Whiskey_Hound
Angel's Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
February 26, 2019 (edited February 8, 2024)
Angel’s Envy is one if the champion drinks for the casual whiskey drinkers. I’m not complaining about that, as it means I get to have a lot more of it when I’m over a friend or family member’s house. I generally try to mix it up almost every time I drink, so I feel like I’ve
Nose: At first, this appears to have a very standard bourbon nose. Caramel, vanilla, almond, peanut brittle, brown sugar, and black pepper. Maple pecan. As I dug further, I was able to detect what can only be likened to a berry parfait (blueberry, strawberry, yogurt). I suspect that this is the port influence at work. Heavy cocoa. Sawdust. Clove, nutmeg, and oak.
Palate: This is the highlight of the whiskey. Initially, it's more standard bourbon notes. Cinnamon, black pepper, brown sugar, leather, peanut brittle, vanilla, and caramel. There's a surprising, and welcome, bite right off the bat. Then, as with the nose, the port barrel influence makes itself at the tail end of the palate. This time, I experience what can only be equated to a banana walnut muffin. Maple pecan ad well. Very good.
Finish: Moderate in length. Once again, surprisingly hot for the ABV. Big-time cinnamon and black pepper notes. Cocoa, almond, pipe tobacco, black tea, and oak notes.
Overall, this one is solid. Bumping up the ABV to even the bourbon standard of 45% would likely do wonders for this. I'm sure the cask strength is phenomenal. I wouldn't go so far with this one though. As it is, this is very good.
I came back to this one after 5 years. It’s .5 star better. Maybe this batch (Batch 87Y, Bottle 1621) is better than what I had back then, or more likely than that, the product has improved. It’s also possible I’ve developed a proclivity for this after years of having it out.
It also demonstrates thegreat potential in finishing bourbon in various types of casks. Would recommend to a Speyside/Highland drinker looking to break into the bourbon scene, or to a bourbon drinker looking for a change of pace. Decent value at $50. Overall, pleasant experience. Hopefully we'll see this at 45% one day. Regardless, this was a fine experiment and will hopefully continue to remain a fixture in public and private bars alike. Cheers.
50.0
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@Whiskey_Hound I don't even understand how they came up with the $200 price point for that one. Honestly it just feels like a straight cash grab!
@Generously_Paul Thanks for the input! I'm aware of some of those finished bourbons, I just wasn't certain on the laws. After a little research, it seems everything you say is true. Kind of a shame. @PBMichiganWolverine Exactly. I'll stick to hunting Booker's and ECBP. Hopefully I can find a Four Roses Private Selection. @dubz480 That's definitely a fair assessment. Sherry cask could be interesting as well. As far as I know, that's Jospeh Magnus territory but maybe there's more
@Whiskey_Hound Agreed. Green Spot over this 100%. Toss up between this and the Mac 12 to be honest!
@Generously_Paul I suspect also that because whiskey matures at a faster rate than whisky (and in fresh casks to boot) it's easy to overdo the wood influence by adding a finishing stage. When you factor in the low demand it all becomes too problematic to bother.
@Whiskey_Hound $230 isn’t worth it. You can get an amazing bourbon for much less ( Elijah Craig BF, or Four Roses private selections )
There are bourbons and ryes out there with different types of finishes on them, you just have to know where to look. Jefferson’s Groth Cask, Whip Saw Rye, Parker’s Heritage to name a few. I suspect they aren’t more mainstream because the general public isn’t interested in them. The average consumer isn’t even drinking bourbon neat. “Drown it in Coke so I can’t taste it” they say, well why spend the money to buy up wine casks when there’s no demand for them from your target demographic?
@dubz480 That's disappointing to hear, but not all that surprising. We've got the 2018 here in Jersey for $230. That's unreasonably high, unless it's going to completely change my perception of bourbon. Hard pass on your recommendation. As for this one, I'll agree with you, though I'd opt for Mac 12 or Green Spot over this one. I'll revisit it though. I was more impressed with this one at the beginning of the bottle. Typically, it's the other way around in that they get better with time
@Whiskey_Hound honestly, I was left very underwhelmed with the Cask Strength factoring in it's $180 price point. Nothing about it feels "special" to me. Mine is the 2017 edition for reference. As far as this one, I am with you. It's a real pleasant, easy drinker. Bourbons answer to say a Macallan 12 or even a Green Spot!
@Soba45 Thanks! Your response is much appreciated. Taking into account what you're saying here, it really is surprising that we don't see more bourbon finishing. @dubz480 Appreciate the input as always. What's your overall opinion of the cask strength? And this one if you've tried it
@Soba45 @Whiskey_Hound that's exactly right on the Bourbon requirements. Distilled in the USA, aged in New Charred Oak and at least 51% of the mash is corn. After the initial aging you can "finish" in anything you like! As a side note on the proof, I have the Cask Strength edition and the spice is overwhelming. I suspect the proof has a lot to do with taming that spice and bringing out the sweet notes as it needs a lot of water! Cheers guys!
Good review. :-) Legally there isn't anything stopping bourbon being finished. All the requirement is I believe is must have a certain period in new charred oak. Doesn't even have to be american oak and could be finished in whatever. It surprises me there isn't more innovation like whiskey.