Angel’s Envy is a new Bourbon Whiskey from industry veteran, Lincoln Henderson. As the retired former Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, Lincoln has done some fantastic things for bourbon and American Whiskey. It’s also interesting to note that three generations of Henderson’s are involved with Angel’s Envy. Their first release is upon us so let’s discuss it.
What makes Angel’s Envy different? It’s a bourbon of at least 4 years of age (reportedly around 5-7 years) that’s been batched and then finished in large port barrels (or “port pipes”) imported from Portugal. After the bourbon takes a slumber in the traditional charred new oak barrels, it’s dumped into the port barrels until Lincoln deems it ready for bottling (reportedly 3-6 months). The result is one of the fruitiest and effortlessly drinkable whiskeys on the market today.
Angel’s Envy Bourbon, $44, 43.3%abv (86.6 Proof)
Color: Deep copper /Russet
Nose: Incredible aromas! Intense Maple Syrup, sweet corn, vanilla, candied dried fruits, rum soaked berries, and gentle oakyness.
Flavor: Maple syrup, corn, dates, raisins, and clove coat the palate. There’s a ripe plum/grapey flavor that adds a fresh fruitiness.
Finish: Sweet maple, toffee, hints of soft spices, and a lingering fruitiness remain.
Overall: Angel’s Envy is a fun whiskey to sip and savor. It’s ever so smooth, sweet, and fruity – definitely one of the best pours I’ve had this year. The nose for me is the star of this show – a real masterclass. It may be just a tad light on the palate, which has me anxiously awaiting their (reported) barrel strength release at the end of the year. Regardless, this is mighty fine bourbon. Highly recommended.
Sour Mash Manifesto Rating: 9.0 (Outstanding/Superb)
Note: Sample provided by Angel’s Envy
Excellent review Jason. Love to see people innovating and pushing the envelope. We all benefit. Sounds like something I’d like to try, but I’m not sure how high it is on my endless list of bourbons I want to get. If I can find a smaller bottle of this I’d pick it up.
PS – I’m looking forward to your review of the final, and so far my favorite, of the Beam Small Batch collection, Bookers.
Excellent review! I look forward to sampling some soon. Heard many good things!
Jason – I hope to try a sample of this soon enough. This one sits on the creative edge of bourbon variants much like BT has done with it’s experimental releases.
Wow, that’s a high rating. I was going to pass this one by, but now I’m not so sure. Do you think it’s a rye or wheat mash?
Looks very interesting. Nice review Jason. Is it available in the smaller bottle that you had in your video? Price for small?
Andy I enjoy the innovation as well. Nice to see. It’s a sourced whiskey, but they’re not just slapping a label on it, which I do prefer.
David, thanks a bunch for the comment man. I appreciate it.
Greg, I think you sum it up well. I suppose it’s “bourbon”, but it’s on the outskirts of town for sure. It’s good stuff though. I wish it were about 100proof. That would be a sweet spot for it I think (guess).
Alan, this one isn’t available in those smaller bottles that I’m aware of just yet. They sent some sample size bottles to review (good sized ones at that).
Sku, that’s a great question. If someone told me it was wheated I’d be surprised. To me it has some nice woody baking spice notes but not to the level I’ve experienced with other wheaters. But it’s also not terribly old at 5-7 years, so that may explain that.
I think the proof and the finishing process are the biggest factors in creating the smooth, rounded flavor that this bourbon delivers. That’s one of the reasons I really like it – I think this is probably good/very good bourbon that provides a great foundation for this finishing process. So it’s taken something really good and make it so much better.
So answer the question Jason! : ) If someone were to hold my hand to the fire, I’d say it tastes like a near 75-80% Corn mash bill with maybe 10-15% rye or so. Total guess but that’s where I’m thinking. I’ve read stuff where folks have said it’s tasted like a wheated recipe, but I didn’t get much of that. It didn’t jump out at me at least.
Thank you Jason for the kind words in your review. We know we have something special, and it is great to get the word out.
You are pretty much on point with the mash bill, as it is a 72% or so corn, 18% rye and 12% malted barley. Since the bourbon is so smooth, we often hear comments that it mus be “wheated”. The port barrel finish really adds to the texture of the bourbon, not to mention a very complimentary mixture of flavors and for the nose.
