Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
86.6 Proof
Price Point: $40 – $50 for 750 ML
Distiller: Louisville Distilling Co.
Background
Some whiskeys receive a heck of a lot of hype simply because they are different than their brethren. Angel’s Envy happens to be one of those whiskeys, and it receives so much attention because it is one of the few bourbons finished in a different type of cask than American Oak; in this case port casks are the finishing barrels.
I have nothing against other reviewers (and surely I am just as guilty myself), but it seems that sometimes whiskeys that are different get higher marks for that very reason. Angel’s Envy gets nearly across-the-board good reviews from other blogs, aside from a few rare exceptions. Let’s see where this different bourbon takes me.
Review
The nose has a distinct rye spiciness, more so than the average bourbon. On top of that are black cherries, some mild banana, raisins, and a touch of almond.
A port influence is abundantly clear in the taste. Angel’s Envy is a very refined bourbon in that there isn’t a huge burn when the liquid is in your mouth. It tastes almost watered down (has a surprisingly thin consistency).
The finish ends abruptly, and then comes back for a short period of time. It’s sweet and spicy all at once.
Rating & Recommendations
Despite all the hype around it, Angel’s Envy just doesn’t do it for me. It earns a rating of 81 out of 100.
This was just an underwhelming whiskey despite its following and generally good reviews online. It just seems a bit flat for would should be a very interesting whiskey.
-Ryan
3 comments
3 pings
I concur completely, Ryan. I reviewed it a year ago and didn’t like it’s lightweight aspect and low flavor density. It was sold too young and was overly hyped. That being said, it mixes extremely well and is a decent sipper once you get over the price and the story and just drink it as a perfectly acceptable mid-range bourbon with a few months of wine finish…
http://www.cooperedtot.com/2012/02/angels-envy-port-wood-finish-on-fine.html
I agree with you on this one. Can’t say that it’s a bad whiskey, but not the most interesting one, either.
I bought Angel’s Envy on the recommendation of a liquor store owner. I am fairly new to bourbon tasting, but I I have enjoyed Elmer T. Lee, Eagle Rare 10, and WL Weller Private Reserve from Buffalo Trace. I’ve also tried Maker’s 46, Bulleit Rye, Booker’s, Knob Creek, Jack and some others. like to sip it, neat and enjoy all the nuances and complexities. Knob Creek is a bit too hot, and Booker’s needs to be cut with some water for me to enjoy. With my limited experience, I totally do not understand the hype around Angel’s Envy. It has none of the charm of the other brands I’ve tasted, and I don’t find it smooth on the palate. It reminds me more of a scotch than a bourbon (and I am NOT a scotch drinker). In that price range it is a complete poser. I’d like to meet the distiller’s marketing agency.
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