Angel’s Envy is a distillery that is known for its port cask-finished bourbon, and while the whiskey does not carry an age statement it’s matured for around five years before getting that secondary maturation for up to six months. Today, the distillery announced the release of the very popular annual cask-strength version of the core bourbon—and to make it stand out even more, at 10 years old this is the first Angel’s Envy whiskey to carry an age statement.
It bears repeating that age does not necessarily equal quality in whiskey (or in people), but this is certainly a significant milestone for the distillery. According to the brand, this whiskey will become available nationally on October 10, and that date has some meaning. Angel’s Envy was initially supposed to launch in October of 2010, but founder Lincoln Henderson delayed the debut by a few months until 2011 to get the whiskey where he wanted it in terms of flavor before it hit the market. “Angel’s Envy 10 Cask Strength represents more than just a decade of aging—it embodies the dedication, precision, and passion that our team pours into every bottle,” said master distiller Owen Martin in a statement. “I’m incredibly proud of how this expression pushes the boundaries of what we’ve achieved with our cask releases, using a deft touch to balance a refined port character at a bold cask strength. It’s a milestone that reflects both our journey and the artistry that goes into every step of crafting a whiskey worth savoring.”
Given that the Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville didn’t open until 2016, all of the whiskey in this cask-strength expression would have to have been sourced from a different distillery. And it’s worth noting that the TTB changed its rules in 2020 to allow a whiskey’s age statement to include the amount of time it spent in secondary casks. According to the brand, the bourbon was distilled in 2014 and 2015, initially aged in new charred oak, and then transferred to first-fill and second-fill port barrels for a total of up to three years of secondary maturation. The final product clocks in at 122.6 proof in a run of less than 25,000 bottles.
We were not provided a sample to try yet, but the official tasting notes describe sweet cinnamon toast, fruit nougat, and candied nuts on the nose. That’s followed by baklava, ripe apricot, crème brûlée, and Cognac on the palate, with a finish of rum raisin cake. As mentioned before, Angel’s Envy 10 Cask Strength will be available starting October 10 (SRP $250) in limited quantities at select retailers and the Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville. You can find the rest of the lineup at websites like ReserveBar now.
Authors
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Jonah Flicker