We toyed with the proof for some time. We found that much higher than 86.6 proof seemed to overwhelm the port notes, and since this was so integral to this expression, we chose that number. Keep an eye out for a cask strength version…a whole other animal…..
Cheers!
Wes
Wes, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I enjoyed AE a great deal. Hopefully you guys are bottling a lot of that juice because you have a hit on your hands.
Thank you also for confirming the mash bill – fantastic information for the whiskey junkies (like me!) that love to know that stuff. I had someone else tell me the same thing about the proof potentially overshadowing the port influence so that’s interesting to hear you confirm that.
Wes, if you have some time, please comment on the distillery you guys are in the process of starting. Where are you at in terms of progress? Last I read there were some sites being reviewed and so forth.
Appreciate the comments!
-Jason
Appreciate t
Nice guess on the mashbill Mr. Pyle! You clearly have you some palate on you.
Sku, I think I’ll credit that guess to “experience”. ; )
Jason
Just caught up with your review of Angel’s Envy. Your rating and review compels me to want to try some for myself. Short of making a mad dash to a Kentucky liquor store is there an easier way to get a bottle in Virginia?
Dirk
Jason,
Party Source ships!
http://www.thepartysource.com/whiskey/shop_whiskey.php?Id=336
Might be the fastest way for you right now.
-Kyle
Nice Review Jason! I just picked up three bottles of it today. I am going to try it tonight! Mashbill is very similar to Woodford Reserve, they are at an 18% rye formula as well. I believe they are 72% corn and 10% barley (or something close to that).
Thanks for the review. BTW the bottle is very cool!
Very cool. Had some of this during my trip to Kentucky, with an Ashton cigar. Wonderful.
Vince, what did you think of the Angel’s Envy?
Nice review, Jason. Found your site thru Greg the Bourbon Dork, one of my favorite bourbon sites. I too was lucky enough to sample AE and thought it was a fantastic sipper. My only regret was that it was so great neat that I neglected to try it w/ ice or some form of dilution to see if/how the flavors change. I read it is finished in 2 different types of port barrels which I found very interesting. Love the port finish and viscosity of this bourbon.
Thanks for that link, Kyle!! I was putting together a mixed case to ship to me and did a search for AE but couldn’t find it anywhere. Problem solved!
Steve, thanks for the comment. Greg’s site is one of my favorites as well – super knowledgeable guy.
I enjoyed the AE immensely and was able to try the Single Barrel “prototype” at the Chicago Whisky Fest event. It was stellar.
Educate me please….
Bourbon cannot be artificially colored or flavored. Why isn’t Angel’s Envy, being finished in a port barrel, not considered artificially flavored?
Chris, this is an excellent question and can be a confusing one. Thanks for asking it.
There are regulations for bourbon as it appears you already know. It must be 51% corn in the mashbill, it must be aged in new charred oak barrels, it must not be distilled higher than 160 proof, and it must enter the barrel at no more than 125 proof. There’s addition guidelines for the when a bourbon can be called Straight Bourbon Whiskey vs. Bourbon Whiskey, etc. etc (at least 2 years of age). Once it becomes bourbon and has met all of the regulations around that, it cannot be de-bourbonized (for lack of better term). Obviously never say never, but at least it cannot in the way Angel’s Envy is doing it………
The additional short aging process that you’ve mentioned is not considered an additive in accordance with the regulations that govern this fun stuff. That’s the short answer, but when you think about it, it makes sense. They take a bourbon whiskey and finish it in previously used (as many as 3-4 times) port barrels. The term “finish” just refers to some additional maturation/aging. But Angel’s Envy doesn’t directly add any artificial flavorings or colorings, that simply comes from the additional finishing process. There isn’t a provision that states you cannot finish a bourbon in previously used barrels, even if those barrels contained a different beverage/spirit.
I hope this at least clarifies it for you. Thanks again for the great question.
Just got around to trying this tonight, delicious! It is quite smooth, fruity, and just an all around sweet and easy to drink bourbon. Lately I’ve been way into Rye almost to the exclusion of bourbon, but this is definitely one I’m going to keep coming back to. In the first couple sips I discovered an iced tea flavor, almost like a sweet tea in the mid-finish. Did anyone else get that?
