Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon 750ML is a 43.5% ABV (87 proof) straight bourbon whiskey founded by former U.S. Army Green Berets. A Double Gold Medal winner at both the 2019 and 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression has earned serious recognition for a brand built on a deeply personal origin story.Quick Facts: ABV: 43.5% (87 proof) | Origin: United States | Minimum 2 Years Old | Distillery: American Freedom DistilleryProduction & HeritageAmerican Freedom Distillery was founded by members of the Green Beret team first deployed into Afghanistan on horseback in the weeks following September 11, 2001 — the soldiers immortalized by the America's Response Monument at Ground Zero. The bourbon itself uses a high-rye mashbill of 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, aged a minimum of two years in new charred American oak barrels. It is non-chill filtered to preserve fuller body and flavor. Each bottle is formed using molds made from steel recovered from the World Trade Center site, a detail that ties the product directly to the founders' story.Tasting NotesAroma: Caramel and toasted corn lead the nose, followed by toffee, sweet apple, and a thread of cinnamon. Oak and dark fruit round out the background, giving the aroma a layered warmth without being heavy.Taste: The entry is soft and sweet, with honey and vanilla arriving first. Mid-palate, toasted corn and custard develop alongside nutmeg and light lemon zest. A gentle push of black pepper spice and oak emerges toward the peak, adding complexity without overwhelming the sweeter elements.Finish: Medium in length with a warm, mellow close. Spicy oak and a lingering vanilla sweetness stay behind, leaving a balanced impression that invites another sip.How to Drink Horse SoldierNeat or with a single ice cube works well here — the non-chill filtered body holds up without losing character as temperature drops slightly. The high-rye mashbill and approachable sweetness also make it a strong cocktail base. Old Fashioned: The caramel and vanilla backbone melds naturally with bitters and a sugar cube, letting the bourbon's spice carry through. Boulevardier: Its rye-forward bite stands up to Campari and sweet vermouth without disappearing into the mix. Whiskey Sour: Honey and lemon zest notes in the bourbon complement fresh citrus juice, creating a cohesive flavor rather than competing layers. Best For Gifting a veteran, first responder, or anyone who values American heritage brands Introducing someone to straight bourbon with a smooth, approachable entry point Building a home bar with award-winning bourbons at a reasonable tier Hosting a tasting flight comparing high-rye mashbill bourbons Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does Horse Soldier taste like? Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon delivers a sweet, approachable profile led by caramel, vanilla, honey, and toasted corn, with a secondary layer of nutmeg, black pepper, and oak spice that adds depth without sharpness.How does Horse Soldier compare to Buffalo Trace? Both sit in a similar approachable price tier, but Horse Soldier uses a noticeably higher rye percentage (30% vs. Buffalo Trace's lower-rye mashbill), giving it more pepper spice on the palate. Horse Soldier is also non-chill filtered, resulting in a slightly fuller mouthfeel.Is Horse Soldier good for sipping neat? Yes — the non-chill filtered process preserves enough body and flavor complexity at 87 proof to make neat sipping rewarding, while the lower proof keeps the heat manageable for newer bourbon drinkers.Where is Horse Soldier made? Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon is produced by American Freedom Distillery, with bourbon sourced from Kentucky and aged in new charred American oak barrels. The distillery was founded by former Green Berets who served in Afghanistan.What foods pair well with Horse Soldier? Smoked brisket or pulled pork highlights the bourbon's oak and caramel sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gruyère complements the nutmeg and vanilla notes. Pecan pie mirrors the toasted, sweet profile. Dark chocolate with sea salt plays off the pepper spice and honey. Cornbread with honey butter echoes the toasted corn character.What sizes does Horse Soldier come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this expression.Is Horse Soldier worth the price? Horse Soldier positions as an entry-level to mid-range straight bourbon with two Double Gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition backing up its quality claims, making it a competitive value within its tier.Why Horse Soldier?Two Double Gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition — in 2019 and again in 2022 — confirm this is more than a story-driven brand; the liquid genuinely performs. The 30% rye mashbill gives it more backbone than many bourbons in the same price range, and the non-chill filtered approach preserves texture and flavor that cheaper filtration methods strip away. The founding story of Green Berets who rode horseback into combat and later built a distillery is singular in the spirits world, but it is the bottles formed from World Trade Center steel molds that make each pour feel distinctly tied to that history. For drinkers who want a well-made, award-winning bourbon with genuine provenance, Horse Soldier delivers substance behind its symbolism.
