Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Every bottle of spirit has its own backstory, and for Horse Soldier bourbon, it’s the infamous 9/11 attack. Horse Soldier bourbon is a good whiskey, and it is made and produced by true American heroes.
With so much honor, here’s the most awaited Horse Solider bourbon review, so read on.
An Overview on Horse Soldier Bourbon
Horse Soldier bourbon whiskey is a project of the Special Forces Veterans who first responded in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attack. It is named after the Green Berets featured in the movie 12 Strong.
The American Freedom Distillery uses two mash bills in creating bourbon whiskey, and the brand has different expressions available on the market.
It has a pleasant taste with hints of oak, some mild black pepper spice, honey, and vanilla.
In addition, a portion of the profits sold from the American Freedom Distillery goes to the maintenance of America’s Response Monument.
Interesting History
Where were you after the 9/11 attack happened? For the owners of the American Freedom Distillery, they were answering the nation’s call and defending the US against al-Qaeda.
Way back then, they rode horses in Northern Afghanistan chasing the Taliban after a series of airline hijacking and suicide bombings on September 11, 2001 [1].
In 2011, the patriotic men named “The Horse Soldiers” were honored in America’s Response Monument.
Four of the ex-Green Beret then came together to start a 16,000-square foot American Freedom Distillery in Ohio and produce quality spirits like rekker rum and bourbon.
How It’s Made
Horse Soldier bourbon is a whiskey made with pride and patience. The mash bills are distilled carefully with limestone aquifers for a smooth and clean taste. It is distilled in Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio, a partner distillery.
Crafted with perfection, it is matured in new charred oak barrels for eight years before bottling.
Fun Fact: Each of the molds used for the bottles of the bourbon came from the salvaged steel of the Twin Towers after 9/11. It honors the service and resilience of the Horse Soldiers and Green Berets that responded after the terrorist attack.
Mash Bill
The Horse Soldier bourbon whiskey (White Label) is made from a mash bill composed of 70% yellow dent corn, 20% wheat (soft red winter), and 10% malted barley. It is considered a bourbon whiskey because its mash bill contains more than 51% corn.
The Horse Soldier Premium Straight bourbon whiskey (Copper Label) contains 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% barley, and it is matured for two years.
In addition, the Horse Soldier Barrel Strength bourbon whiskey (Silver Label) is composed of 70% corn, 20% red winter wheat, and 10% barley mash bill.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Horse Soldier bourbon has a deep and nice amber, copper, and sepia hue, thanks to the new charred oak barrels for maturation.
It has well-defined rivulets, and a medium viscosity bourbon drinkers will surely love.
Vital Stats
The Horse Soldier Premium Straight bourbon whiskey has a vital stat of 43.5 % ABV (87 proof) and is aged for a minimum of two years. The Horse Soldier Barrel Strength has a vital stats of 55.5% ABV (111 proof) with no aging requirement and is a barrel-proof version.
On the other hand, Horse Soldier Commander’s Select has a vital stats of 58% (116 proof) and aged fifteen years for a great smell and rich caramel palate.
Palate
You can taste the oily toffee, oak, and toasted nuts. The impactful pop of spice and cherry is followed by a great smooth finish.
It is a surprisingly sweet but balanced palate; it has hints of apricot, caramel, white and red pepper, smoldering lumber, acetone, vanilla, dark chocolate, cocoa butter flavors, and soft baking spices.
Nose
It has the smell of light acetone, but the soft sweet aroma makes up for it. It has touches of apple, caramel, and slight cherry.
In addition, the touch of buttered corns gives some fruity notes. It also smells like cinnamon spice, fruitcake, toffee, and uncooked grain.
Finish
The bourbon whiskey from Americal Freedom distillery has a finish of woody, and lingering notes joined with leather. Acetone finish is common for bourbons, but the good thing is it is pleasant and covered by other notes. It has easy drinkability because of its complex yet balanced finish.
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Alcohol By Volume
Alcohol content plays a vital role in any expression, so American Freedom Distillery ensured that their product contains a good kick for bourbon drinkers. High ABV with slightly different elements gives flexibility to the bourbon.
The three expressions are not over 80% ABV, which qualifies as a legal bourbon. The Commander’s Select contains 58% ABV; Signature Barrel has 55.5% ABV, while Horse Soldier bourbon comes with 47.5 % ABV.
Price Point
Horse Soldier bourbon whiskey is a carefully distilled spirit from American Freedom Distillery, and a bottle has a price point that ranges from $40 to $1000, depending on the expression. It is an easy sipper, and given the age statement and premium quality of ingredients, the price per bottle is reasonable.
Common Horse Soldier Prices
| Bottle Type | Size | Alcohol By Volume | Average Price |
| Horse Soldier Commander’s Select IV | 750 mL | 58% | $600 – $1000 |
| Horse Soldier Signature Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey | 750 mL | 55.5% | $70-$80 |
| Horse Soldier Premium Straight bourbon | 750 mL | 43.5% | $39-$50 |
| Horse Soldier Reserve Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey | 750 mL | 55% | $70 – $85 |
| Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch Bourbon | 750 mL | 47.5% | $55-$70 |
| Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey | 750 mL | 47.5% | $70 – $80 |
FAQs
Is Horse Soldier bourbon veteran-owned?