Ryan, I can’t say that I got that, but that means nothing. If you did, then you did. I’ll have to pull mine out and go searching. Glad you enjoyed it.
Looking forward to sampling Angel’s Envy. What is best way to sample; rocks or neat; in a wine glass swirled around? Bottle slightly chilled?
Enjoy your site.
Bourbon Pyro- I’d suggest neat. Thanks for the comment!
I did an eight-bourbon tasting flight at a local place here in NYC last week (Char No. 4). We asked for bourbons that we had never heard of…. this was my fave of the eight! Really great, super easy drinking bourbon. Great review.
I’ve heard a lot of great stuff about Char No. 4. I have to check it out next time I am in NYC.
Angel’s Envy is excellent stuff. They have a barrel strength release coming soon I believe.
Jason I really respect you palate on these many bourbons I am looking for a bourbon with a lot of caramel toffee taste and finish
would you recommend some to me .
Thank You
Jimmy D.
Jimmy, thanks for the comment. You have a number of options. I’d look at Old Weller Special Reserve in the $20 category. Parker’s Heritage Collection 2010 Wheated in the high end category. Perhaps a Woodford Reserve in the mid price range. Cheers.
Hey Jason,
I just stumbled upon this site and kudos, very well done. I started a quest to have a new bourbon, whisk(e)y or rye each week and make some simple notes about it (see it at http://ayearofbourbon.blogspot.com) and will use your site for what to sample. Interestingly my first sample/post was of Angel’s Envy. I agree with your high praise. Would you mind if I listed your site on my blog? I only plan to sample and describe and if there are any readers that want detailed info I’d like to send them your way.
Thanks!
BW, please do – thanks for linking. Will take a look at your site right away. I appreciate the comment!
where did you get that small angels envy bottle from? The one that is in your review.
Joe, that was a sample bottle provided by Angel’s Envy. Thanks for the comment!
Picked up a bottle of this while in Monterey, CA to toast my first grandchild. Very good juice! You were right on the mark with your review Jason. My collection of fine bourbon is growing with your help and recommendations. One of my favorites is Rittenhouse Rye. Excellent value. Would love to see you split up your reviews into maybe three categories or so. Would make for some great one or two page comparisions.
Alan, I’m intrigued by your idea but wanted to make sure I understood. Please clarify if you have some time. Thanks.
Awesome review, but my experience differed a bit. I get the same flavors you mention, but the intensity is missing. The base bourbon is polite – reminiscent of Evan Williams black (which it probably is). The extra aging in port wood barrels adds complexity and depth of flavor but not enough, in my opinion. I’ll await the version that has more time in the wood.
Josh, thanks for the feedback. It’s certainly a soft, not overly spiced whiskey, but the fruit is wonderful and absolutely takes something that might have even been quite average up a number of notches. I am big fan of some of the finished offerings out there because they’re different and add some pop.
So sorry to see you cross the ethical divide from Indy reviewer into distiller/bottler-sponsored reviewer, with the Angel’s Envy release. It’s a more slippery slope for readers who’ve followed you, from here on. It’s not a gray area to me, in that you’re offering a very thinly-disguised paid advertisement, regardless of the product quality. You’ve lost a reader.
JK, thanks for your comment. I’m certainly sad to lose a reader, but I think your accusation that I have managed to “cross the ethical divide” is very uninformed to say the least. To insinuate it’s a “thinly-disguised paid advertisement” is as well. The review you’ve commented on is a review that is a year old firstly, and to my knowledge you’ve been the first to offer such input on it. Second, over 90% of my reviews are purchased by me. I spend thousands of dollars a year on whiskey that either makes it way to reviews on this site or is about to. There is simply no reason to compromise my standards or credibility for what amounts to a couple of vials of whiskey. If this were about money or “thinly-disguised paid advertisements” there are a lot easier ways to just simply advertise. My monthly visits and page view numbers are such that I could easily advertise and generate income that would more than cover the costs of the site and a significant portion of the whiskey I review. I don’t do that because it doesn’t align with the website that I set out to create that’s focused on whiskey, nor does it align with the standards I believe I have created.
