Angel’s Envy Cask Strength

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength

121 proof (estimated)

Louisville Distilling Company and its master distiller, Lincoln Henderson, first gave us Angel’s Envy, a super-premium bourbon finished in port casks for three to six months. Now, just in time for the holidays, they have released an extremely limited edition of Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, bourbon that stayed in the port wood for nearly two years. Only 600 bottles are being sold in Kentucky and Tennessee, at a suggested retail price of $149 for the 750ml bottle. Louisville Distilling kindly sent the Bourbon Babe a sample, which I tasted side-by-side with the original Angel’s Envy. Here are my thoughts.

Color: As you might expect, the increased time in the wood gives the cask strength Envy a deeper color than the original. It is a deep red amber, compared with Angel’s Envy’s lighter golden hue. 

Aroma: Again, the intensity goes up a few notches. The cask strength bourbon has a heady, sweet scent with lots of vanilla and Madeira, some spiciness and just a hint of oak.

Taste: Now the intensity goes to 11. The sweetness that was promised in the nose is there, but for me, it was overpowered by dry, almost smoky wood flavor. I tasted more of the port characteristics than the bourbon ones. I tried adding a splash of water as recommended, but that just sort of dulled everything.

Verdict: Angel’s Envy Cask Strength ramps up all the features of Angel’s Envy, from the nose to the finish. But sometimes, less is more. With its rich flavor, velvety mouth feel and smooth finish, Angel’s Envy is one of my favorite sipping whiskeys. For me, the intense wood notes of the cask strength version elbowed everything else aside.

If you prefer a more robust pour, the cask strength may be for you. Lincoln Henderson will be autographing bottles of this limited edition bourbon at a special event in January; for your invitation, contact Samira Seiller at sseiller@louisvilledistilling.com.