Barrels of Valor: Where Bourbon and Heroes Rise

On this episode of Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, we delve into a story as iconic and enduring as the bourbon itself, a tale that bridges past and present with astonishing intensity. It’s a legend forged in battle, bound by camaraderie, and carried through to the distillery. Most might recognize echoes of this saga from Hollywood or bestsellers, but few know how it intertwines with Kentucky’s bourbon trail and the indomitable spirit of those who walked it.

We’ll take you back to a day that defined a generation and shaped lives, a day marked by unimaginable loss but also by an unyielding sense of duty. It’s a journey into one of America’s darkest hours that transforms into a story of resilience and brotherhood, carrying through the mountains of Afghanistan to a new chapter in the hills of Kentucky. This story is about more than war—it’s a legacy, one you can taste in a glass of bourbon crafted by the very hands that once held the weight of a nation.

Join us as we explore this extraordinary legend, where horses meet heroes and a small fragment of the past finds its way into every bottle. This is not just a story to be told; it’s one to be celebrated, remembered, and honored. Raise a glass with us as we uncover the true spirit behind this bourbon—a story that’s as alive today as the day it began.

Thank you for listening to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell. Cheers to the stores and legends behind the Spirit! Please leave a rating and review as it will help me plan future episodes.

Transcript

Imagine a story that bridges the gap between the past and the present, a tale that’s as bold as the bourbon we celebrate but with stakes far higher than most can imagine. Today’s Legend is unlike any other we’ve explored on Bourbon: Legends from the Trail. As you hear the story unfold, it may sound familiar to you—as you may have seen the film or read the bestselling book—but I would wager most of you don’t know how this story ties back to Kentucky and the bourbon trail. This isn’t a legend buried in the annals of history; it’s a living one, still unfolding before our eyes.

It’s a tale that will take you back to one of America’s darkest days, a moment that shaped a generation, yet it’s also a story of perseverance, brotherhood, and an unwavering sense of duty. As you listen, you’ll feel the weight of loss and the rush of triumph. And by the end, you’ll be filled with pride, knowing that this legend isn’t just about war—it’s about legacy. One that’s forged, not just in battle, but in bourbon.

So whether you've got a glass in hand and a cozy spot to relax as you listen or you're weaving this story into the rhythm of your busy day. Prepare for the whispers of another LEGEND straight from the heart of Bourbon's past.

Welcome to Bourbon: Legends from the Trail, where history meets flavor and every bottle has a story to tell.

Mark Nutsch grew up in the countryside Kansas, where horses and cowboy life were woven into the fabric of daily life. After joining the Army, he became a Ranger-an elite warrior, and later rose to command in the Special Forces as part of an elite unit known as Operational Detachment Alpha, or ODA 595. The 595 consisted of Mark and 11 other Green Berets, whose mission was to be the first boots on the ground into combat zones, taking on some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts. Over the years, Mark and his team were deployed numerous times to places like Uzbekistan and Kuwait, serving with precision and grit.

But by 2001, Mark’s thoughts had begun to shift focus to his family. His wife, Amy, was six months pregnant with their third child, and the weight of leading the ODA 595 in combat felt heavier than ever. With his family in mind, Mark requested a reassignment to a desk role at battalion headquarters. This position would offer him more safety, allow for potential promotions, and give him the ability to support his family without the ever-present threat of combat. It seemed life was slowing down for Mark and Amy, who had just moved into a larger home to accommodate their growing family.

Then came September 11, 2001, and the world as we knew changed in an instant.

Mark and Amy started their day unpacking some of the last boxes in their new home when the news program began showing images of one of the Twin Towers on fire; a plane had crashed into the building that morning. Like the rest of the nation, they watched in disbelief as thick, dark smoke poured into the New York skyline...and wondered how could a plane crash into the building. But when the second plane hit, Mark’s training kicked in. Immediately he knew this was no accident—it was a precision attack. Further confirmation came with the attack on the Pentagon and the hijacked plane that was downed in Pennsylvania. Like many Americans that day, anger began swelling inside and Mark knew there would be retaliation. He also knew his old team, the ODA 595, would be called to lead the charge.

Without hesitation, Mark made his decision. He left home, drove straight to Fort Campbell Kentucky, and urgently requested that Colonel Bowers allow him to rejoin 595 and lead them once more into combat. At first, Bowers hesitated—Mark had been reassigned for a reason. But it soon became clear that ODA 595 needed the experience of their leader back. Mark was granted his request.

Meanwhile, the rest of the ODA 595 had been on a training exercise the day before and had to camp overnight as navigating the fog-covered Cumberland River was too thick to leave. As they packed up that morning, they had no idea of the events happening in New York City. Once on the road, as they were headed back to base, they learned via radio of the attacks. Their mission became immediately clear: prepare for deployment.

