Angel’s Envy is not just another bourbon; it’s a blend of meticulously curated notes that sing a unique melody with every sip. This exceptional Kentucky straight bourbon is a tribute to the time-honored distillation techniques, yet it introduces an innovative twist with a secondary aging process in ruby port wine casks. The outcome? A full-bodied, nuanced bourbon that delivers a balance of complexity and subtlety, making it an essential experience for any whiskey aficionado.
What is Angel’s Envy Bourbon?
Angel’s Envy is the creative offspring of the legendary Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son, Wes Henderson. This father-son duo founded the brand with a bold vision to elevate the stature of bourbon. Lincoln Henderson, with his 40 years of expertise in crafting globally acclaimed spirits, came out of retirement to create a bourbon that would bear a unique signature, a testament to his lifelong passion.
Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, the name Angel’s Envy is both a tribute to the whiskey industry and a symbol of the product’s uniqueness. The term Angel’s Share in whiskey distilling refers to the portion of whiskey lost to evaporation during the aging process. But when these angels get a taste from the ruby port wine barrels, they can’t help but feel envious, thus inspiring the name, Angel’s Envy.
The brand has earned a reputation for its inventive approach to distillation and a novel interpretation of bourbon’s flavor profile. Their portfolio has expanded to include several expressions, such as a rye finished in Caribbean rum casks and a limited-edition cask strength bourbon, further emphasizing the brand’s dedication to originality and quality.
At its core, Angel’s Envy is a family-operated enterprise that values hands-on involvement, a passion for excellence, and a profound respect for bourbon tradition. This exquisite spirit is a testament to the successful nurturing and implementation of these principles, resulting in a truly remarkable bourbon.
Distillation Process for Angel’s Envy
The creation of Angel’s Envy bourbon is a meticulous process, where every detail, from ingredient selection to the distillation and aging methods, is carefully considered. The bourbon’s mash bill, a blend of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, is the foundation of its flavor. The corn adds a touch of sweetness, the rye brings a hint of spice, and the malted barley lends a nutty undertone, creating a well-rounded and harmonious taste.
The distillation process sees the bourbon distilled to approximately 140 proof. The raw distillate, also known as the white dog, is then diluted to about 125 proof before the aging process begins. This careful dilution ensures the preservation of the bourbon’s desired flavor and aroma.
What sets Angel’s Envy bourbon apart is its unique aging process. While most bourbons are aged in American white oak barrels for 4 to 6 years, Angel’s Envy takes it a step further. The bourbon is finished in hand-selected ruby port wine barrels from Portugal for an additional 3 to 6 months. This extra step imparts a rich, fruity character to the bourbon, introducing flavors that traditional bourbon aging methods can’t achieve. The port barrels also give the bourbon its warm amber hue, a testament to its time spent maturing. The result is a whiskey with a flavor profile so unique that it once prompted Lincoln Henderson to say, if we could have gotten it any better, we probably would have.
Aroma and Flavor Profile
The sensory journey of Angel’s Envy Bourbon commences even before the liquid touches your lips. The aroma, a prelude to the flavor, is a complex symphony of scents that speaks volumes about the bourbon’s quality and craftsmanship.
Upon the first whiff, Angel’s Envy greets you with a sweet symphony of vanilla and caramel, a testament to its maturation in American white oak barrels. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a simple melody. As you delve deeper, the aroma unfolds to reveal layers of ripe fruit, a tribute to its unique finishing process in ruby port wine barrels. You’ll find hints of succulent berries, plump raisins, and crisp apples dancing in the background.
The flavor journey of Angel’s Envy is equally enchanting. It strikes a harmonious balance between traditional bourbon characteristics and its distinctive port finish. The initial sip introduces your palate to the warm, sweet notes of caramel and honey. As the flavor evolves, it unveils notes of dried fruit, zesty oranges, and a whisper of baking spices.
Despite its 86.6 proof, Angel’s Envy is remarkably smooth, with just enough warmth to remind you that you’re savoring a meticulously crafted bourbon. In essence, the flavor profile of Angel’s Envy is a delightful interplay between the rich, sweet notes of a classic bourbon and the unique complexity introduced by the port barrel finish.
Finish
The finish of a bourbon is the lasting impression it leaves on your palate, and Angel’s Envy ensures this experience is one to remember.
The finale of Angel’s Envy is a drawn-out symphony of flavors, smooth and buttery with a lingering sweetness. The port barrel finish imparts a rich and unique ending to this bourbon. As the flavors evolve, you’ll discover traces of dark chocolate and ripe berries, which gradually give way to a hint of almond and the comforting warmth of well-aged spirits.
