Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof Bourbon

Missouri may surprise you as bourbon country, but Weston has been distilling since 1856. This cask-strength wheated bourbon comes from the oldest distillery west of the Mississippi, still on its original site. Master Distiller Kyle Merklein swaps the usual rye for soft red wheat, which softens and sweetens the spirit.

It is aged at least six years in the distillery's original multi-storey rickhouses. Each batch is bottled at its natural barrel proof, so no two releases are ever quite the same. Full proof, full flavour, made grain to glass with Missouri corn and limestone spring water.

• The nose opens with creamy toffee, vanilla and burnt sugar over rich oak char.
• The palate brings juicy apple and stone fruit, dusted with sweet spice, peppercorn warmth and silky caramel.
• Cinnamon and pepper linger on the finish, alongside oaky vanilla and butterscotch.

Pour it neat to judge the full strength, then add a large ice cube or a splash of water to open it up. It stands up to rich food, so try it with grilled steak, glazed ribs or a slice of pecan pie.