In response to sustained growth and rising consumer interest, Holladay Distillery, based in Weston, Missouri, has officially broken ground on Rickhouse D. This marks the fourth rickhouse constructed by the distillery in its century-long commitment to developing the only ironclad rickhouses in the state of Missouri. The first three rickhouses were built on-site in the early 1900s, followed by additional constructions in 1930 and 1950. The new development, set to be completed in 2025, signifies a pivotal moment in Holladay’s distilling legacy, which has its roots dating back to 1856.

The construction of Rickhouse D will take approximately eight to nine months and is being executed in partnership with Al J. Mueller, a construction firm located in St. Joseph, Missouri. The distillery’s existing rickhouses have a combined footprint of about 9,000 square feet, with the capability to store between 10,000 and 12,000 barrels of bourbon. With an impressive capacity of 11,000 barrels, the new rickhouse aims to ensure consistency across Holladay’s bourbon offerings. Notably, Holladay Distillery is the sole distillery in Missouri that ages its bourbon in ironclad rickhouses, a unique feature that enhances the quality and character of its products.

“We’re proud to continue making Missouri history by expanding our capacity to distill, age, and distribute premium bourbon to a wider audience,” says Mick Harris, president of Holladay Distillery. “Rickhouse D is a significant investment into our future, as well as a commitment to continuing to meet growing demands for Holladay Bourbon.” This expansion reflects the distillery’s dedication to maintaining its heritage while adapting to contemporary market demands.

After a 30-year hiatus from bourbon production, during which the distillery focused on other spirits within its extensive portfolio, Holladay Distillery resumed bourbon-making in 2015. The distillery underwent significant updates, including new equipment installed in the original stillhouse, allowing for the revival of its bourbon production. Utilizing the original 1856 Holladay mash bill, the distillery produced its first bourbon since the hiatus, which was aged for six years before the release of Ben Holladay Bourbon in 2022. Following this, a new mash bill incorporating soft red wheat was introduced in 2016, resulting in the release of Holladay Soft Red Wheat Bourbon in 2023. The growing demand for both bourbon variants has been a driving force behind the distillery’s decision to expand its rickhouse aging capacity.

In addition to its flagship products—Holladay Soft Red Wheat and Ben Holladay Bourbon—the distillery also offers Rickhouse Proof and One-Barrel Bourbons. Both of these products are bottled at the specific proof derived directly from the bourbon-barrel yield after a minimum aging period of six years in one of the original rickhouses. Furthermore, Holladay Distillery features its Ancient Cave Collection, which consists of bourbons aged in experimental barrels for a secondary finish. The expansion of capacity provided by Rickhouse D will directly benefit each of these collections, allowing for greater production and innovation.

As Holladay Distillery moves forward with Rickhouse D, it not only enhances its operational capabilities but also reinforces its position as a pioneer in Missouri’s bourbon industry. The commitment to quality and tradition, coupled with the capacity to meet growing consumer demands, places Holladay Distillery at the forefront of the craft bourbon movement in the region. The groundbreaking of Rickhouse D is not merely an expansion; it represents a revitalization of Holladay’s storied past and a promising future in bourbon production.