Clearly I’ve not managed to build credibility with you to a point that my reviewing sampled whiskeys makes you feel that I’ve somehow crossed a line. I am certainly sorry for that, but I will continue to review both purchased whiskey and whiskeys provided by samples from distilleries/bottlers. I will also continue to review and assess them fairly based on the criteria I’ve established on this site and have never wavered from. If you change your mind about visiting the site again, I look forward to your continued comments. If not, I appreciate the contributions you’ve made on the site and appreciate your time.
Thanks for your immediate response Jason. I think you do not perceive the inherent difference in veracity of reviews of personally-purchased products to those of free/promotions is exactly my point. Consider this. I respect your best intention to honestly convey an insightful, accurate review of a (free) manufacturer or distributor-provided product or a promotional item. In that aspect, I have no doubt that you are capable of being accurate and honest in describing its nature – period. However, I’ve worked in the wine business for over 30 years, and I understand the nature of the great care that is typically made to prepare special samples for review and for special audiences, both in terms of the qualities of the sample being prepared specifically by ruthless selection, and then implied lack of linkage between the sample’s characteristics and what actually goes into the bottle for sale. There are many, many, many abuses. If you continue to kid yourself that you are likely receiving (and thereby reviewing) typical production quality in the free samples and producer-provided bottles, think again; it would be rarely true.
JK, I do not discount the fact that a distiller/independent bottler couldn’t put their “best” stuff in sample bottles and send. I’d be a lot more concerned with that happening with a single barrel whiskey – choose the cherry barrel and send that to reviewers. However many of these products are batched, like Angel’s Envy. I understand the same is true for the wine industry and I certainly don’t pretend to be educated in the sample process from their side, but I do have a hard time believing they’d go to those lengths. That’s just me.
Jason, I appreciate your candidness on this sensitive subject, and I obviously don’t share your optimism (nor the presumption for ?) marketing honesty with respect to free samples and reviews. Frankly, I’m far more concerned about cherry-picked barrels that are used to source samples for batched, premium-priced items or special initial releases (such as Angel’s Envy) than for its possible effects upon perceptions of any single barrel release. The buying public is generally already more aware of the types of variations they are exposed to with single barrel items, or at least they should be. In this case of Angels Envy, it ain’t so obvious. Buyer Beware !
Enjoy the Angel’s Envy, but all I can smell/think of when I drink it is candied bananas. It’s a bit overpowering at times.
A very good very drinkable bourbon. Nose has maple and vanilla, not much alcohol nose. Taste is light, sweet very smooth with maple syrup, orange and vanilla. Finish is complex sweetness oak and spice. I was surprised at how light it was yet such a good taste and finish. Definitely a great sipping bourbon and one of my new favorites. I love wheaters but I believe this one is one of the best rye bourbons I have had. Just enough spice to make it interesting. A solid 9.0+
Jason, tried Angel’s Envy with a fine cigar tonight. The cigar brought out the flavors and sweetness of the bourbon. A very fine bourbon for sipping with your favorite smoke.
Angels envy is just top notch bourbon. You cant beat the price either. Very smooth and drinkable. Sweet and fruity and the nose is just wonderful. I really enjoy the banana smell in the nose. Awesome awesome awesome. will always have a bottle on hand.
Got a bottle of this from my brother as a Christmas gift. Gonna try some tonight while I watch my Redskins hopefully pummel the Cowboys.
My wife gave me a bottle of Angel’s Envy for Christmas and it is excellent! Drink it neat. Thanks for the great review and recommendation, Jason.
I usually agree with you and certainly value the opinion of one who also is serious about their bourbon, but I have to be in the minority and say that this one let me down. I guess I like the spice and the bite of bourbon that this just lacks. Is it smooth? Sure. We all have our preferences, I bought this based on the high rating you gave but it wasn’t for me. I’m glad I tried it but will likely set this one further back on the shelf. I just read your review of the 2012 Four Roses…..hopefully I can give that a try. Thanks for your great reviews. This one was a miss for me but that has been the exception, not the rule. Keep up the good work!
Another great review. I just sampled my first taste of this fine bottle. It’s definitely one of a kind. I catch the finish as sweet cherry. Perfect for desert !