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Interested in Angel’s Envy?

Interested in Angel’s Envy?

Known for its port wine cask finish and other innovative barrel-aging techniques, it offers a complex flavor profile and unmatched smoothness that has garnered a devoted following among bourbon enthusiasts. Learn more about this brand with Uncork it! located at 393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611.

What is Special About Angel's Envy?

The Louisville Distilling Company launched Angel’s Envy in 2011 and has quickly established a distinguished reputation in the bourbon world. Named as a playful nod to the “angel’s share” of evaporated whiskey, the brand claims the remaining bourbon is envied by the angels. With a mission to redefine the industry, Angel's Envy honors bourbon heritage while carving out a unique niche with its distinct finishing process.

Angel’s Envy Distillery Under Lincoln Henderson

Lincoln Henderson, a master distiller with over 40 years of experience and a legacy of developing premium bourbons, was at the helm of Angel's Envy's innovation. Co-founding Angel's Envy with his son Wes, Henderson aimed to create handcrafted bourbons of unprecedented smoothness by blending tradition with innovation. His vision led to the incorporation of secondary barrel aging, imparting a distinctive complexity to the bourbon's flavor profile.

Where Does Angel's Envy Rank as a Bourbon?

The crafting of Angel's Envy bourbon begins with traditional methods, maturing in charred new American oak barrels until it meets the brand's high standards for color and flavor. This is followed by a port finishing process, where the bourbon is transferred into 60-gallon ruby port wine casks for several months, adding flavors of dark fruit, sweet port, maple syrup, and brown sugar.

This meticulous process, a hallmark of Lincoln Henderson's pioneering approach, involves close monitoring to ensure a perfect balance of flavors. The result is a straight bourbon whiskey with unparalleled complexity, combining traditional bourbon warmth with new, distinct flavor nuances, embodying Henderson's vision of crafting a singular bourbon experience.

Why is Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey so Expensive?

The production of Angel's Envy bourbon takes place at its state-of-the-art distillery, meticulously designed to merge modern efficiency with the craft of traditional bourbon-making. Each step, from fermentation to bottling, embodies a commitment to quality and detail, ensuring that every bottle of Angel's Envy represents the pinnacle of handcrafted bourbon, which also leads to a more premium price.

Angel's Envy Distillery Louisville, Kentucky

Nestled in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the Angel's Envy distillery is a modern monument in a city renowned for its bourbon heritage. Situated on Main Street, known as "Whiskey Row," the distillery not only serves as the production hub for this exquisite bourbon but also invites bourbon aficionados to immerse themselves in guided tours and tastings, experiencing firsthand the love and labor that goes into every bottle.

Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey Production Methods

The production of Angel's Envy bourbon follows a handcrafted process that begins with the careful selection of grains. The bourbon mash is then cooked and fermented, utilizing time-honored techniques to ensure a consistent, high-quality base for distillation. The distillate is then aged in charred American oak barrels, with the master distiller meticulously overseeing the maturation process. Every aspect of production—from grain to glass—is handled with an artisanal touch, part of the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship that transcends the ordinary.

Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey Barrel Aging Techniques

Angel's Envy distinguishes itself through its signature barrel aging techniques. After reaching maturity in charred new American oak barrels, the bourbon undergoes a unique secondary aging in hand-selected 60-gallon ruby port wine casks. This extra step, often lasting several months, is essential for imparting the subtle notes of dark fruit and sweetness that define Angel’s Envy's character. The use of port wine barrels is a delicate process that reflects the brand's innovation, resulting in a product that is a harmonious blend of bourbon tradition and avant-garde spirit craftsmanship.

Is Angel's Envy a Sweet Bourbon?

The port wine cask finish is one of the defining features of Angel's Envy bourbon, making it slightly sweet but not cloyingly so. After reaching optimal aging in traditional charred new American oak barrels, the spirit enjoys an extended maturation period in hand-selected 60-gallon ruby port wine barrels. This unique finishing technique imparts additional layers of flavor and richness, creating an enhanced taste experience that nods respectfully to bourbon heritage while forging new ground.

Angel's Envy Bourbon Whiskey Collection

Angel's Envy comes from a legacy of artistry and innovation in the bourbon industry. It combines traditional methods with unique finishing techniques to create a product line that stands in a class of its own. The collection consists of their signature Angel’s Envy Bourbon Whiskey, an exceptionally smooth spirit finished in port wine casks, and their notable Angel’s Envy Rye, known for its bold character and finish in Caribbean rum barrels. Each offering in the collection showcases distinct flavor nuances that pay homage to bourbon heritage while incorporating imaginative twists that make them stand apart.
The cornerstone of the Angel's Envy lineup is their Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which begins with meticulously selected grains and limestone water. Crafted in small batches, this premium bourbon undergoes an extended fermentation process that amplifies its complexity.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon is then aged in charred American white oak barrels, allowing the spirit to glean the rich, deep flavors associated with premium bourbon. The bourbon’s journey culminates in a unique finishing phase, resting in 60-gallon ruby port barrels, which bestows upon it distinctive notes of ripe fruit, a hint of nuttiness, and a subtle layer of sweetness, rounding out its character for a refined sip that leaves a lasting impression.

ABV 43%
Angel’s Envy uses a high-quality rye base that undergoes a deliberate aging process in American charred barrels to develop its inherent spiciness.

However, it's the innovative final step in the aging process that defines this spirit — a finishing stint in hand-selected Caribbean rum barrels which previously contained French cognac. This marriage imparts a smooth, almost creamy quality to the rye, with resultant flavors of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of citrus. The rum barrel finish also adds a sweetness that complements the traditional rye pepperiness. 

ABV 50%

Appreciating and Pairing Angel's Envy Bourbon

When appreciating Angel's Envy, note the nose of maple syrup and brown sugar and its palate bursting with hints of ripe fruit and bitter chocolate. Its distinct flavor nuances and unprecedented smoothness make it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.

Quick Pairing Guide:

Desserts: Dark chocolate, bread pudding, vanilla-based treats
Savory: Smoked meats, strong cheeses, spiced nuts
Cocktails: Old Fashioned, Manhattan, neat, or with a splash of water

Add Angel’s Envy To Your Collection

Enjoy the versatility of Angel's Envy in various contexts—from sipping it slowly to exploring its complementarity with sophisticated dishes. As an affordable bourbon, it's a delightful addition to your liquor cabinet, offering an experience of bourbon heritage finished with a modern twist. Find Angel’s Envy Bourbon and Angel’s Envy Rye at 393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611, online at https://uncorkitchicago.com/, or call them at (312) 321-9400.