Horse Soldier - Straight Bourbon Whiskey
$45
Horse Soldier – Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Proof: 87
Age: 2 Year Minimum
Distillery: American Freedom Distillery
Type: Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Mash: 65% Corn, 30% Rye, 5% Barley
Website: Horse Soldier Bourbon
*Disclaimer: A score of 5 is the midpoint for my reviews. Above 5 I like it. Below 5 I didn’t for some reason. Most of my reviews are between 4-7. It takes something really really special to go above 7 or below 4. See the methodologies for rating at the end of the article
Nose: Sweet and Earthy with a bit of Baking Spice. Caramel, Rose Petal, Cinnamon, Citrus Zest, and a mild touch of Vanilla.
Taste/Palate: Spice up front. The Cinnamon and Rye Spice lead the way. There’s a transition to sweeter notes in the midpalate with Caramel and Vanilla. It does punch out of it’s 87 proof weight class due to spicier notes.
Finish: The finish is very straight forward and is a balanced combination of the aforementioned notes from the palate. It leans more on the spice side vs sweet, but sweetness is still present. I can pick up a hint of Fresh Cut Green Oak, but it’s very subtle.
Verdict: For it’s age being on the younger side it presents itself very well. The concept and bottle are top notch. However, it’s limited to youthful characteristics with very little to keep you guessing and unpack. I tried this bottle a while back at a group tasting and had no idea of the age statement, price, mash, etc. My impression then was that it was very easy going, but pleasant. My impression now is no different except I was impressed with the taste profile vs age statement, but deterred by the age statement vs price. I don’t think you will be disappointed if you like easy going sippers with a bit of spice, but you might be questioning if your $45 MSRP could have been better spent on a more complex bottle (or 2).
The Story: I’ve been impressed by the bottle when I saw it on the shelf. It’s a good presentation. Now, having read the distiller’s story, it’s a cool concept and homage to those that fight for our country and the creative ways they do so.
The Distillery’s Story: “Much of our brotherhood was forged in fire during the first days after the 9/11 attacks. Immediately following this affront on our nation, the USA responded with a daring insertion of small teams of Green Berets into northern Afghanistan. The Northern Alliance successfully overthrew Mazar-i-Sharif, a Taliban stronghold, with the support of these brave men. This region’s inhospitable, mountainous terrain made efforts and enemy engagements on wild Afghan horses a necessity for one Special Operations team (ODA595). Nicknamed the “Horse Soldiers”, all these brave men are honored today by America’s Response Monument overlooking “Ground Zero” in New York City.
We make history and continue to live legendary lives by instilling family values, adventurous spirits, and pride into Horse Soldier Bourbon Whiskey.”
Methodologies for Rating:
1. Dump it down the drain or regift it to someone you don’t care for.
2. This doesn’t even belong in a mixed drink. Use in case of an emergency.
3. It’s really not for me, but I heard some people like it.
4. Its only good when I’ve had too many and it’s decent in a mixer.
5. Average. Not bad, but not special.
6. Above average. Good to bring to an event and you wouldn’t expect any guff from it.
7. Buy two if you see it to make sure you have one on reserve.
8. Very Very good. Constantly a GREAT POUR.
9. Superb. If I were to drink this and only this from now on I’d be a happy person.
10. Perfection is impossible. But this really comes as close as you can possibly get.
Reviewer: David S
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