Yes, Horse Soldier bourbon is veteran-owned. After the 9/11 attacks, the owners belonging to the special operations group found themselves in a Green beret insertion, riding on horses to fight against the Taliban.
What do you mix Horse Soldier whiskey with?
Mix the Horse Soldier whiskey with soda or coke to sweeten the bourbon. While others prefer drinking it neat, you can add ice cubes to the spirit to open up the flavors of the good-tasting bourbon. In addition, you can mix it with orange juice, Red Bull, or lemonade.
Is Horse Soldier Whiskey Any Good?
Horse Soldier Whiskey is highly regarded among whiskey enthusiasts for its quality and unique backstory. Crafted by American Freedom Distillery, founded by a group of U.S. Special Forces veterans known as the “Horse Soldiers,” this whiskey embodies the spirit of patriotism and dedication to excellence. Horse Soldier Whiskey is meticulously crafted using a blend of bourbon, rye, and American single malt barrels, resulting in a complex and flavorful spirit. It is aged in new American oak barrels, imparting rich caramel, vanilla, and oak notes, with hints of spice and warmth. The whiskey’s connection to the heroic efforts of the Horse Soldiers adds to its appeal, resonating with consumers who value authenticity and craftsmanship. While taste preferences vary, Horse Soldier Whiskey consistently receives positive reviews for its smoothness, character, and the compelling narrative behind its creation.
Who Made Horse Soldier Bourbon?
Horse Soldier Bourbon is crafted by American Freedom Distillery, established by a group of U.S. Special Forces veterans known as the “Horse Soldiers.” These veterans, who played a pivotal role in the early stages of the war in Afghanistan, founded the distillery with a mission to honor their military service and American values through the art of whiskey making. Horse Soldier Bourbon reflects the dedication, camaraderie, and perseverance of the soldiers who inspired its creation. With a commitment to quality and authenticity, American Freedom Distillery produces Horse Soldier Bourbon as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Horse Soldiers, ensuring that their legacy lives on in every bottle.
How Old Is Horse Soldier Bourbon?
Horse Soldier Bourbon does not carry a specific age statement, indicating that it is a blend of various aged bourbons rather than a single vintage. Instead of focusing solely on age, American Freedom Distillery prioritizes the selection of high-quality barrels that contribute to the desired flavor profile of the bourbon. While the exact age of each component in the blend may vary, the resulting whiskey is known for its smoothness, complexity, and depth of flavor. By blending bourbons of different ages, American Freedom Distillery achieves a balanced and harmonious expression that appeals to whiskey enthusiasts seeking a premium and distinctive spirit. Despite the absence of an age statement, Horse Soldier Bourbon is celebrated for its craftsmanship and the patriotic spirit that embodies its creation.
Is Horse Soldier a Kentucky Bourbon?
Horse Soldier Bourbon is not a Kentucky bourbon in the traditional sense. While it is not distilled in Kentucky, it is made using the same meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that define the bourbon-making tradition. Crafted by American Freedom Distillery, Horse Soldier Bourbon pays homage to the American spirit and the heroic efforts of the U.S. Special Forces soldiers known as the “Horse Soldiers.” This bourbon is carefully crafted using a blend of bourbons sourced from various distilleries, resulting in a unique and flavorful spirit that captures the essence of American ingenuity and dedication. While Horse Soldier Bourbon may not originate from Kentucky, it embodies the spirit of American bourbon-making and pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve their country.
How Do You Drink Horse Soldier Bourbon?
Horse Soldier Bourbon can be enjoyed in various ways, depending on personal preference and desired drinking experience. Many whiskey enthusiasts prefer to drink it neat, meaning straight from the bottle without any additional mixers or dilution. This allows the full flavor profile of the bourbon to be appreciated without any distractions. Alternatively, Horse Soldier Bourbon can be enjoyed on the rocks, served over ice to chill the whiskey slightly and mellow its flavors. Some may also choose to mix Horse Soldier Bourbon into cocktails, such as a classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan, where its smoothness and balanced flavors complement other ingredients. Ultimately, how one chooses to drink Horse Soldier Bourbon is a matter of personal preference, and experimenting with different serving methods can help uncover the most enjoyable way to savor this unique bourbon.
Why Is Good Whiskey So Expensive?
Good whiskey is often expensive due to several factors that contribute to its production, aging, and quality. Firstly, the ingredients used in whiskey production, such as grains and barrels, can be costly, especially if they are sourced from high-quality suppliers or undergo specialized treatment. Additionally, the production process itself requires time, expertise, and resources, from milling and mashing the grains to fermentation, distillation, and aging in oak barrels. The aging process, in particular, can significantly impact the final flavor profile and quality of the whiskey, as it allows the spirit to interact with the wood, developing complex flavors and aromas over time. Furthermore, factors such as limited production runs, small batch releases, and marketing strategies can also contribute to the higher price of good whiskey. Ultimately, the price of whiskey reflects its craftsmanship, quality, and the value placed on the unique sensory experience it provides, making it a worthwhile investment for many enthusiasts and collectors.
Our Final Verdict
Horse Soldier bourbon is known for its great story and fine taste. It is one of the best-tasting bourbons we have tried, and it’s a drinkable whiskey we highly recommend.
From the great meaning of the brand to the ingredients and production process, it is no surprise that it is a go-to spirit of bourbon drinkers.
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