The Wamego Whiskey Syndicate hosted Whiskey and War Stories before a packed house at the Columbian Theatre in Wamego last night.

The event featured former Green Beret Capt. Mark Nutsch telling the story “Horse Soldiers” an American military unit that was among the first in Afghanistan following the September 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Nutsch says the “Horse Soldiers,” which were known for riding horses in combat, were tasked with forming an alliance of local militias to oppose the Taliban.

Nutsch also talked about American Freedom Distillery, which is a company known for its Horse Soldier Bourbon that was formed by members of the “Horse Soldier” unit in the years after their deployment in Afghanistan.

Audience members were given samples of Horse Soldier Bourbon before, during and after the presentation.

Nutsch says the Horse Soldier Bourbon bottle has a direct connection to the Sept. 11th, 2001, terrorist attacks.

A piece of metal from the World Trade Center was on display in the Columbian Theatre lobby following the presentation.

The story of the “Horse Soldiers” was recently depicted in the 2018 major motion 12 Strong, in which actor Chris Hemsworth plays the role of Nutsch.

Nutsch will be at the Spirits of 76 in Wamego today from 10 am to 1 pm and at the Fridge in Manhattan tomorrow from 1 to 3 pm for bottle signings.

For more information about Horse Soldier Bourbon, visit americanfreedomdistillery.com.

The post Whiskey and War Stories: Former Green Beret tells the story of the “Horse Soldiers” appeared first on News Radio KMAN.

The Kansas man who served as one of the inspirations behind the 2018 movie “12 Horses” is coming to speak to the area next month, and bringing his own brand of bourbon with him.

Major Mark Nutsch was the commander of the Special Forces unit that first went into Afghanistan in the days following 9/11.

What they didn’t know until they arrived was that they would only be able to utilize horses in helping to raise an army among the northern alliance in Afghanistan. Nutsch was very familiar with horses, having grown up in Washington County, Kansas, and been involved with the Kansas State Rodeo during his time at K-State.

Their story was made into the movie “12 Horses,” which starred “Thor” actor Chris Hemsworth as Mitch Nelson, who was based on Nutsch.

He and his Special Forces brothers started the American Freedom Distillery following their retirements from active duty, and now produce a line of bourbons called Horse Soldier Bourbon. The line has won multiple awards, including the Double Gold and Commander’s Select honors. The bottles all come from molds forged with steel pieces recovered from the World Trade Center after 9/11.

Nutsch is bringing the Horse Soldier Bourbon to a tasting on Feb. 13 at The Columbian Theatre in Wamego, which will also include a multi-media presentation on his experiences in the War On Terror. Tickets are available at www.columbiantheatre.com.

B104.7 was proud to host Nutsch for an interview on “Chris & Kristen” Thursday morning. That full interview is available below.