BOTM 08/2025 Angel’s Envy

[Jazz June]

To be a bourbon, a whiskey can spend its pre-bottling life only in new charred oak barrels. This is much more restrictive than essentially all other forms of non-American whiskey, which are often aged in various used barrels from other spirits and wines (and I guess anything else people can think of). Accordingly, finished bourbons are a more recent fad (if not invention) as distillers looked for ways to innovate during the American whiskey boom of the last two decades or so.

 

The first major brand to dip its toe into finished bourbon was Jim Beam, which released its first Distiller’s Masterpiece expression in 1999 for the, at the time, absolutely outrageous price of $250. It was 18-years old and consisted of bourbon finished in barrels that had previously held cognac (French brandy). The following year they released a second version of 20-year old; bourbon finished in barrels that formerly held port (Portuguese fortified wine) this time. It is worth noting that because these are technically no longer bourbons, the age statement may be the combined time in the new charred oak barrel and the finishing barrel. I’m not completely sure if the age statements for these are the original barrel time or combined time. These releases languished on shelves, mostly due to the extremely high price for the time, but finished bourbons were also unfamiliar to the American consumer. Later NAS versions of Distiller’s Masterpiece finished in PX sherry barrels followed in 2013 and 2014.

 

Now turning to Angel’s Envy, Lincoln Henderson (Bourbon Hall of Fame Class of 2001) retired in 2004 as master distiller at Old Forester and Woodford Reserve. He is credited with the development of Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack and was already an industry giant. But I guess the allure of the whiskey business was too strong to stay retired, so in 2010 he founded Angel’s Envy with his son Wes Henderson (Bourbon Hall of Fame Class of 2019). Lincoln passed away in 2013 and, while Angel’s Envy was acquired by Bacardi in 2015, Wes stayed until his retirement from Angel’s Envy in 2022. Wes’ four sons continued their involvement with Angel’s Envy as a third generation takes hold. Wes himself is now involved with a new bourbon and rye brand named True Story (see: truestorywhiskey.com).

 

The Angel’s Envy distillery in downtown Louisville opened in 2016 and I would assume most of the distillate in Angel’s Envy bourbon comes from this facility, but the last I saw of the bottle, it does not identify any particular source for its Kentucky straight bourbon that then goes into port barrels. This suggests that they are still combining bourbon from other Kentucky distilleries with their own. Early reports also indicated that they combined unfinished bourbon with port finished bourbon to create the final product, further diluting the port influence. But again, it is unclear if that practice continues today.

 

The Basics

 

Distillery: one or more unidentified Kentucky distilleries

Brand Owner: Bacardi

Mash Bill: 72% corn / 18% rye / 10% malted barley (see: angelsenvy.com/us/en/guide/whiskey-content/the-story-behind-bourbons-traditional-mash-bill/) [the same mash bill used at Old Forester and Woodford Reserve, where Lincoln previously worked]

Proof: 86.6

Age: NAS

MSRP: $50

Expression introduced: 2010

Last time as BotM: October, 2011

 

Distillery Tasting Notes

Aroma/Nose: Subtle vanilla, raisins, maple syrup and toasted nuts

 

Taste/Palate: Vanilla, ripe fruit, maple syrup, toast and bitter chocolate

 

Finish: Clean and lingering sweetness with a hint of Madeira that slowly fades

 

My Thoughts

Even I have to admit that the first section of this post was a bit long, so I’ll keep my additional thoughts short. Angel’s Envy is a fairly traditional and mild bourbon with an extra kick of sweetness in the finish from the port barrels. It is an easy drinker and seems to do well with newer whiskey drinkers, but I also know of experienced whiskey enthusiasts who turn to it often as an old favorite. For me personally, finished whiskeys are not my favorite and this one does not break the mold enough to overcome that (although I guess they kind of created the mold in the first place).

 

So, Straight Bourbon, what do you have to say about Angel’s Envy bourbon?

[Richnimrod]

Just for my own personal take on AE, I never quite warmed up to it.   It was never a sought-after pour for me, though whenever I did pour it, I wasn't disappointed.   Their 'finish' was always among the better approaches to that category IMO.   ...Not overwhelming; but, identifiable and pleasant, though finished Bourbons aren't really my thing.     Also my "Scottish" genes (rather few, I grant) always made it hard for me to justify a purchase when other brands stood on nearby shelves at lower asking prices, and frequently offered the likelihood of greater (or at least as great) satisfaction.    I do occasionally pour it for it's easy drinkability, and reliably consistent profile.    Not sure I'll replace the open bottle I have; but, I may.