Angel's Envy Distillery

History of Angel’s Envy Distillery

Founding and Origins

Angel’s Envy Distillery, located in Louisville, Kentucky, was founded by Lincoln Henderson and his son, Wes Henderson. Lincoln Henderson, a member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame and a master distiller, came out of retirement to start the distillery with Wes, who previously served as CEO for Master Distiller Select LLC and Conecuh Ridge Distillery. The distillery represents a family endeavor, with three generations of the Henderson family involved in its operations.

Innovation in Bourbon Making

Angel’s Envy stands out for its innovative approach to bourbon production. The distillery is known for its “secondary finishing” technique, a process more common in Scotch production. This involves aging their bourbon in new charred American oak barrels and then finishing it in former port casks, creating a unique flavor profile. This approach was a significant departure from traditional bourbon-making methods in the United States.

Expansion and Current Status

The distillery has seen substantial growth since its inception. After beginning operations in 2010, Angel’s Envy has expanded its reach to all 50 states in the U.S. and internationally to countries including the U.K., Australia, Canada, and Singapore. Their facility in Louisville, opened in 2016, marked a significant milestone as the first full-production whiskey distillery in the city’s downtown area since prohibition. The distillery has also completed a major expansion, increasing its size and visitor capacity.

Distillation Process

The production process at Angel’s Envy is meticulous and involves several steps. Starting with the grinding of grains on-site, the distillery uses a cooker or mash tun for the initial phase of production. The process involves a series of heating and cooling stages, with different grains added at specific temperatures.

Following this, fermentation takes place, a step that has been optimized over the years. The distillery also features a 35-foot tall column still for distillation. After distillation, the spirit is aged in barrels and undergoes a secondary barrel finishing process, which is a hallmark of Angel’s Envy’s products.

Unique Bottling

Angel’s Envy’s approach extends to its bottling process, which includes a three-station Italian bottling line. The bottles themselves are distinctive, produced in India due to their unique side-seam design.

Angels Envy bourbon whiskey bottle — Angel’s Envy 86Prf Straight Bourbon

Angel's Envy bourbon whiskey bottle with wings design. — Angel’s Envy Bourbon

Awards Won by Angel’s Envy Distillery

Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirit Competition: Angel’s Envy’s spirits have been awarded the prestigious Double Gold, which signifies unanimous approval from all judges in the competition.

Gold at Fred Minnick’s ASCOT Awards: The distillery has also earned a Gold award at these renowned awards, showcasing its quality.

High Score from Ultimate Spirits Challenge: Angel’s Envy received a notable score of 92 points, indicating high quality and craftsmanship in their whiskey production.

Named One of the Top 25 Distilleries in the Country: Angel’s Envy has been recognized as one of the leading distilleries in the United States, a testament to its excellence in the field of whiskey making.

Angel’s Envy Distillery Tour Information and Experience

A Personal Touch in Bourbon Creation

At the heart of Louisville’s Whiskey Row, Angel’s Envy Distillery invites bourbon enthusiasts to a one-of-a-kind experience that goes beyond the ordinary distillery tour. The highlight of this journey is the ‘Bottle Your Own Single Barrel’ event, an exclusive opportunity to engage directly in the process of bourbon-making. Guests become an integral part of the creation process by filling, corking, and labeling their own bottle of the distillery’s signature bourbon.

Discovering the Craft Behind the Bottle

The experience is as educational as it is enjoyable. Participants delve into the history and uniqueness of Angel’s Envy’s bottle design and gain insights into the meticulous bottling process. This interaction is not just about observing; it’s about understanding the soul behind every bottle crafted.

A Tasting Experience Like No Other Tasting sessions are an integral part of this immersive experience. Guests savor the rich flavors of Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, finished in Port Barrels, and the Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Each sip promises a journey through the complex notes and aromas that define these exclusive selections.

Take Home More Than Memories

Participants in the ‘Bottle Your Own’ event leave with more than just the knowledge and experience; they take home a 750ml bottle of the distillery-exclusive Angel’s Envy Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, elegantly packed in a commemorative box. These bottles, selected by the distillery’s experts, represent a unique blend of craftsmanship and personal touch.

Exclusive and Intimate

To maintain the exclusivity and ensure a personalized experience, the distillery limits the ‘Bottle Your Own’ experience to a small group of six guests per session. Offered on select days of the week, this intimate setting allows for a more detailed and hands-on approach, making each visit special.

Important Considerations

While this exclusive experience stands apart as a unique offering, it is essential to note that it does not include the standard distillery tour. The reservation requirement and limited availability underscore the exclusivity and popularity of this unique offering.

