Horse Soldier Signature Small Batch Bourbon

NOSE: grassy; TASTE: The initial tastes are a combination of an earthiness, dry wheat, leather and faint hints of caramel and oak. Not much sweetness at all. PALATE: on the palate (center of my mouth) there is a transition to a much more dry grass/wheat kind of taste, but not necessarily unpleasant. With subsequent sips there appears to be a conflagration of tastes. FINISH: nonetheless… The finish is dry, and I’m still left with that earthiness & dry wheat/grass, taste and impression upon my flavor senses. Im really WANTING to enjoy and love this bourbon, but in the final analysis, it doesn’t move me to want more. To me, it is not worth the $89.00+ I spent on it in terms of enjoying the bourbon. HOWEVER, in the context of the support of the men of the U.S. “horse soldier“ infantry in the Afghanistan, war, and their dedication, sacrifice, and service for their country, well,… you simply can’t put a price tag on that!!! 🥰

Picked this up for a great deal at CityWide Liquors on Grape Road (usually about $65) Appearance: pleasant medium amber Smell: 9.7/10! Unique! Vibrant, fresh butterscotch aroma with, simultaneously, strong hints of caramel and mint Palate: smooth butterscotches caramels, vanillas, gently toasted nuts, then a subtle surge of buttery barley finishing with a barley/gingery kick that turns to spice. Mash bill: 70% corn (yellow dent 2) 20% wheat (soft red winter) 10% barley (Two-row, blend of distillers malt and base two-row). Age not disclosed. I enjoy everything except the lingering barley flavor (that barley taste is the worst)

The potent alcohol presence initially put me off, both in aroma and flavor. After consuming half the bottle, it has significantly improved. The aroma is sweet and cereal-like. It feels oily at first, presenting a blend of sweetness and possibly some fruit, concluding with a spicy note on the palate. I appreciate the lingering peppery finish, but the price point strikes me as somewhat high, perhaps by $10-$20.

Pale golden hue, with thick, fast-moving legs. The aroma is heavy on rye, presenting grassy and slightly vegetal notes, alongside a whisper of vanilla and corn. It feels a bit unrefined. The initial taste offers a touch of sweetness, followed by a dry, somewhat bitter finish. Hints of cornflakes mingle with the spice. It completely misses a sense of cohesion and complexity.

This bourbon is very smooth. When served on a rock it is delightful. Its sweet but not too sweet. The flavor absolutely has some vanilla hint to it. I do love the story behind Horse Soldier story. A portion of proceeds go back to combat veterans organizations. Also the logo is made from steel recovered at the site of 9/11

The aroma has savory (beefy) notes and a touch of cherry soda. The mouthfeel is velvety, featuring vanilla and a whisper of spice, evolving into a moldy character (like wood shavings?) with the soda making a slight comeback. It's a pour one can consume, but it doesn't distinguish itself. The label now indicates it was produced and packaged in Ohio. When will the distillery in Somerset, Ky. be finished?