Celebrating Nearly 170 Years: Holladay Distillery's Historic Milestones
As 2026 marks the 170th anniversary of Holladay Distillery, a hallmark of tradition in Missouri, the establishment is commemorating the occasion with an impressive array of developments. Nestled in Weston, Holladay Distillery proudly holds the status of being the oldest operating distillery west of the Mississippi River, continuously functioning at its original site since its founding in 1856.
A New Era with Rickhouse D
Among the notable advancements is the recent completion of Rickhouse D, the latest addition to the distillery's extensive bourbon campus. This landmark project has reached full operational capacity with the successful transfer of barrels into the facility. Designed in the classic rickhouse style that characterizes Holladay's bourbon aging process, Rickhouse D signifies the distillery's unwavering commitment to authentic Missouri bourbon production while simultaneously enhancing its barrel storage facility.
Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Patrick Fee, remarks,
"Every new rickhouse represents a belief in the future." This sentiment encapsulates the distillery's dedication to not only preserving traditional bourbon-making techniques but also investing in the next generation of Holladay Distillery's legacy.
Honoring a Legacy
As the distillery reflects on over 160 years of rich history, its bourbon portfolio is also nearing a decade since it underwent a revival that steered it towards modern times. Fee expresses the profound significance of this celebration, stating,
"One hundred seventy years is a testament to the people who built this place and believed in its future across generations." The excitement surrounding this anniversary not only fosters nostalgia but also reinforces the anticipation for what's to come in Holladay's future endeavors.
In addition to the new rickhouse, the distillery has announced the renaming of its event space to the Edward A. Pechar Memorial Event Center, paying homage to the former chairman of McCormick Distilling Co., whose influence has guided the company through a pivotal transformation.
The Future of Holladay Distillery
Today, with nearly 170 years of distilling heritage under its belt, Holladay Distillery is committed to establishing its presence through an ever-expanding range of award-winning bourbons and premium spirits. Maintaining the core values of authenticity and craftsmanship that have been the cornerstone of the distillery since its inception in 1856 is of utmost importance.
Located just 30 minutes north of Kansas City, Holladay Distillery invites bourbon enthusiasts and casual visitors alike to explore nearly two centuries of history and craft. Visitors can engage in scenic tours of the distillery, savor tastings of its aged bourbons, and marvel at the picturesque rickhouses set amidst the charming landscape of Weston, Missouri.
As the announcement of its 170th anniversary approaches, Holladay Distillery stands as a monument to time, bridging the legacy of its past with the promise of continuous innovation for the future. For more information about the distillery and what it offers, visitors can check out
HolladayDistillery.com or connect on social platforms like @holladay1856. This milestone is not just a mark of time; it’s an ongoing story of dedication, craftsmanship, and community engagement.