Today we’re stepping out of bourbon territory and into tequila with Avión Reserva Cristalino Tequila — a filtered aged tequila meant to combine barrel character with a crystal-clear look.

When we poured this week’s glass for DadDimes on the Rocks, we stepped into something that tries to bridge two worlds, tradition and polish with Avión Reserva Cristalino Tequila. Right away, it’s clear this isn’t your typical visual cue for an aged tequila. You expect color… that warm barrel-kissed amber. Instead, you get crystal clarity, filtered smoothness that almost dares you to forget it spent time resting in oak.

On the nose, though, the barrel story shows up fast. There’s vanilla and caramel lifting off the glass, backed by roasted agave sweetness and a light oak spice. It’s refined and approachable, not aggressive, not challenging more of a welcoming handshake than a firm grip. Letting it breathe a moment reveals faint cocoa and a touch of citrus brightness hiding underneath.

First sip lands soft. That Cristalino filtration rounds the edges, and the mouthfeel leans silky rather than weighty. You get hints of toasted sugar, mild pepper warmth, and that signature agave backbone that keeps it grounded.

The oak influence comes through in waves, never dominating, but definitely shaping the experience. It’s the kind of pour that invites slow conversation rather than analysis paralysis.

Mid-palate is where the personality settles in: gentle sweetness, light spice, and just enough complexity to keep it interesting without demanding attention. It’s approachable for someone new to sipping tequila, but polished enough for seasoned drinkers to appreciate what it’s trying to accomplish.

The finish is clean and measured. Not particularly long, but balanced, leaving traces of vanilla, light oak, and a whisper of pepper warmth that fades without overstaying its welcome.

At the DadDimes table, this is the type of bottle that sparks discussion about intention. Cristalinos aren’t about showcasing raw, rustic character, they’re about refinement and accessibility. Avión Reserva leans into that lane confidently. It may not be the pour you reach for when you want bold, earthy agave punch, but when you want something smooth, composed, and easy to share, it absolutely delivers.

Another glass poured, another conversation had, and that’s really what this show is about.

Welcome back to DadDimes on the Rocks! Today we’re saddling up with a bottle that’s as rugged in its story as it is neat in its bottle design — Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Let’s see if this bourbon is more cavalry charge or gentle trail ride. 🥃🐎

🏇 The Backstory — Story First, Spirit Second

Horse Soldier puts its history front and center: this brand was founded by a group of U.S. Special Forces veterans who rode horseback into Afghanistan after 9/11 — hence the name Horse Soldier. Their philosophy blends tradition and intensity: a bourbon for those who appreciate history, grit, and flavor.

But what’s in the glass?

• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Proof: 90 (45% ABV) — approachable but not timid
• Mash Bill: Corn-forward with rye and malted barley (typical bourbon formula — high corn base, moderate rye)
• Age Statement: NAS (No Age Statement) — aged in new charred American oak
• Distillery Source: Likely sourced from established producers (often MGP or similar), then bottled under the Horse Soldier label

The brand leans into its character, telling a story of bravery and purpose — and that story often becomes part of the reason people try it. But on this podcast, we’re here for flavor and experience first.

👃 The Nose — What You Smell First

Right away, Horse Soldier gives you:

✔ Caramel and vanilla — classic bourbon sweetness up front
✔ Honeyed corn and oak — nothing too aggressive, but inviting
✔ A little baking spice — like cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg

It’s unpretentious — warm, familiar, and easy to dive into. This isn’t trying to be elusive or niche; it smells like bourbon should.

👄 The Palate — What You Taste

On your first sip:

🍯 Sweet caramel and brown sugar — the backbone of classic bourbon
🥃 Light oak spice — enough to remind you you’re sipping aged whiskey
🌾 Rye spice whispers — pepper and mild baking spice, not too assertive
🍌 Subtle fruit sweetness — maybe a hint of dried fruit or orchard fruit

🔥 The Finish — How It Ends

The finish on Horse Soldier is:

• Medium in length
• Warm and pleasant
• A gentle drop-off of oak, caramel, and mild spice

No aggressive burn, no sudden bitter clench — it just fades with familiar bourbon notes. Perfect if you want a bourbon that sips easy rather than throws punches.

🍹 Sidecar Talking Points

Here’s how Horse Soldier stacks up in some common bourbon moments:

Neat:
A great place to start — soft, familiar notes with clean sweetness and approachable oak.

On the Rocks:
A cube or two smooths things even more and lets the caramel and grain notes bloom.

In a Cocktail:
Old Fashioned, Boulevardier, or even a Whiskey Sour — Horse Soldier is versatile enough for classic bourbon cocktails.

🧠 Who This Bourbon Is For

Perfect for:
✔ New bourbon drinkers who want something smooth and easy
✔ Fans of classic, balanced bourbon without sharp edges
✔ A versatile pour for cocktails and sipping alike
✔ People curious about the story behind the bottle

Maybe skip it if:
✖ You want bold, barrel-proof intensity
✖ You’re chasing massive oak depth or spicy complexity
✖ You prefer heavy rye kicks or craft barrel nuance

⭐ DadDimes Rating — Final Score

⭐ 3.8 / 5

Why this score?

🎯 Final Thoughts

Horse Soldier Straight Bourbon isn’t the wild stallion of the bourbon world — it’s more like a seasoned trail horse: reliable, smooth, approachable, and ready for the next campfire story. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it gets the job done with dignity and charm.

Whether you’re new to bourbon or looking for an easygoing pour to serve at gatherings, this bottle makes a solid case.

That’s it for today’s episode of DadDimes on the Rocks! Until next time — keep your glass poised, your stories loud, and your bourbon neat. 🥃🇺🇸

Cheers!