Angel’s Envy is a small-batch whiskey brand that produces both Bourbon and Rye whiskey and is known for employing unique finishing techniques on their whiskey during the aging process. They were founded in 2006 and launched in 2011. The product line is produced in Kentucky by the Louisville Distilling Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi.
Production of Angel’s Envy
Angel’s Envy Bourbon begins with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. It is aged for 4–6 years in charred new American white oak barrels. It is then finished for around 6 months in port barrels. This final maturation step isn’t done for a set amount of time, but rather relies on taste testing to determine when it has reached the proper flavor profile. This port aging process is something normally associated with Scotch whiskey, but is regarded as uncommon in the Bourbon world. The Rye is an MGP distillate aged in rum casks for 18 months.
Products
Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Bottled at 43.3% ABV, the Bourbon is Angels Envy’s flagship product. It is uncommon among Bourbons in that it is finished in Port casks, which adds rich notes of red fruit and chocolate to the usual vanilla, toast, and caramel you expect to find in a bourbon.
Angel’s Envy Rye
Angel’s Envy Rye is an MGP Rye aged in ex-rum casks for 18 months. The spice and earthiness expected in a rye are complemented by softer vanilla and cacao flower notes from the rum casks.
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength
Angels Envy Cask Strength is a yearly release and a higher ABV version of its Bourbon. In 2021, it was bottled at 60.35% ABV and packaged in a commemorative hardwood box. Expect toasted oak, vanilla, leather, and red fruits. It has a similar flavor to the regular Bourbon, but with all of the intensity amped up a bit.
Angel’s Envy Sherry Cask
A forgotten experiment, ex-Olorosso sherry casks were filled with Angels’ Envy Bourbon and forgotten about. In 2019, the barrels were discovered and released as the Angels’ Envy Sherry cask finish. It has strong notes of raisin and hazelnuts along with vanilla.
Angel’s Envy Tawny Port Cask
The Angel’s Envy Port Cask Finish is a 10 year old Angel’s Envy Bourbon which is then finished in ex-Tawny port casks for 10 months. It has notes of clove, cinnamon, apricot, and vanilla.
Is Angel’s Envy worth the price?
While Angel’s Envy does come with a mid-range price tag of around $50, it is worth the increase in cost compared to many Bourbons priced in the $30 range. The unique finish sets it apart from other Bourbons and makes it an exciting and interesting gift for aficionados.
Alternatives to Angel’s Envy at Comparable Prices
While there aren’t many alternatives to Angel’s Envy in terms of port-finished Bourbon, there are certainly many great Bourbons available at comparable prices. Look into brands such as Elijah Craig, Weller 12, Basil Haydens, and Russell’s Reserve.
History
Angel’s Envy is a fairly new brand in the whiskey world. The brand began as a father-son project between famed master distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son, Wes Henderson. The two later added a third generation, as Wes’s son Kyle also became involved. Lincoln Henderson, who had long been a legend in the distilling world, came out of retirement for this project. The family set out to create something novel in the Bourbon world: a port-finished Bourbon.
Cocktails with Angel’s Envy
Angel’s Envy Port Manhattan
2oz Angel’s Envy Bourbon
½ oz Ruby Port
½ oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Angostura bitters
Stir, Strain, Serve up with a brandied cherry garnish
Angels Envy Old Fashioned
2 oz Angels Envy Bourbon
¼ oz Demerara Syrup
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
2 Dashes Orange Bitters
Stir, Strain over rocks, garnish with an expressed orange peel.
