Spirit of Gallo, one of the country’s largest spirits suppliers, recently announced that it’s joining the American whiskey category with an investment in the Horse Soldier Bourbon brand.

Horse Soldier Bourbon was founded in 2016 by John Koko, Elizabeth Pritchard-Koko, Scott Neil, and retired members of a detachment of Green Berets from the 5th Special Forces Group who were the first to enter Afghanistan on horseback, just weeks after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

They earned the nickname of “Horse Soldiers,” and their story was told in the 2018 movie “12 Strong.”

Spirit of Gallo’s investment in Horse Soldier Bourbon will allow for growth in distribution, according to a statement from the spirits maker.

Horse Soldier is now available in 17 U.S. states and in recent months has seen exponential growth in profits going into the summer of 2022. Horse Soldier Bourbon also garnered Double Gold Medal Awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for all its expressions.

“Today marks an important date in Gallo company history as Spirit of Gallo enters the large and rapidly growing American whiskey category,” said Britt West, senior vice president and general manager for Spirit of Gallo. “The addition of Horse Soldier Bourbon to our portfolio is a true honor that represents an alignment of family values, legacies and pioneering spirits.”

“We have built Horse Soldier Bourbon on true American values,” said John Koko, CEO of Horse Soldier Bourbon. “It’s these same values that represent this ideal alignment between Horse Soldier Bourbon and Spirit of Gallo. From the hills of Afghanistan to the valleys of Somerset, Kentucky, we’ve learned that you are only as good as the company you keep, and we are proud of this new partnership.”

Horse Soldier Bourbon is available in three permanent expressions: Straight Bourbon Whiskey ($49.99), Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey ($69.99), and Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey ($79.99).

For more information, check out www.horsesoldierbourbon.com.