The finish is where Angel’s Envy truly shines, revealing its full complexity without overwhelming the senses. The flavors meld together in a harmonious blend, creating a perfectly balanced composition that slowly fades, leaving you yearning for the next sip.
In summary, the finish of Angel’s Envy is as divine as its name suggests – a testament to the painstaking craftsmanship that goes into each step of its creation.
Food and Cigar Pairings
The full-bodied and nuanced character of Angel’s Envy Bourbon lends itself beautifully to a range of food and cigar pairings, adding a new dimension to your culinary and smoking experiences.
When it comes to food, Angel’s Envy Bourbon harmonizes well with dishes that echo its inherent sweetness and depth. Consider pairing it with a decadent dark chocolate brownie or a slice of rich pecan pie for dessert. The slight bitterness of the chocolate or the nutty undertones of the pecan pie highlight the bourbon’s sweet caramel and vanilla notes, while also complementing its unique port barrel finish.
Cheese lovers will find that blue cheese or a sharp aged cheddar can also make for an exceptional pairing. The contrast between the saltiness and creaminess of the cheese and the bourbon’s sweetness creates a well-rounded and satisfying taste experience.
For those who enjoy a good cigar with their bourbon, Angel’s Envy offers an intriguing pairing opportunity. The trick is to find a cigar robust enough to match Angel’s Envy’s complex profile without overshadowing it. Medium to full-bodied cigars, such as a Padron Anniversary Series or an Ashton VSG, with their rich character and smooth tobacco flavors, make excellent companions to the sweet and spicy notes of Angel’s Envy Bourbon.
Unlocking the perfect pairings for your Angel’s Envy Bourbon is akin to discovering a treasure chest of flavors. Each pairing, be it a well-curated charcuterie board or a favorite cigar, has the potential to elevate your bourbon experience to an unforgettable event.
How to Serve Angel’s Envy Bourbon
Whether you savor it neat, over ice, or as part of a cocktail, the intricate balance of sweetness and spice, traditional bourbon elements, and unique port-finished complexities are sure to delight your senses with each sip.
Serving Neat
The beauty of Angel’s Envy Bourbon lies in its simplicity. When served neat, the bourbon is poured directly into the glass, free of any additions like water, ice, or mixers. This unadulterated approach allows the drinker to experience the full-bodied, rich taste of this premium bourbon.
Begin with a pristine, tulip-shaped glass. This specific shape helps to funnel the aromatic compounds towards your nose, thereby enriching the tasting experience. Pour a modest one to two ounces of Angel’s Envy into the glass and take a moment to admire the bourbon’s deep, rich hue.
After serving, allow the bourbon to rest for a brief period. This pause lets the bourbon breathe, softening the alcohol vapors and ensuring a smoother taste. A gentle swirl of the glass will release its aroma. Take a small sip, letting the liquid linger on your tongue before swallowing to fully appreciate the complex flavor profile we’ve previously discussed.
Remember, when serving Angel’s Envy neat, it’s less about the quantity consumed and more about savoring the harmonious blend of flavors. Each sip reveals a new layer of taste, showcasing the robust yet refined craftsmanship of this exceptional bourbon.
Cocktail Suggestions
Angel’s Envy is not only a superb bourbon to savor neat or on the rocks, but it also serves as an excellent base for cocktails. Its rich flavor profile can elevate a variety of cocktail recipes, adding a touch of sophistication. Here are a few suggestions to inspire your mixology journey with Angel’s Envy.
1. The Classic Old Fashioned: This cocktail is a true test of a bourbon’s character, and Angel’s Envy shines in this role. Simply muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters, add two ounces of Angel’s Envy, and finish with an orange peel garnish. The sweet citrus complements the bourbon’s dried fruit and citrus nuances, while the bitters offset the inherent sweetness.
2. Angelic Manhattan: This variation of the classic Manhattan places Angel’s Envy in the spotlight. Combine two ounces of Angel’s Envy with an ounce of sweet vermouth and a dash or two of Angostura bitters. Stir the ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, and top with a maraschino cherry. This cocktail accentuates the bourbon’s natural sweetness and port finish.
3. Envy Sour: For a cocktail that’s both refreshing and potent, try the Envy Sour. Blend one and a half ounces of Angel’s Envy, an ounce of fresh lemon juice, and a half ounce of simple syrup with ice. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over ice and garnish with a cherry and an orange slice. This cocktail highlights the bourbon’s citrus and vanilla notes.
Whether you’re a novice mixologist or a seasoned cocktail enthusiast, these Angel’s Envy cocktails provide a symphony of flavors suitable for any occasion. The versatility of Angel’s Envy allows it to both stand out and blend seamlessly with other flavors, guiding your exploration into the art of cocktail-making and adding a touch of elegance to your creations.