Angel’s Envy Distillery’s ‘Bourbon Tasting & Bottling Experience’ is more than a tour; it’s a celebration of the craft and culture of bourbon-making, offering a blend of education, interaction, and personalization. It’s an experience tailored for those who not only love bourbon but also cherish the story and craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Flask & Barrel Review of Angel’s Envy Distillery

As someone who’s been around the block a few times when it comes to whiskey distillery tours, I’ve got to say, my visit to Angel’s Envy Distillery was pretty impressive, easily a 4.7 out of 5 in my book. Here’s the lowdown on my experience:

The Atmosphere: Right from the get-go, you can tell this place is a cut above. Nestled in downtown Louisville, the vibe at Angel’s Envy is this perfect mix of modern chic and traditional charm. It’s like they’ve captured the essence of bourbon’s heritage but with a fresh twist.

The Tour: Now, I’ve been on my fair share of tours, but the one at Angel’s Envy had a personal touch that made it stand out. The guide was knowledgeable without being too technical – perfect for enthusiasts and newbies alike. We got to see the whole process, from grain to glass, and I appreciated the insight into their unique finishing process in port wine barrels. It’s this attention to detail that gives their bourbon that extra something.

The Tasting: This was the highlight for me. Their signature bourbon, with its rich, smooth finish, was a real treat. And getting a chance to sample some of their limited editions? That’s like striking gold for a whiskey collector. Each sip was a journey through complex flavors – definitely lived up to the hype.

The Little Extras: What bumped up my rating was the little things. The staff’s passion for their craft was infectious, and the way they’ve integrated sustainability into their operation was impressive. Their Toast the Trees initiative shows they’re not just about making great bourbon but also about giving back.

The Downside?: If I had to nitpick, I’d say the place can get a bit crowded, and the tour felt slightly rushed when there were more visitors. But honestly, that’s just me looking for something to critique.

Final Verdict: Angel’s Envy is a must-visit for any whiskey lover. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes into the bourbon world, this distillery offers a top-notch experience. It’s clear they’re not just making whiskey; they’re crafting a legacy. And let me tell you, it’s a legacy that tastes pretty darn good.

What To Do Nearby Angel’s Envy Distillery

Cherokee Park: A vast, scenic park offering walking paths, biking routes, and hiking trails across 389 acres. It’s designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, also known for designing New York City’s Central Park. The park’s lush surroundings make it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts.

Waterfront Botanical Gardens: Located on Frankfort Avenue, this site has transformed from an old dump to a beautiful botanical garden. It’s a great place to admire various gardens including edible, native, and pollinator gardens.

Restaurants: There are several dining options near Angel’s Envy Distillery. For instance, Against the Grain Brewery & Public House is just 0.1 miles away, offering a mix of American cuisine and pub-style food. Los Aztecas Mexican Restaurant, also 0.1 miles from the distillery, serves Mexican and Southwestern dishes. If you’re looking for American cuisine, Wild Eggs, located 0.2 miles away, is known for its breakfast offerings.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience: Another distillery experience in downtown Louisville, celebrating Kentucky’s first commercial distiller. It’s an ideal spot for bourbon enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of bourbon history and production.

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery: This distillery is known for its high-quality spirits and offers a unique tourist experience. It features a cocktail bar called Bar at Fort Nelson, perfect for trying classic cocktails and modern creations.

Copper & Kings American Brandy Company: A unique distillery in Butchertown, Louisville, producing brandy, gin, and absinthe. It’s a great place to learn about different spirits production and enjoy some of the best rooftop views in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Angel’s Envy Distillery?

Zombie Taco: This Mexican restaurant boasts a rating of 4.5 stars. For a unique dining experience, you can visit them at 100 W Washington St, Louisville, KY 40202, located in Moxy Louisville Downtown. To make reservations or inquiries, call them at (502) 716-7377.

Mi Casita on 4th: Another delightful Mexican restaurant, Mi Casita on 4th, has earned a 4.3-star rating. They are located at 520 S 4th St Ste 100, Louisville, KY 40202, in the Marmaduke Building. For reservations or more information, their contact number is (502) 315-0666.

Safier Mediterranean Deli: This restaurant offers an array of Middle Eastern & Indian dishes, including many vegetarian options, and holds a 4.6-star rating. Safier Mediterranean Deli is situated at 641 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202. They can be reached for reservations or inquiries at (502) 585-1125.

What hotels are near Angel’s Envy Distillery?

Cambria Hotel Louisville Downtown-Whiskey Row: This hotel has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, they can be contacted at (502) 861-6958. The hotel is located at 120 S Floyd St, Louisville, KY 40202.

The Galt House Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham: With a 4.1-star rating, this hotel is a popular choice. You can reach them at (502) 589-5200 for bookings. The address is 140 N Fourth St, Louisville, KY 40202.

Omni Louisville Hotel: This 4.5-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations. For reservations, contact them at (502) 313-6664. The hotel is situated at 400 S 2nd St, Louisville, KY 40202.