Angel's Envy whiskies

History

Lincoln Henderson had worked almost his whole career at a big Kentucky house before retiring. Instead of stepping back, he set out to create a bourbon with a finish unusual in the United States: a few extra months of rest in casks that had held port. The first batches were made with whiskey bought from other distilleries while the family prepared its own distillery in downtown Louisville, which opened its doors in the middle of the decade. Henderson died shortly after the launch, and his son and grandson carried on the project. In 2015 Bacardi bought the company.

House style

The base is a classic-profile bourbon, with caramel, vanilla and toasted oak. The port cask finish adds red fruit, raisins and a chocolatey sweetness that softens the whole. It is a rounded bourbon of moderate strength and easy to drink, less spicy than high-rye ones. The house has also released higher-strength versions and finishes in other casks, such as rum or fortified wine, always with the idea of adding fruit and roundness to the bourbon.

Where to start

Angel’s Envy Bourbon is the main expression and the best way to get to know the house. It’s a good choice if you’re coming from Scotch whiskies with wine cask finishes or if you’re after a smooth, fruity bourbon to drink neat. Drink it neat or with an ice cube to see how the port finish softens the caramel and vanilla of the base bourbon. Next to a classic unfinished bourbon, the difference in fruit and sweetness is very clear.

• Angel's Envy BourbonBourbon · 43.3% ABV