The limited-edition whiskey is described to honor the soldiers’ legacy by celebrating life’s remarkable moments.

Horse Soldier Commander’s Select VI bourbon whiskey.

Horse Soldier Bourbon has launched its latest limited-edition offering, Commander’s Select VI, commemorating the legacy of the U.S. Army Green Berets who played a pivotal role in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

This release is the sixth installment of the brand’s Commander’s Select series, a collection of small-batch, premium bourbons inspired by the military background of its founders.

“It’s an elite bottle created to honor an elite group of Americans,” Scott Neil, co-founder and president of Horse Soldier Bourbon, said in a Zoom interview. “It honors the legacy of the Horse Soldiers – the U.S. Army Green Berets who answered America’s call days after 9/11 with a daring insertion on horseback into Northern Afghanistan.”

Neil said the bourbon represents “a tribute to those that stepped up, the reluctant heroes who deserve a unique bold commemoration.” He stresses that the bourbon is not just a high-end product but also a symbol of support, offering consumers a chance to connect with a significant moment in history.

“At Horse Soldier, we often talk about 9/12—a day when the country was truly united,” Neil said about the September release, also Bourbon Heritage Month.

Beyond its symbolic significance, Commander’s Select VI is positioned to sell in the premium market, competing with other high-end bourbons. Its price point of $595 reflects not only the 12-year age statement and the barrel-proof strength but also the mash bill. Thus, the bourbon’s combination of these attributes could attract collectors and discerning bourbon enthusiasts.

“The process of hand-selecting barrels for Commander’s Select VI involves a meticulous evaluation of each barrel’s flavor profile, including its balance of spice, sweetness and oak character,” Neil said. “The most important criteria are the age and quality of the bourbon, ensuring that only the finest, well-matured barrels meet our high standards for this unique, high-rye offering.”

And that kind of edge could be critical for all bourbon whiskey makers right now. American whiskey sales, like the spirits market at-large, have been a mixed bag over the last year. This slump has been especially problematic for the big guns in the U.S. whiskey industry, but it has potentially opened a door for smaller, craft distillers as analysts say consumers are more interested in craft and premium bourbon. The bourbon market, valued at $8.4 billion in 2023, is projected to grow to $16.8 billion by 2033, according to market research firm Brainy Insights.

Commander’s Select VI was aged in a single Bardstown rickhouse, a factor that contributes to its distinctive profile with an ideal climate that ensures consistent maturation. This environment enhances the interaction between the high-rye mash bill and the oak barrels.

“This release offers consumers a rich and robust flavor profile,” Neil stated. “Expect bold rye spice notes balanced with deep caramel, vanilla and oak complemented by the intensity and complexity of a barrel-proof bourbon.”

Looking ahead, although specific details were not disclosed, Neil said the distillery has a few initiatives on the horizon that will further honor the brand’s military roots.

“We are currently in the midst of building our forever home in Somerset,” Neil said. “The location will go beyond just a distillery; it will be a destination with food, outdoor space and more.”

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