Angels Envy Bourbon Whiskey
Angels Envy is a velvety, fruit-forward bourbon that balances traditional notes of vanilla and caramel with a sophisticated, jammy sweetness derived from its signature ruby port wine cask finish.
Country
Producer
Featured Flavours
Alcohol %
43.3%
Serving Size
- 25ml
Suggested with
In Cocktails
Angels Envy Bourbon Whiskey
Angels Envy Bourbon Whiskey isn’t your typical “burn and bite” bourbon. Because it is finished in ruby port wine casks, it trades the aggressive spice of a traditional high-rye whiskey for a profile that is silky, sophisticated, and unapologetically fruit-forward.
The Initial Greeting
On the nose, the experience begins with a gentle, inviting warmth. You aren’t hit with a medicinal ethanol punch; instead, you’re met with the scent of caramelized raisins and toasted nuts. There is a distinct sweetness that leans toward maple syrup and vanilla bean, underpinned by a faint, jammy hint of dark berries—a polite nod to its time spent in the port barrels.
The Palate
The first sip is notably “creamy.” As it coats the tongue, the classic bourbon flavors of vanilla and ripe banana emerge, but they are quickly joined by a sophisticated layer of bitter chocolate and maraschino cherry. It feels lush and velvety, lacking the sharp “sting” many beginners fear. You’ll notice a subtle oakiness, but it’s more like seasoned wood than raw sawdust, providing a sturdy backbone to the sweeter, vinous notes.
The Finish
The finish is where the port influence truly shines. It leaves a clean, lingering sweetness that feels like candied tangerine and a touch of espresso. It doesn’t overstay its welcome with a heavy spice; rather, it fades out smoothly with a final note of roasted almonds and a whisper of dark fruit. It’s the kind of whiskey that makes you want to take another sip immediately just to capture that fleeting berry sweetness again.
Angel’s Envy Bourbon Whiskey is a relatively young brand with a heavy pedigree, founded on the idea of “improving” a masterpiece. Its history is a blend of rebellion against tradition and deep family roots.
1. The “Second Act” of a Legend
The brand was founded in 2010 by Lincoln Henderson, a giant in the whiskey world. Before Angels Envy Bourbon Whiskey, Lincoln spent nearly 40 years at Brown-Forman, where he created iconic brands like Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack.
He came out of retirement to start Angel’s Envy with his son, Wes, because he wanted to experiment with secondary finishing—the process of aging bourbon in a second type of barrel. At the time, this was considered almost “heresy” by bourbon purists, even though it was common in Scotch.
2. The Meaning Behind the Name
The name is a clever play on a classic distilling term:
The Angels Envy Bourbon Whiskey Share: As whiskey ages, about 5% of the liquid evaporates through the wood of the barrel. Distillers traditionally call this lost portion “the angel’s share.”
The Envy: After tasting his port-finished bourbon, Lincoln joked that since the angels were already getting their share, they’d likely be jealous of what was left in the barrel. Thus, it became Angel’s Envy.
3. Restoring “Whiskey Row”
In 2016, the brand opened its flagship distillery in a restored 1902 warehouse in downtown Louisville. This was a major milestone, as it was the first full-production distillery to return to Louisville’s historic “Whiskey Row” since Prohibition.
4. A Family Legacy
Tragically, Lincoln Henderson passed away in 2013, just as the brand was exploding in popularity. Today, the legacy continues through his son Wes and his grandsons, keeping it a multi-generational family story even after the brand was acquired by Bacardi in 2015.
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