When it comes to bourbon, I always find myself drawn to the stories behind the bottle. It’s not just about the flavors and aromas, but the history and passion that go into crafting each sip. That’s why I was intrigued when I first heard about the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon.
This bourbon pays tribute to a group of extraordinary individuals who played a pivotal role in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. These brave Green Berets, known as the Horse Soldiers, mounted on horseback, ventured into uncharted territory and carried out daring missions. They embody the courage, resilience, and unwavering spirit of America.
As I opened the bottle and poured myself a glass, I couldn’t help but imagine the journey that led to this bourbon’s creation. The aroma of toasted corn and toffee filled the air, transporting me to the heart of Kentucky. It was a fitting start to a tasting experience that promised to be both intriguing and meaningful.
But before diving into the tasting notes, let’s take a closer look at what makes the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon so special. This bourbon is crafted by American Freedom Distillery, a brand founded by these same Green Berets who served as the inspiration behind the whiskey. It is a blend of 70% corn, 20% wheat, and 10% barley, resulting in a rich and robust flavor profile. With an impressive proof of 95 (47.6% ABV), this bourbon certainly doesn’t hold back.
Key Takeaways:
- The Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon pays tribute to the Horse Soldiers, a group of Green Berets who served as the inspiration behind the whiskey.
- Crafted by American Freedom Distillery, this bourbon has a mash bill of 70% corn, 20% wheat, and 10% barley.
- The bourbon offers a nose of toasted corn, toffee, fruitcake, and uncooked grain.
- On the palate, expect flavors of caramel, apricot, lightly roasted nuts, white pepper, and a hint of acetone.
- Although the presence of acetone may detract from the overall experience, the finish provides a long-lasting Kentucky Hug and a pleasant heat at the back of the mouth.
Contents
Tasting Notes of Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon
When it comes to the tasting notes, the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon offers a nose of toasted corn, toffee, fruitcake, and uncooked grain. On the palate, you can expect flavors of caramel, apricot, lightly roasted nuts, white pepper, and acetone. The finish, although marred by a bit of acetone, provides a long-lasting Kentucky Hug and a pleasant heat at the back of the mouth.
Aromas:
- Toasted corn
- Toffee
- Fruitcake
- Uncooked grain
Palate:
- Caramel
- Apricot
- Lightly roasted nuts
- White pepper
- Acetone
Although the presence of acetone is noticeable, the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon manages to balance it out with its array of flavors, resulting in an overall enjoyable drinking experience.
Finish:
The finish delivers a long-lasting Kentucky Hug and a pleasant heat at the back of the mouth.
Our Thoughts on Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon
As a veteran myself, I was excited to try the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon and learn about the story behind it. However, my experience with this whiskey was met with disappointment due to the strong presence of an acetone/shellac overtone that persisted throughout the drinking experience.
The base of the whiskey is pleasant, with flavors that would otherwise make it worth a bottle. The caramel and apricot notes add a hint of sweetness, while the lightly roasted nuts and white pepper provide a savory element. However, the acetone/shellac taste detracts from the overall enjoyment and lingers on the palate, making it difficult to fully appreciate the whiskey’s potential.
I had high hopes that the whiskey would improve over time, perhaps allowing the more desirable flavors to shine through and mask the unappealing overtone. Unfortunately, even after allowing the whiskey to sit and breathe, the acetone/shellac taste remained prominent, diminishing the drinking experience.
While the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon carries a great story and a connection to a significant moment in American history, the strong presence of acetone makes it difficult to recommend to bourbon enthusiasts. As a veteran, I appreciate the spirit behind this bourbon, but the taste does not meet my expectations.
Overall Rating:
Despite its intriguing backstory, the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon falls short in terms of taste. The acetone overtone significantly affects the overall drinking experience, overshadowing the pleasant base of the whiskey. With an MSRP of $59.99, this bourbon may not be worth the price for discerning bourbon drinkers who prioritize flavor and balance.
History of Horse Soldier Bourbon
The Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey pays tribute to a group of Green Berets who played a vital role in responding to the 9/11 attacks on horseback. These heroic soldiers, known as the “Horse Soldiers,” are honored at Ground Zero by the America’s Response Monument.
It is a whiskey that carries the legacy of their brave actions and symbolizes a significant moment in American history.
The Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey pays tribute to the heroic actions of the Green Berets who responded to the 9/11 attacks.
Where to Buy Horse Soldier Bourbon
If you’re interested in purchasing the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon, you can find it online at Wine-Searcher.com. Due to federal alcohol regulations, the fulfillment of orders is done through a third-party partner, and the delivery times range from 7-12 business days from the time of placing the order. Make sure to check the availability in your area and take advantage of the opportunity to try this unique bourbon.
| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Wine-Searcher.com | $59.99 | Online |
Small Batch Bourbon Ratings and Pricing
The Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon has garnered mixed reviews from bourbon enthusiasts. While it boasts an intriguing backstory and a solid base whiskey, the presence of acetone and shellac notes has impacted its overall rating.
As for pricing, the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon is priced at $59.99, positioning it in the category of premium small batch bourbons. However, based on our thorough review, some discerning bourbon drinkers may question whether it offers sufficient value for its price point.
When it comes to small batch bourbon ratings, it is crucial to consider the individual palate preferences and tastes of each consumer. While the Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon may not appeal to everyone, it’s important to note that taste is highly subjective. Some bourbon enthusiasts may overlook its flaws and appreciate the unique qualities it brings to the table. Ultimately, the decision to purchase this bourbon should be based on personal taste and budget.