Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Tawny Port Wine Barrels is the second release from the Louisville-based distillery’s Cellar Collection. They released the limited edition bottling in February 2020 and it immediately won fans across the Whiskey community. It’s the oldest single-release spirit Angel’s Envy has ever produced.
Yes, the name is certainly a mouthful, but so is the Whiskey. The Tawny Port Wine Barrel Whiskey was made from the finest 10-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon from the distillery’s oldest stocks. They then finished it in tawny port barrels for 10 months to create a complex, high-proof whiskey.
Once known as the queen of Port wines, the tawny oak barrels depart mellow flavors through the bourbon. To commemorate both the wine and the second release of their Cellar Collection, the distillery chose the symbol of the queen to be put on each bottle.
On the nose, the distillery tells us to expect dry fruit and oak. The palate features black pepper, toasted nuts, clove and delicate cinnamon spice with a hint of dried apricot. The finish is light and lingering, reminiscent of dried fruit dipped in dark chocolate.
It comes in at a steamy 111.6-proof (55.8% ABV) and only 5,400 bottles of this bourbon were released. So it’s likely to appreciate in value and won’t be the easiest bottle of Whiskey you’ve ever found. Prices start at around $350 and move up from there.
Angel’s Envy is named after the share of Whiskey (about five percent annually) that is lost in the aging process. The distillery was an idea between father/legendary master distiller Lincoln Henderson and son, Wes, and eventually a grandson even joined in. Today, the company is owned by Louisville Distilling Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi Limited.
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Tawny Port Wine Barrels Ratings:
- The Whiskey Wash: 4.5/5
- Distiller: 4.23/5
