For the past few years, Angel's Envy has released their annual limited edition cask strength bourbon. From the outside, they have been some of the best looking boxed bourbons to date. As for what's in the bottle, that has been a different story. With their first release in 2013, they made waves with the introduction of the cask proof expression. In fact, I believe they helped contributed to the barrel proof and cask proof frenzy that you now see today. Last year, many reviews were not too kind. I, on the other hand, felt they still made a great product, but for the price point and rarity, it was hard to swallow. This year is no different. The price point is still around $170, but expect to pay closer to $200. Being released in 16 states and a total of 7,500 bottle, unless your at the store when they place it on the shelve or in the glass case, you wont get one.
Being fortunate to sample this years juice, I found that didn't disappoint. At 127.9-proof and 63.95% alcohol by volume, it carried a remarkable rich flavor that tickled your taste buds begging for more. Sipping the cask neat and with a drop of water didn't change much of the complexity. I would suggest drinking it per your own preference. Just don't do anything crazy.
I recommend this years cask strength, if you can nab it. It carries a hefty price tag but at 127.9, I think you will make this great bottle last a while.
NOTES -
The color carries a darker tan of amber.
Amazing noise. Smells of honey sickle, caramel, and vanilla.
Dry with strong oak and a heavy finish.
Information from the Horses Mouth -
Louisville, Kentucky (November 2015) – Louisville Distilling Company is proud to announce the limited-edition release of the critically acclaimed Angel’s Envy Cask Strength. The expression will be available this November in select markets including: AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, NJ, NY, OH, OR, TN, TX, WA. Due
to the scarcity of barrels necessary for the enhanced finishing
process, Angel’s Envy will only release 7,500 bottles. Previous releases
quickly sold out.
Named “best spirit in the world” by Paul Pacult in the June 2013 edition of Spirit Journal, Cask Strength shared top honors with a 25-year-old single malt whisky that sold for nearly twice the price. In
his review, Pacult awarded the brand five stars – his highest
recommendation – noting, “this masterpiece deserves a sixth rating
star.”
As with Angel’s Envy, the super-premium bourbon of uncompromising character and quality, Cask Strength
is aged to the perfect level of richness and maturity (up to seven
years) in the few American white oak barrels that made the cut. The
barrels are then blended into a single batch and finished in
hand-selected port casks.
“Cask Strength
is a rare and remarkably complex bourbon unlike any other you’ve ever
tried,” said Wes Henderson, Chief Innovation Officer, Angel’s Envy. “Our
fans look forward to it each year and we’re thrilled to make it more
widely available.”
The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle, which may vary by market, is $169.99. A remarkably complex bourbon at 127.9-proof and 63.95% alcohol by volume, Cask Strength is best enjoyed with just a bit of water to release the flavor nuances.
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Tasting Notes
Color: Rich Gold with an amber depth
Nose: Heavy caramel with vanilla up front, followed by roasted almonds, orange peel citrus, and faint blueberry
Palate: Pound cake, root beer, candy corn, honey. Then tart strawberries, blackberries, figs, and slight black pepper on the finish.
Finish/feel: Less port forward than previous years, but while the port finish is distinct, the bourbon itself shines through the finish
Bottle Signing Events
Angel’s
Envy will host exclusive bottle signing events with members of the
Henderson family from December 2015 through April 2016 for those that
purchase Cask Strength. A promotional code on each bottle shares a URL with more information about the events.
Angel’s Envy Distillery
The Angel’s Envy distillery will be located in downtown Louisville, on the corner of Main Street and Jackson,
bringing the great tradition of Kentucky bourbon-making back to the
city. The new craft distillery and brand experience center will make a
great starting point for the Bourbon Trail and be open to the public for guided tours. Louisville Distilling Company expects the new distillery to be up and running in 2016.
About Louisville Distilling Company LLC
Louisville
Distilling Company LLC is the proud producer of the highly celebrated
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The small batch artisan
port-finished bourbon, which is hand-blended in small batches of 8-12
barrels and allowed to develop naturally, is the culmination of the late
Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson’s storied career. The award-winning
flagship Expression, which is available across the U.S., earned 98/100
points from Wine Enthusiast
magazine – the highest-ever rating for a bourbon. The Company also
offers Angel’s Envy Rye, which is finished in Caribbean rum casks and
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, which Paul Pacult of Spirit Journal named
the “Best Spirit in the World.” Each Expression exhibits a passion for
experimenting outside of conventional norms and producing unique whiskey
steeped in tradition, but finished with a twist.
The
Angel’s Envy™ brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited,
headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the
Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.
For more information, please visit Angle's Envy at the following social media outlets:
