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Horse Soldier Barrel Strength vs Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Comparing Horse Soldier Barrel Strength and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B reveals a matchup between an uncut, wheated heavyweight and a traditional, wheated Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Horse Soldier Barrel Strength | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon, Barrel Proof | Wheated Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 70% corn, 20% wheat, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | 12 years |
| Proof | 111 proof (55.5% ABV) +21 proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$78 – $85 ~$454 less | ~$170 – $900 |
| Availability | Widely available easier to find | Allocated |
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength and Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Horse Soldier Barrel Strength Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 7/3 heat: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
spice 5/3 spice: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
sweetness 7/8 sweetness: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 7 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 6 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 5 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Horse Soldier Barrel Strength 3 out of 10, Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Horse Soldier Barrel Strength: A barrel-strength wheater from the veteran-founded Horse Soldier brand. Brown sugar and toasted oak lead, baking spice and heat follow, and a splash of water pulls out darker fruit.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Horse Soldier Barrel Strength if you want a big, barrel-strength wheated bourbon with plenty of brown sugar and warmth at a significantly lower price point.
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned (Horse Soldier Barrel Strength); neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B).