Horse Soldier Bourbon Review

There are award-winning bourbons, and then there’s Horse Soldier Bourbon–a whiskey that’s racked up major titles, conquered world spirits competitions, and comes with a legendary story to back it all up.

Horse Soldier Bourbon finds inspiration from the legendary Green Berets who rode into Afghanistan on horseback after 9/11. This bourbon honors their bravery, offering a bold, all-American drink for any occasion.

Our Horse Soldier Bourbon review today will dive deeper into what makes this drink special, from its humble beginnings to its unique flavor profile and how to enjoy it best.  If that interests you, saddle up and join us on this ride!

A Quick Look at Horse Soldier Bourbon

If you're in a rush and just want the essentials, here's a quick review of what you need to know about this brand:

• Classification: Bourbon Whiskey

• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, toasted corn, honey, caramel, nutmeg, oak, toffee, ginger, stone fruits (depending on the bottle you order)

• Distillery: American Freedom Distillery

• Proof: Varies from 87-110 proof (43,5%-55% ABV)

• Pros: Rich and complex flavor, excellent packaging, deep and sweet aroma, backed by training from the best distilleries in Kentucky, Ireland, and Scotland. 

• Cons: Higher price point, might not be the best starting point for those new to bourbon.

What Is Horse Soldier Bourbon?

Horse Soldier Bourbon takes whiskey to the next level by honoring the Green Berets, or Horse Soldiers, and their heroic missions into battle after 9/11. The masterminds behind this drink have traveled the globe (not on horseback!) to seek out the best mentors to improve their distilling and ingredient-selecting processes. 

This careful attention to detail sets the brand apart from the rest, and these bold characteristics show in the drink's profile, too. Created by the American Freedom Distillery, the traditional distilling and aging methods used do wonders for creating a complex yet balanced drinking experience. It’s the perfect harmony between sweetness and spice.

Horse Soldier Bourbon has a rich amber color with a hint of gold. You can sip it neat, on the rocks, or even use it in various cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. We'll cover that in more detail later in this review.

What Is the Alcohol Content of Horse Soldier Bourbon

The alcohol content of Horse Soldier Bourbon varies from 87-110 proof (43,5%-55% ABV), with Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 87(43,5% ABV), Small Batch at 95 (47,5% ABV), and Reserve Barrel Strength at 110 (55% ABV).

Flavor Review: What Does Horse Soldier Bourbon Taste Like?

When you pour a glass of Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon Whiskey, you’ll meet the warm aroma of toffee, sweet corn, and apple. Take a sip, and you’ll get layers of rich vanilla, toasted corn, and honey before ending with a slightly smoky finish that’ll have you reaching for more. 

The Small Batch Signature and Barrel Strength will greet you with the comforting aroma of butterscotch, ginger, and cherries. The former offers notes of caramel, nutmeg, and oak, while the latter offers toffee, ginger, and stone fruits.

As the alcohol content rises, you'll feel more of a burn, but the best part is that it’s never overpowering. Instead, it enhances the deeper notes of caramel and toffee that we all love.

How Should You Drink Horse Soldier Bourbon? 

All of Horse Soldier Bourbon drinks are great neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water, and in various cocktails. 

The premium Straight Bourbon Whiskey works wonders in a Manhattan when garnished with brandied cherries. The Signature Bourbon is better suited for an Old Fashioned, especially with the addition of an orange peel, while the Barrel Strength version adds an extra kick in a Kentucky Mule when topped with ginger beer. 

You can pair these drinks with grilled meats, dark chocolate, or even a high-quality cigar if you’re feeling bold. 

Is Horse Soldier Bourbon Good?

You probably already know the answer from all our praise in this review, but we’ll say it outright: it’s a yes!

With its rich, aromatic flavor profile, inspiring backstory, and close attention to detail in terms of craftsmanship, this bourbon immediately stands out in the market.

The higher price point of each bottle might feel daunting, but don’t let that deter you. Each sip of this drink is an adventure in itself, whether you want a slower-paced one with more vanilla accents or a bolder, spicier kick with more depth. 

Horse Soldier Bourbon Premium Straight Bourbon Whiskey VS. Reserve Barrel Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Both of these bottles from Horse Soldier Bourbon embody the same dedication to quality, but they have completely different vibes when it comes to taste and intensity. 

The Premium Straight Bourbon is super rich and easy to drink, with classic notes of vanilla, toasted corn, and honey. Most people view this as the perfect amount of warmth without being too overpowering. If you want a well-balanced bourbon that isn’t too strong, this one’s the perfect choice. 

Then there’s the Reserve Barrel Strength, which packs a greater punch with each sip. You’ll find much deeper flavors of dark fruit, spice, and toffee. If you want a stronger bourbon to savor slowly, this one’s for you. 

Is Horse Soldier Bourbon a Good Gift?

Absolutely! Taste aside, Horse Soldier Bourbon’s bottles have a stunning design that instantly catches the eye. Did you know these bottles are crafted from steel molds recovered from the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks? That makes these bottles a precious gift, whether it’s for a conversation starter or a heartfelt tribute to history. 

For the bourbon aficionado in your life, our bourbon subscription is a great pairing with Horse Soldier Bourbon! 

Where Can You Buy Horse Soldier Bourbon?

Horse Soldier Bourbon is available at many specialty liquor retailers, along with select bars and restaurants.  Given how quickly these bourbons fly off the shelves, Flaviar is a great choice if you want to snag a bottle for yourself from the comfort of your home. 

How Much Does Horse Soldier Bourbon Cost?

Horse Soldier Bourbon comes at a higher cost, with the Premium Straight Bourbon Whiskey valued at $48.99,  the Small Batch at $54.99, and the Reserve Barrel Strength at $76.99 for a 750ml bottle. Ordering at a bar can cost you around $12-$20 per pour, though prices may vary depending on where you are.

More Expert Liquor Reviews

Horse Soldier Bourbon is a top choice in the world of bourbon, but if you're looking to explore more premium options, Noble Oak Bourbon and Yellowstone Bourbon are worth considering.

Horse Soldier Bourbon Review Verdict: Is It Worth Trying?

Absolutely! This whiskey goes beyond traditional drinks by blending a powerful piece of history with its craftsmanship and bold flavors, rooted in the events of 9/11. The Reserve Barrel Strength Bourbon seems to be the most-loved product in the lineup. 

With its maple color, punchy spice, and a finish of light honey and sour apple, it packs a bit of a burn thanks to its higher alcohol content.

If you're craving something bold, this is the one to try–grab a bottle now and experience the depth of history and flavor in every sip!