The Story: The 8th year of the annual Angels Envy Cask Strength release is about to hit shelves. Not the highest proof in this series but likely the most varied ages in this blend; a combination of 7 different years. Each year Co-Founders, father and son, Wes and Kyle Henderson put their palates together to select exceptional barrels for their Port cask finishing process. Those barrels then become this annual limited release. They say that they don’t shoot for a consistent flavor profile from year to year. They do aim to bottle the very best whiskey their barrels can provide.
Name: Angels Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels (Bottled in 2019)
Distiller: N/A (Kentucky)
Bottler: Louisville Spirits Group
Type of Producer: Distiller / Non-Distiller Producer
Year Established: 2010
Bottling Proof: 122.4
Age: NAS (Blend of 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, and 15 year)
Mashbill: 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley.
Style: Blended and Barrel Finished
Release Date: November 2019
Release Type: Limited Edition (~14,000 bottles)
Availability: Nationwide
MSRP: $200 (750ml)
Tasted: Angels Envy Cask Strength 2019
Nose
Sweet butterscotch
Cognac
Lightly tanned leather
Rich toffee
Slight singeing heat on the nose
Added water brings out “wood shop” notes of saw dust and fresh cut lumber
Palate
Nut butter
Dried fruit
Charred oak up front morphs into dark fruit and caramelized sugars mid-palate
Mouthfeel
Viscous and rich
Finish
Long finish with a substantial heat gives way to spice and lingering oak char.
*Tasting notes from the brand mention black tea which I didn’t identify at first but after reading it, it matches a note I couldn’t quite identify.
Final Impressions
A strongly bourbon profile this year’s 8th annual release of Cask Strength picks up subtle flavors from the Port barrel finishing process but, for me at least, lands squarely in the bourbon realm. It could be the high proof; even with a fair amount of water this bourbon stands strong. A small splash of water or a couple cubes might be necessary to get the most from this pour.
