Ben Holladay Rickhouse Proof Bourbon is Ben Holladay Bourbon in its original form, straight out of the barrel. When Master Distiller Kyle Merklein pulls samples of bourbon, he is always tasting them at full-proof. It’s special to be able to share this bourbon in its original state just as he would taste in the rickhouse. With a higher proof, the flavor of the bourbon is more robust and complex than what you would taste at a lower proof.