In a move that’s stirring excitement among bourbon lovers, Holladay Distillery has teamed up with Honey Barrel, an Australian spirits importer, to bring its legendary Missouri bourbon to the land Down Under. This partnership marks a significant step for Holladay, a name synonymous with American whiskey heritage, as it expands its reach into the Australian market, promising to deliver its rich, time-honored flavors to a new crowd of enthusiasts.
Holladay Distillery, nestled in Weston, Missouri, is no stranger to crafting bourbon that tells a story. Founded in 1856 by Ben Holladay, it holds the distinction of being Missouri’s oldest distillery and a leading producer of Bottled-in-Bond bourbon. The distillery’s commitment to tradition is evident in its use of a 160-year-old recipe for its flagship Ben Holladay Bourbon and Holladay Soft Red Wheat. These spirits, aged in charred Missouri white oak barrels, are crafted with the same methods that have defined the distillery for over a century, including a two-grain cooker system and precise distillation proofs. The result is a bourbon that’s not just a drink but an experience, steeped in the history of the American frontier.
The partnership with Honey Barrel, a boutique spirits distributor based in Melbourne, is a natural fit. Founded by Kia Rasteh and Brynley Cullen, Honey Barrel is driven by a deep passion for premium American whiskeys. The duo has built a reputation for curating rare, high-quality spirits tailored to the Australian palate, distributing them to independent bottle shops, cocktail bars, and bourbon-focused venues across the country. Their love for bourbon’s heritage, flavor, and craftsmanship aligns perfectly with Holladay’s ethos, making them the ideal ambassadors to introduce Ben Holladay Bourbon to Australian drinkers.
Kia Rasteh, co-founder of Honey Barrel, didn’t hold back his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “Bourbon and rye are at the core of what we do,” he said. “Bringing Ben Holladay to Australia feels like sharing a piece of American history. It’s about flavor, sure, but it’s also about the craft and the legacy behind it.” Rasteh’s excitement is shared by his partner, Brynley Cullen, who has worked alongside him to carve out a niche for premium whiskeys in a market that’s increasingly thirsty for authentic, well-crafted spirits.
Honey Barrel’s introduction of Holladay Bourbon to Australia kicked off with a bang. They started with the Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof, a bold, barrel-strength expression that showcases the distillery’s commitment to unfiltered, robust flavor. Imported directly from the U.S., this bourbon was unveiled through exclusive tastings at Honey Barrel’s curated bourbon bar, giving Australian consumers a front-row seat to its complex profile. These events weren’t just about sipping whiskey; they were about immersing drinkers in the story of Holladay Distillery, from its roots in the 19th century to its modern-day revival as a global player in the bourbon scene.
Ben Hammond, a representative from McCormick Distilling International, which owns Holladay Distillery, praised the partnership. “Honey Barrel gets it,” he said. “They’re not just selling bourbon; they’re sharing a passion for quality and craftsmanship. Their connections in Australia’s high-end bar and retail scene mean our bourbon will be showcased the way it should be.” This collaboration is more than a business deal—it’s a meeting of minds, with both sides dedicated to delivering an authentic bourbon experience to a new audience.
For Holladay Distillery, this Australian venture is part of a broader strategy to expand its global footprint. As Missouri’s premier producer of Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, Holladay has long been a favorite among American whiskey drinkers who value its adherence to strict quality standards. Bottled-in-Bond, a designation rooted in the 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act, requires the bourbon to be aged at least four years, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and produced by a single distillery in a single season. Holladay’s commitment to this standard ensures a level of consistency and quality that resonates with purists and newcomers alike.
The distillery’s location in Weston, Missouri, adds another layer to its appeal. Visitors to Holladay can take tours that delve into the region’s rich history, from the days when Ben Holladay himself—a stagecoach magnate turned distiller—laid the foundation for what would become a Missouri icon. The distillery’s iron-clad rickhouses and original stillhouse are more than just production facilities; they’re time capsules, preserving the methods and spirit of a bygone era. For Australians, this partnership with Honey Barrel offers a chance to taste that history without crossing the Pacific.
The Australian market, with its growing appetite for premium spirits, is ripe for Holladay’s arrival. Bourbon and rye have been gaining traction among Australian drinkers, who are drawn to the bold flavors and storied backgrounds of American whiskeys. Honey Barrel’s curated approach—focusing on rare, high-quality spirits—ensures that Holladay Bourbon will find a home in the country’s top bars and shops. From Melbourne’s trendy cocktail scene to Sydney’s upscale bottle shops, the stage is set for Holladay to make a lasting impression.
The timing couldn’t be better. Holladay Bourbon is expected to hit Australian shelves later this summer, giving drinkers Down Under a chance to savor its smooth, complex notes of caramel, oak, and spice. Whether it’s the classic Ben Holladay Bourbon, with its balanced, time-tested recipe, or the softer, sweeter Holladay Soft Red Wheat, there’s something in the lineup for every whiskey fan. The Rickhouse Proof, in particular, is likely to turn heads with its higher ABV and unfiltered intensity, offering a raw, unadulterated taste of Missouri’s bourbon-making tradition.
This partnership isn’t just about selling bottles; it’s about building a bridge between two cultures united by a love for great whiskey. Honey Barrel’s hands-on approach—through tastings, events, and direct engagement with Australia’s bourbon community—ensures that Holladay’s story will resonate with those who value authenticity. For Holladay Distillery, it’s a chance to share its legacy with a new audience, one that’s eager to discover what makes Missouri bourbon special.
As the bourbon world continues to evolve, Holladay Distillery’s move into Australia signals its ambition to be a global name. With Honey Barrel as its partner, the distillery is well-positioned to win over Australian drinkers, one sip at a time. For those who appreciate a good bourbon and the history behind it, this is a partnership worth raising a glass to.
