Review #: 422
Description: Angel’s Envy
Spirit: Bourbon
Background: Angel’s Envy has gained a lot of notariatity as a brand since its inception. The whiskey is finished in Port wine barrels and has sparked ongoing debate on whether it can be labeled as bourbon or not. The solution has come to it being bourbon finished in port casks. That port finish, though has a lot of appeal to more casual drinkers from the sweetness it provides to the spirit. I will admit, I think they have good marketing as well. The name stemming from the “angel’s share” that evaporates while aging, but this being what is left in the barrel makes the angels envious. Also, the bottle is a unique shape with the wings that can be seen on the back. So let’s see if the taste matches.
Distillery – Undisclosed
Bottler – Angel’s Envy
Brand – Angel’s Envy
Selection – N/A
ABV – 43.3%
Age – NAS
Nose – Butterscotch, wet dirt, plum, apple, oak, stale corn. Pretty classic bourbon with a touch more fruit in the background
Taste – Sweet apple and grape, vanilla extract, buttered popcorn, fairly light and thin on the tongue.
Finish – Honestly, pretty harsh. Burnt fruit jam, bitter oak, harshness and heat linger much longer than you would think for the proof.
Score: 3
Would I buy a bottle? No
Thoughts: I can see why some people may like it. The fruit-sweetness is there and makes it approachable and it’s not overbearing, but man does it finish hard and made me question going back for sips with the taste it left in my mouth. It carries a fairly premium price, $40-$50 a bottle, but there’s much better options for half that out there.