America’s response to 9/11 was named Operation Enduring Freedom, and at the forefront of the plan was the ODA 595, codenamed Task Force Dagger. The initial strategy was to bombard Taliban strongholds from the air, but they needed a team to first scout the bomb drop zones. ODA 595, made up of the 12 elite soldiers, was chosen to be the first on the ground, the tip of the dagger, leading the way for U.S. forces.

The team departed Fort Campbell on October 5, 2001, expecting to reach Afghanistan by October 17th. However, bad weather in the rugged Afghan mountains delayed their arrival until October 19. When they finally touched down, the challenges mounted. Instead of armored vehicles they usually used for insertion, they were to rely on the local mode of transport: horses. The mountainous terrain was too harsh for modern machinery; narrow, treacherous trails meant they would ride into battle on horseback.

For Mark, this was not much of a concern as he’d grown up with horses and even participated in rodeos as a kid. But for most of the 595, it was an entirely new experience. Only one other member had any horseback experience, and even that was way back in high school. Despite this, they had no choice but to adapt quickly, learning to ride and how to balance heavy weaponry and gear on horseback. It was a strange sight—elite modern soldiers, equipped with the latest weaponry, charging into battle like the age-old cavalry. As Mark would put it, “we were 20th-century soldiers fighting like it was the 19th century.”

The horses, though, weren’t exactly suited for their new riders. Accustomed to the local Afghan people, they were less prepared for the size and weight of American soldiers laden down with gear. Worse still, the soldiers were given the most ill-tempered horses available. But these were Green Berets, the elite, they trained to overcome the impossible. And as they rode into the rugged terrain, each member of 595 carried a powerful reminder of why they were there— a small fragment of steel from the World Trade Center that each one planned to bury in Afghanistan as a tribute to the lives lost on 9/11.

Their mission was to meet up with the Northern Alliance, a coalition of Afghan rebels, many of whom had been fighting each other for years and years, led by General Abdul Rashid Dostum. Dostum was a complicated figure, a former communist with a reputation for changing allegiances. But in the Taliban, they all had a common enemy. With the U.S. backing, they aimed to take the strategic city of Mazar-i-Shariff.

The odds were stacked against them. The Taliban forces outnumbered the Northern Alliance and the ODA 595 by 40 to 1. But despite internal disagreements within the alliance and the tough terrain they faced, the 595 pressed forward. Against all odds, they took the city of Mazar-i-Sharif, a key Taliban stronghold, marking a pivotal victory in the early stages of the war. This gave the U.S. forces a foothold in Afghanistan, changing the course of the conflict. 

Now if you would like to explore more of the story behind the ODA 595, their mission in Afghanistan, and their assault on the city of Mazar-i-shariff, I have listed three excellent books that detail the events leading up to the mission, the mission itself, and the aftermath, available in the show notes located at legendsfromthetrail.buzzsprout.com.

Later when reflecting on the mission, Mark would marvel at the fact that all 12 members of ODA 595 survived the operation. Their success in Operation Task Force Dagger became the stuff of legend, both in Afghanistan and back home as the Western Media picked up on the moniker they were given while serving……… the Horse Soldiers.

Years later, the bond between the men of 595 remained unbreakable as you can imagine. When you put your hands in another mans hands and they put yours in theirs, it makes you as close as brothers. The men of the 595 and their families regularly reunited, celebrating their brotherhood and the new chapters of their lives. It wasn’t until years after their mission, because of the classified status, that the full story of their bravery became public, and the nation honored them with a tribute fitting of their legendary status. On November 11, 2011—Veterans Day—New York City unveiled a bronze statue at Liberty Park. With its name etched at the base, known as America’s Response Monument, it depicts a Special Forces soldier on horseback, standing as a testament to their sacrifice. Also, listed next to the name is the phrase “ De Oppresso Liber” (meaning to liberate the oppressed). The 16x13-foot monument overlooks the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, a powerful reminder of the Horse Soldiers’ enduring legacy.

Now, to show the relationship between this incredible story and Kentucky and its Bourbon Trail, we shift to years after their historic mission, several of the ODA 595 members—Scott Neil, John Koko, and Koko’s wife, Elizabeth—were on a road trip to Yellowstone, taking in the beauty…. on horseback of course, when they stumbled upon the Grand Teton Distillery in Idaho. As the husband and wife team that owned the distillery showed them around, the whiskey-making process captivated them. With building excitement inside, they explored distilleries on their way back to Florida, the seed of an idea beginning to grow: they could start their own distillery. So Neil and the Koko's shared their idea with the other members of the 595 who relished the idea of starting a distillery. Like any good military operation, they didn’t rush. As Elizabeth Koko has stated; “if you want to go fast, go alone…if you want far, go together.” They trained, researched, and planned meticulously. They traveled to Scotland visiting a friend, a royal marine, who had started his own scotch distillery and then to Ireland to learn from some of the world’s oldest distilleries. And of course, they made their way to Kentucky—the heartland of bourbon.

