Horse Soldier Premium Straight Bourbon

For some time, Horse Soldier bourbon was available locally, but I avoided buying a bottle, believing it was more about marketing than a quality product. My assumption was incorrect. This is a quality bourbon. I sampled the three core range expressions at a tasting event last week and received the Straight Bourbon as part of the offering. At 87 proof, it won't overwhelm you or astound your senses with intricacy. However, it delivers a dependable bourbon with the typical notes of vanilla, cinnamon, toffee, honey, and some warming spices in the finish. It's very balanced and enjoyable neat, and given the significant rye content in the mash bill, I imagine it would also be good with ice or in a mixed drink. For those who prefer higher proof bourbons, their cask strength (wheated) expression offers that extra intensity and a longer finish. This straight bourbon costs approximately $45 in my area, which I consider a reasonable price. 80/100

I was intrigued by the narrative surrounding this bottle and was eager to try it when I encountered it at a hotel bar. This bottle typically retails for $60-$70, which has always seemed too high for me to try. I sampled it neat in a rocks glass. The aroma was pleasant, featuring some spice, caramel, and a faint hint of ethanol. Its scent was stronger than anticipated, which was a plus. The mouthfeel was decent, with the spice transitioning to a more pronounced oak character. Caramel was present, but the flavor leaned more towards spice than sweetness. The finish was acceptable, carrying more spicy notes, but it didn't compel me to have another sip. While I appreciated the aroma, the taste didn't excite me. I'm very glad I didn't purchase a bottle and chose to try it first. Many smaller, specialty (even if interesting) bottles come with high price tags and aren't always justified. I'd classify this one in that group.

An excellent, budget-friendly bourbon that remains a favorite to purchase or suggest! It drinks very smoothly. The personal narrative connected to the label enhances the experience. Flavor profiles, notes, and finish details are limited as my palate for Bourbon/Whiskey is still developing, with over 50 tastings recorded but fewer than 100 as of 2022. (This represents appreciated servings, not just shots and mixers).

Nose: muted baking spices, caramel, green apple Palate: caramel, vanilla, apple, baking spice, with vanilla and toffee flavors becoming dominant towards the end. Neither the aroma nor the flavors are intensely off-putting, but they aren't exceptionally appealing either. Regarding the packaging: the cork is quite fragile, and small fragments fall into the bottle as I consume it.

The aroma is dominated by charred oak. The first sip brings caramel and sugar, transitioning to a cinnamon finish with undertones of char. The rye is perceptible as a hint of spice throughout the sip. A commendable bourbon, but I anticipate this mash bill benefiting from more oak aging! This bottle was received as a present. Grateful to Rob!!!

Tasted blind! Color - paler yellow Aroma - muted baking spice Palate - robust oaked spice with some butterscotch and nuttier notes on the finish. Generally, quite smooth. As I continue drinking, notes of toffee and sweet vanilla-caramel emerge. Toasted corn