Angel’s Envy, a well-established name in the bourbon world, has launched a highly anticipated new release—Angel’s Envy Triple Oak. This new bourbon marks the first addition to the brand's Signature Series in over a decade. Master Distiller Owen Martin, who joined Angel’s Envy in 2022, has brought a fresh approach to the distillery's legacy of innovation, pushing boundaries while maintaining the brand's core tradition of experimenting with secondary cask finishes.
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A Journey Through Three Unique Oak Barrels
At the heart of Angel’s Envy Triple Oak is its maturation process, which involves aging the bourbon in three different types of oak barrels: Hungarian oak, French oak, and Chinkapin oak. This method of secondary barrel finishing sets the bourbon apart from Angel’s Envy’s previous releases, which often involved barrels previously used to age wine or other spirits. By focusing solely on the different characteristics of wood, Angel’s Envy has crafted a bourbon that offers a unique flavor profile, rich in oak-forward complexity.
The journey starts like most bourbons, with the new spirit first maturing in standard American white oak barrels charred to a No. 3 level, which means they’re toasted by flame for 35 seconds. This milder char allows the whiskey to take on deep, subtle flavors during its initial aging process. However, the magic happens when the whiskey is divided and placed into the three different oak barrels for further maturation.
Hungarian oak and Chinkapin oak barrels hold the whiskey for an additional six months, while the French oak barrels host the spirit for three months. Each barrel type brings something different to the table. The French oak, which comprises 20% of the blend, lends strong baking spice notes, adding a rich and spicy dimension to the final product. Meanwhile, the Chinkapin oak, which contributes 40%, imparts classic bourbon flavors like caramel and vanilla, with a touch of creamy texture. The remaining 40% of the blend, aged in Hungarian oak, adds an oily viscosity and brings out a nutty, spicy character, rounding out the whiskey's profile.
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The Thought Behind the Blend
Master Distiller Owen Martin approached this release with a clear goal: to create something that felt authentic to Angel’s Envy’s roots but was also innovative and fresh. According to Martin, blending the different oaks was an exercise in balance. The challenge was to craft a whiskey that showcased the individual qualities of each wood without overpowering the palate. "The broader idea of blending is to create balance," Martin explained, "grains, distillate, fermentation, and finishing barrels—all of these elements are pulled up and down until everything locks into place.”
In the case of the Triple Oak, the French oak barrels, known for their intense flavors, were limited to a smaller percentage of the blend. By keeping the French oak at 20%, the whiskey achieves a balance between spice and sweetness without overwhelming the palate. The Chinkapin oak, a lesser-known variety that grows across parts of the U.S., brings its own distinctive flavors, adding a regional touch to the blend. The Hungarian oak, often used in European winemaking, contributes a layer of baking spices and a smooth, oily texture, complementing the bourbon’s core flavors.
Tasting Experience: A Layered and Complex Bourbon
Angel’s Envy Triple Oak bourbon is a versatile and well-rounded spirit. At 92 proof, it’s approachable for both casual drinkers and whiskey enthusiasts alike. Upon nosing the glass, one is greeted with aromas of smoked applewood and burnt brown sugar, hinting at the complex flavors waiting to be discovered.
On the palate, the first sip reveals a delicate sweetness with notes of salted caramel and bread pudding. This quickly evolves into a robust mid-palate experience, offering red apples, baked plums, vanilla pudding, and oak. The finish is long but gentle, with flavors of nutmeg, confectioner’s sugar, and a touch of cinnamon-topped applesauce. Despite the depth of oak flavors, the whiskey remains balanced, with no one barrel finish dominating the others.
Martin explained that while the whiskey’s name might suggest an overpowering oak presence, the careful blending of different oaks prevents this from happening. Instead, the whiskey presents a spectrum of flavors, with the oak providing structure without overwhelming the drinker.
A New Chapter for Angel’s Envy
Angel’s Envy Triple Oak is the latest in a long line of cask-finished bourbons from the distillery, which was founded in 2010 by master distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son Wes. Over the years, Angel’s Envy has become known for its experimental approach to secondary maturation, starting with its flagship Kentucky Straight Bourbon finished in port wine barrels. The Signature Series, which launched soon after the distillery's founding, has since expanded to include rye whiskey finished in Caribbean rum casks. However, Triple Oak marks the first time in over a decade that a new expression has been added to the series.
The Triple Oak release was initially envisioned as a series of annual releases, each focusing on a single type of oak. However, after experimenting with the different barrels, Martin and his team discovered that the oaks complemented each other so well that they decided to blend them into one expression. The result is a bourbon that Martin believes fans will reach for as an everyday pour, yet sophisticated enough for special occasions.
Widespread Availability and Affordable Luxury
Unlike many limited-edition bourbons that require whiskey fans to jump through hoops to find a bottle, Angel’s Envy Triple Oak is set to be widely available across all 50 states. With a suggested retail price of $75, it strikes a balance between accessibility and premium quality. As Martin points out, “It’s cool to make a bottle that’s good, not going to break the bank, and you can get anywhere.” This accessibility is a key part of Angel’s Envy’s mission with Triple Oak—making a high-quality product that whiskey lovers don’t have to hunt down.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Bourbon for Whiskey Enthusiasts
Angel’s Envy Triple Oak is more than just another addition to the brand’s lineup; it’s a bold statement of innovation and tradition working together. By exploring the unique characteristics of three different oak types, Angel’s Envy has crafted a bourbon that is complex, balanced, and utterly enjoyable. Whether sipped neat, with a splash of water, or mixed into a cocktail, Triple Oak offers a rich drinking experience that is sure to please.
For those looking to explore the depth of what modern bourbon-making can achieve, Angel’s Envy Triple Oak is a must-try. It’s a bourbon that respects tradition but isn’t afraid to push the boundaries, making it a worthy addition to the world of American whiskey.
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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.