Their mission: create something as legendary as their own history. The former soldiers applied the same discipline and precision to their distilling process as they had to their military careers. Every detail mattered, down to the shape of the bottle, which was designed to reflect their legacy. The broad shoulders at the base of the bottle 's neck symbolized the strength it took to carry the nation’s weight in the aftermath of 9/11, just as they had done. The mold used for the pressed metal labels is made from the steel of the Twin Towers and bare's symbols of their military units—an arrow and a hatchet, representing the Green Berets and Army Rangers.

When it came to naming their bourbon, the answer was clear: Horse Soldier Bourbon. It was a tribute to their past, their camaraderie, and their legendary mission.

But Horse Soldier Bourbon was just the beginning. In the hills around Somerset, Kentucky, they began the process of building something far greater—Horse Soldier Farms. Spanning 227 acres and overlooking Lake Cumberland, this distillery will not only make bourbon but serve as a monument to their service. Designed with 12 fermenters all spaced evenly around the column still, representing the 12 members of ODA 595, the stillhouse will pay homage to the twin towers and their brotherhood. Even a replica of the America’s Response Monument, the Horse Soldier Statue, will stand proudly in a water garden upon entering the grounds.

Horse Soldier Farms will offer more than just bourbon. With an equestrian center, event spaces, and wellness facilities, it will be a place for visitors to reflect, heal, and connect. It is scheduled to be opened on July 4, 2026, America's most patriotic day and a couple months short of the 25th anniversary of 9/11—the distillery will be a living testament to the resilience, courage, and camaraderie of the Horse Soldiers.

So, when you raise a glass of Horse Soldier Bourbon, know that you’re not just tasting whiskey. You’re sharing in a legacy, a story that stretches from the mountains of Afghanistan to the rolling hills of Kentucky. A story of brotherhood, sacrifice, and a place to represent the mantra of the 595…..Live Legendary.

Thanks for tuning in to today’s episode—I hope you enjoyed the journey! If you’re curious about next week’s topic, stick around until the end for a sneak peek. And if you haven’t already, don’t forget to hit that subscribe or follow button.

I appreciate you joining me on this flavorful journey through time and taste… Cheers to the stories behind the spirit.

I’m your host, writer, and producer, Travis Hounshell

If you enjoyed the episode, please help the show grow by sharing it with friends and leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen. Feel free to mention a story you’d love to hear in the future!

Next week on Bourbon: Legends from the Trail…

At the height of Prohibition, when America declared war on its own thirst, this man played by his own rules. His operation was a web of smuggling routes, secret warehouses, and a network of loyal accomplices. His rise was bolstered by more than just luck—he relied on his sharp wit, savvy deals, and the sheer will to dominate the industry. Bribery reached from backroom politicians all the way to the President of the United States' inner circle, fueling an empire that defied the very laws of the land. Nothing, it seemed, could stand in his way.

This tale has become a favorite among my guests on the bourbon trail—a story so rich and wild, they insist it should be a movie. From a drugstore, to a courtroom, to cold blooded murder, it’s  the saga of a man who built an empire from nothing, only to see it come crashing down in a spectacular fall from grace. Join me as we raise a glass to a legend, and dive into the unforgettable story of one man’s rise, rebellion, and ruin, all in the name of bourbon.

1. Soldiers recount true story behind 12 Strong, Associated Press. By Drew Brooks
2. 12 Strong: When the Afghan War Looked Like a Quick, Stirring Victory.  NPR, by Greg Myre
3. Hoofbeats of History: Mark Nutsch Leading the Charge, Cowboys and Indians magazine. By Chuck Thompson
4. The Green Berets Who Went From Elite Warriors to Elite Bourbon Makers, Horse Soldier website. By Scott Neil
5. 12 Strong: History vs. Hollywood, History vs. Hollywood, by Kevin Lang
6. From Afghanistan to Kentucky: Horse Soldier Bourbon, U.S. Veterans Magazine. By Kellie Speed
7. First to Go: Green Berets Remember Earliest Mission in Afghanistan, U.S. Army website. By Elizabeth M. Collins.
8. Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of US Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan by Doug Stanton.
9. 12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton
10. Swords of Lightning: Green Beret Horse Soldiers and America’s Response to 9/11 by Mark Nutsch.
11. 12 Strong, 2018 Motion Picture by Warner Bros. Pictures, directed by Jerry Bruckheimer