Angel’s Envy, renowned for its mastery in finishing whiskeys, is breaking new ground with the release of their first non-finished whiskey. This significant departure from their tradition marks the debut of the Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and quality.
A Legacy of Finishing Excellence
Since its inception in 2014 by the legendary Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes, Angel’s Envy has built its reputation on the art of finishing. Their flagship product, a port-finished bourbon, set a high standard and paved the way for other brands in the industry. The introduction of a non-finished whiskey is a bold move for a company known for its finishing techniques.
The New Release: Key Details
The Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is nearly six years old and is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). The mash bill consists of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. Priced at $54.99 for a 375ml bottle, only 12,000 bottles will be available exclusively at the Angel’s Envy distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, starting June 14th.
Unique Production Process
What sets this bourbon apart is its unique production process. Unlike many bourbons that are diluted with water before bottling, this whiskey was barreled at a lower proof of 103 and allowed to mature in a cool, humid warehouse. Over time, the proof naturally dropped, resulting in a final product that remained at cask strength without dilution. Master Distiller Owen Martin meticulously blended 27 low-proof barrels with two high-proof barrels to achieve exactly 100 proof.
Tasting Notes
According to brand-provided tasting notes, the whiskey has a toasted gold appearance. On the nose, it offers lightly caramelized sugars and vanilla wafers with a hint of banana pudding. The palate is sweet and balanced, featuring notes of honey latte, light fruit syrup, and toasted oak. The finish is rounded and soft, creating a pleasing and memorable experience.
A New Vision for Angel’s Envy
Owen Martin, who joined Angel’s Envy as master distiller in 2022, is the first to hold the title since Lincoln Henderson passed in 2013. Although Martin did not originate this new whiskey, he has been instrumental in framing it as an authentic Angel’s Envy product. By combining the concepts of Bottled in Bond and cask strength, this release stays true to the brand’s innovative spirit.
“If Angel’s Envy was about combining ideas across categories, then this product combines ideas within a category for the first time,” Martin explained. “This is absolutely an Angel Envy release, pushing the category in a new way.”
Looking Ahead
Martin and the Angel’s Envy team see this distillery-exclusive release as a way to gather feedback and data on consumer preferences. While finishing remains central to the brand’s identity, Martin is eager to explore the possibilities of unfinished whiskeys and see how they resonate with customers.
“A year from now or even a month from now we’re gonna know a hell of a lot more about the consumer appetite for this product,” Martin said. “If we had a radical idea from the start, and now that radical idea is commonplace, then why wouldn’t we look in our own blank spaces?”
Conclusion
The release of Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey marks a new chapter for the brand. By stepping away from their traditional finishing methods, Angel’s Envy is challenging expectations and continuing to innovate within the bourbon industry. This new release not only honors their legacy but also sets the stage for future explorations in whiskey-making.
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About Angel's Envy
Angel's Envy is a premium bourbon whiskey brand that has gained acclaim for its unique approach to crafting and finishing bourbon. Established by the Henderson family, with patriarch Lincoln Henderson at the helm, the distillery is located in Louisville, Kentucky. What sets Angel's Envy apart is its distinctive aging process, which includes a secondary finishing step not commonly found in traditional bourbon production.
The bourbon starts with a classic blend of corn, rye, and malted barley, but what makes Angel's Envy stand out is the finishing process in port wine barrels. After the initial aging in new American oak barrels, the whiskey is transferred to ruby port wine casks for an additional period. This secondary aging imparts a layer of complexity and a unique flavor profile, adding notes of dried fruit, wine sweetness, and subtle spice to the final product.
Angel's Envy has gained a strong reputation for its commitment to quality and innovation. The brand is known for its small-batch approach, ensuring attention to detail and a focus on craftsmanship. The distinctive bottle design, featuring angel's wings, reflects the brand's heavenly influence, paying homage to the late Lincoln Henderson's desire to create a whiskey that would be "the envy of the angels" for taking their share during the aging process.
The portfolio of Angel's Envy includes a variety of expressions, such as the flagship Angel's Envy Bourbon, Angel's Envy Rye, and occasional special releases. The brand has garnered numerous awards and accolades within the whiskey industry, solidifying its position as a respected player in the premium bourbon market. Whether enjoyed neat or in cocktails, Angel's Envy offers a unique and memorable drinking experience for bourbon enthusiasts seeking something beyond the ordinary.
