Content sponsored by Horse Solider Bourbon
Discovering that the history of bourbon is tightly woven into the history of our U.S. military may be surprising for most Kentuckians, but it is true. Many distillers proudly served our nation in time of war, only to return home to a quiet and productive life here in the Bluegrass State. In fact, some of Kentucky’s most iconic bourbon families served in our nation’s military.
Today we welcome home the next generation of warriors turned distillers with the announcement of Horse Soldier Bourbon’s plan to build their forever home in Somerset, Ky. – an important and strategic extension to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail.
Their journey is a true story that has now become part of our American history.
Days after 9/11, small teams of Green Berets from the 5th Special Forces Group in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, were inserted into the mountains of Afghanistan. Our nation sent these men to do a seemingly impossible mission. Fighting our enemies on horseback, they earned the moniker “The Horse Soldiers” and their story was brought to life in the 2018 action film “12 Strong.”
Honoring that mission, an 18-foot bronze statue known as America’s Response Monument now sits in Liberty Park at ground zero in New York City. Visitors to the 9/11 Museum can also quietly reflect in front of a solitary saddle, which is on loan from these same men. The saddle will come home to Kentucky with this team as they begin their new mission: building Horse Soldier Farms in Somerset – a new industry-leading distillery experience that extends Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail further south, thereby increasing tourist accessibility.
Nearly 20 years have passed since the harrowing days of 9/11 and The Horse Soldiers have successfully translated their military skills into distilling world-class bourbon. In fact, Horse Soldier Bourbon has already earned more than 30 awards in just three years. All American, award winning and authentic, they make bourbon with quiet confidence and pride.
Their American journey is now coming full circle. While training on the quiet flowing waters of the Cumberland River, they answered our nation’s call in its darkest hour. Today, the great Commonwealth of Kentucky welcomes home these great warriors and Horse Soldier Bourbon. For generations to come they will share their story with the world and we will taste their spirit in every bottle. And for generations to come, Kentucky will welcome new visitors to Horse Soldier Farms, where they will be able to celebrate the American values we all share.
Welcome home, native sons.
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