that has woven a thin but constant thread through America's distilling history, and its story needs to be told. Listen in for an incredible episode!

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Before we jump into the interview just a few quick notes:

The first WRP barrel pick is coming! I'm back from Tennessee after picking two barrels - that's right, two! - of Jack Daniel's Barrel Proof Rye. There are also upcoming picks of KO Distilling, Barrell Rye, and Spirits of French Lick (trust me - Alan has picked out some funky things for us to try!). $25 members get the chance to join me on picks: one of your fellow Patreon members joined me in Lynchburg, one is on the Spirits of French Lick team, and I'll be picking one or more for the KO pick once samples come in!

Join the Patreon now for early access to the barrels!

If you haven’t joined the Patreon community yet, please consider doing so! Only 1 Spot Remains in the Barrel Club.

• The $5 tier has access to the Patreon-only segment called “Under the Influencer”, where some of your favorite YouTubers/Instagrammers/Podcasters and more join me to talk whiskey, life, and influencing. This tier will also have priority access to upcoming barrel picks.
• The $25 tier - for people who really want to propel the pod and website forward - will have the same benefits as the $5 tier plus right of first refusal to join me on future barrel picks, access to bottles I'm sent to taste and review, and more. Only 1 spot remains! 

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Holladay Distillery

• Holladay Distillery Website
• Holladay Happy Hour Podcast
• Holladay Distillery on Instagram
• Holladay Distillery on Facebook
• Holladay Distillery on Twitter

Holladay Bourbon Reviews

• Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Batch #001 Review 
• Ben Holladay Bottled-in-Bond Wheated Bourbon Review

Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor, ImpEx Beverages

• https://impexbev.com
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Thanks to our Sponsor, Scotch Malt Whisky Society

• SMWS Website
• SMWS of America Website (Use code WRP for 20% off your membership!)
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