Although Angel’s Envy didn’t pioneer bourbon finishes it may be one of the most popular finished products on the market. The brand’s success can probably be attributed to its low bottling proof (86.8 proof), affordable price, and visually appealing bottle design. It’s a staple on most shelves but some times you want something with a little more backbone. That’s why we were excited to have the opportunity to sample and select a “single barrel” pick of Angel’s Envy at a much higher bottle proof of 110.
If you are unfamiliar with Angel’s Envy it was started by Lincoln Henderson, former master distiller for Brown-Foreman where he developed Woodford, Gentleman Jack, and Jack Daniel’s Single Barrels. In 2006, Henderson put his barrel-aging experiments to good use when he and his son, Wes, embarked on the first mainstay port barrel finish bourbon—Angel’s Envy, which launched in 2011. A few months after the groundbreaking of the Angel’s Envy Distillery in 2013, Lincoln Henderson passed away at the age of 75.
Besides the proof another difference in the single barrel releases is the lack of blending. A typical batch of Angel’s Envy consists of a blend of 50% unfinished bourbon and 50% port finished bourbon, which may account for the color variations between batches. The single barrels are entirely finished in Port and the difference is obvious in the color and on the palate.
This pour has all the complex aroma and flavors that make it a great sipper that can hold it’s own with a bit of ice or a splash of water.
Details: 110.0 proof. Mash bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley (sourced from Brown Foreman). Age undisclosed.
My ‘Angel’s Share / Devil’s Cut” Tasting notes:
Color: Dark Red Mahogony
Nose: Cherry coke and raisins, cinnamon and clove
Palate: Heavy mouthfeel, a delicious chocolate and fruit bomb with a hint of Brown Foreman bananas
Finish: Smooth and mellow for the proof, with lingering notes from the wine.
