Angel's Envy 2024 Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels

Steve Coomes -

BOTTLE DETAILS

  • DISTILLER: Angel's Envy
  • MASH BILL: 72% Corn | 18% Rye | 10% Malted Barley
  • AGE: Not stated, but around 6 years
  • YEAR: 2024
  • PROOF: 118.8 (59.4% ABV)
  • MSRP: $229.99
  • BUY ONLINE: Nationwide distribution of 23,196 bottles and online.

STEVE'S NOTES

SHARE WITH: All fans of Angel's Envy, especially those who know these cask strength releases well enough to appreciate the bold and complex changes this spirit has undergone under the blending chops of master distiller Owen Martin.

WORTH THE PRICE: It's still a little steep for me, but hardcore Angel's Envy fans will pay it.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle if it's in your price range.

OVERALL: During a media tasting of this coveted annual release, Owen Martin provided reference samples of the original AE cask strength from 2013 and last year's 2023 release, his first blend of AE's cask strength. That 2013 release was a finished bourbon I loved early on in my bourbon journey, and trotting it out alongside the '23 and '24 showed how well the OG holds up to its bigger, bolder siblings.

But, naturally, it also shows how delicate that first iteration, produced by cofounder Wes Henderson, was and still is. Over the years that he hosted media tastings of the annual release, he mentioned a preference toward less port influence with each subsequent release. None of those were disappointing, but as arguably the bourbon category's first cask-finished whiskey, it made me wonder why he'd move away from that delicious differentiator. I loved that dark, grape-y, purple iris note and hoped he'd swing back in that direction someday, but he left Angel's Envy before then. That left me hoping Martin would do that.

He not only did it, he did it better than I'd imagined. This year's port note is more wine like, a burst of flavor driven by the addition of tawny port barrels to the finishing regime. Where earlier port notes were sweeter and pleasantly candied, this is more intriguing: fermented, tarter, angular and dark cherry-candied. The spirit practically dances from the tip of the tongue to the back.

I was so eager to re-taste my own sample that I neglected to mention its nose: Buzzing with spice, dark fruit and some black pepper notes. Oak is lively and lubricated with deep caramel and undercurrents of tawny port. That tweak, that small addition of tawny port barrels, has changed this spirit in exciting ways, and in a direction I hope the Henderson clan enjoys as much as I do. This is a remarkable bourbon that lands high on my 2024 list of favorites.

BRAND NOTES

Master Distiller Owen Martin and the best-in-class production team blended the mellow finish from Tawny Port barrels with the base bourbon’s heat to integrate seamlessly with the trademark Ruby Port, crafting a rich and complex profile that honors the Cask Strength tradition. The robust oak and toffee from the bourbon harmonize with the hallmark Ruby Port character, while Tawny Port adds a nutty, caramelized fruit quality that bridges the two flavors. Using the Solera Method for the first time at Angel's Envy, they created a continuous aging process that ensures consistent flavor, resulting in a bourbon of extraordinary depth.

"I’m excited to continue evolving what fans can expect from the Angel's Envy Cask Strength Program in new yet familiar ways," said Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel's Envy. “This year’s Cask Strength Bourbon not only honors the familiar flavors our fans love, but also adds another layer of complexity with the Tawny finish. It’s a great example of our vision for innovation, staying true to our roots while striving to provide a fresh perspective on our cherished whiskeys and American Whiskey overall.”

NOSE: Begins with hints of leather, brown sugar and caramel, followed by crème brûlée, marshmallow, green apple and citrus orange.

PALATE: Apples, caramel, and brown sugar. The creaminess pairs with orange from the nose, creating a dessert-like richness. Vanilla, toasted oak and black pepper spice round it out.

FINISH: Slight fruitiness and grape tannic notes with a lingering spice.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.