Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon 750ML

Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon 750ML is a wheated, non-chill filtered bourbon bottled at 95 proof (47.5% ABV) in a 750ml format. This expression earned a Gold Medal with 95 points at the 2019 New York International Spirits Competition, along with Silver Medals at the 2019 International Wine and Spirits Competition (92 points) and the 2019 San Francisco International Spirits Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 47.5% (95 Proof)  |  Origin: Columbus, Ohio, USA  |  Wheated Small Batch  |  Produced with Middle West Spirits

Production & Heritage

Horse Soldier Bourbon was founded by members of the U.S. Army Special Forces who rode horseback into Afghanistan in the weeks following September 11, 2001. Each glass bottle is molded using steel recovered from the World Trade Center, a detail that underscores the brand's deep connection to that chapter of American history. The Small Batch expression is currently produced in conjunction with Middle West Spirits in Columbus, Ohio. It draws from a mashbill of 70% corn, 20% wheat, and 10% barley, matured in new American oak barrels and married from eight to ten barrels at roughly five years of age. The bourbon is non-chill filtered, preserving the full body and texture from barrel to glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Toasted butterscotch and honey greet the nose first, followed by layers of ginger and baked spice. Deeper inhalation reveals nutmeg and a subtle thread of dark cherry.

Taste: The entry is creamy and rich, leading with vanilla and brown sugar. At mid-palate, ripe apple and dark stone fruits emerge alongside warm cinnamon and cola-like sweetness. The wheated mashbill keeps everything rounded, with gentle leather undertones adding depth.

Finish: Medium-long, with lingering toffee, spicy oak, and a faint licorice root note. The non-chill filtered character maintains a velvety mouthfeel through the final moments.

How to Drink Horse Soldier Small Batch

At 95 proof, this bourbon handles a single large ice cube or a splash of water without losing structure, though neat is the ideal way to appreciate the full range of butterscotch and stone fruit flavors. It also performs well in cocktails: an Old Fashioned, where the wheat-forward sweetness pairs naturally with bitters and orange peel; a Boulevardier, where the creamy body balances Campari's bitterness; and a Gold Rush, where the honey and ginger notes in the bourbon amplify the honey-lemon syrup base.

Best For

• Gifting a bourbon enthusiast who values American military heritage and craft
• Introducing wheated bourbon to a drinker who typically reaches for rye-forward expressions
• Hosting a side-by-side tasting of wheated bourbons at different proof points
• Commemorating meaningful events or milestones with a patriotic pour

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Horse Soldier Small Batch taste like? The dominant profile centers on butterscotch, vanilla, and dark cherry, supported by warm cinnamon and brown sugar. Its wheated mashbill delivers a notably creamy, smooth texture that finishes with gentle oak spice.

How does Horse Soldier Small Batch compare to Maker's Mark? Both are wheated bourbons emphasizing softness over spice, but Horse Soldier is bottled at a higher 95 proof versus Maker's Mark's standard 90 proof, delivering more intensity and body. Horse Soldier also skips chill filtration, which tends to retain more barrel character and a richer mouthfeel on the palate.

Is Horse Soldier Small Batch good for sipping neat? Absolutely — the non-chill filtered, 95-proof profile has enough weight and complexity for neat sipping, with the wheated grain bill keeping it approachable rather than aggressive. A few drops of water can further open up the butterscotch and fruit notes.

Where is Horse Soldier Small Batch made? Horse Soldier Small Batch Bourbon is currently produced in conjunction with Middle West Spirits, located in Columbus, Ohio. The brand was founded by former U.S. Army Green Berets who served in Afghanistan.

What foods pair well with Horse Soldier Small Batch? Smoked brisket complements the bourbon's oak and caramel backbone. Pecan pie echoes the butterscotch sweetness. Dark chocolate truffles contrast beautifully with the cherry and vanilla notes. Aged cheddar draws out the leather and spice undertones. Honey-glazed ham mirrors the brown sugar and warm baking spice.

What sizes does Horse Soldier Small Batch come in? The standard and most widely available format is the 750ml bottle.

Is Horse Soldier Small Batch worth the price? Horse Soldier Small Batch positions in the mid-premium tier for American bourbon, and its combination of non-chill filtration, 95-proof strength, and a multi-award-winning profile represents solid value against other wheated bourbons at a similar price point.

Why Horse Soldier Small Batch?

The 95-point Gold Medal at the 2019 New York International Spirits Competition places this bourbon among the highest-scoring wheated expressions in its price tier. Non-chill filtration at 95 proof is still uncommon at this level, and it delivers a noticeably richer, more textured drinking experience than many competitors. The bottle itself — molded with steel recovered from the World Trade Center — carries genuine historical significance that few spirits brands can match. For drinkers seeking a wheated bourbon with real weight, proven critical recognition, and a story rooted in verified service, Horse Soldier Small Batch stands on substance rather than marketing alone.