The Angel’s Envy 2022 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky Finished in Port Wine Barrels is a highlight of any collection of Angel’s Envy limited-edition whiskys. This is the first whisky to come from the brand’s new Master Distiller, Owen Martin, and the eleventh in the line of cask-strength bourbons. The bourbon is finished in a lengthy procedure in Port wine barrels from Portugal; as a result, it is a highly sought-after yearly release that rapidly sells out, so I see it as a great fortune to have been given a second opportunity to study it. I’m even more relieved to report that this year generally left me feeling upbeat and optimistic.
Angel’s Envy carefully selects barrels from their infamous rickhouses, where they have been maturing for at least two years in new American oak barrels to meet the exacting requirements of “straight” bourbon. Angel’s Envy is given a unique twist thanks to its finishing period in Port wine barrels, which adds a dryness that pairs beautifully with the bourbon’s natural sweetness. I don’t usually notice tannins in bourbon, but the Angel’s Envy 2022 Cask Strength has a unique taste character that sets it apart from other, simpler bourbon whiskys I’ve tried.
With a careful eye towards offering only the finest whisky to the public, this expression is given an extra fourteen months of finishing time in port wine barrels before being released. Angel’s Envy has always been a safe bet when shopping for high-quality bourbon, and in 2021, the brand’s Cask Strength line won many prizes, including a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 92 points at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
For those of us who value consistency and tradition in our spirits, it’s comforting to know that even as the bourbon industry expands, there are still little distilleries like Angel’s Envy out there that take pride in their name and name recognition and make only the highest quality whisky. This is accomplished by Angel’s Envy, a bourbon that, in my opinion, can be enjoyed by drinkers of varying levels of sophistication and sophistication of taste.
Vital Stats about Angel’s Envy 2022 Cask Strength, including Tasting Notes Whisky made from 100% Kentucky bourbon barrel-aged in Portuguese Port wine casks. Only 16,980 bottles were produced at the suggested retail price of $299.99 each. At 119.8 proof, or 59.9% alcohol by volume, it is a very strong drink.
To look at, it’s a stunning shade of reddish amber.
Maple and dates and clove are upfront in the whiskey’s scent, followed by a gentle unveiling of Luxardo cherry and spices.
The flavors of fig, maple, bitter melon, and black tea hit the tongue with a resounding thud and linger on the palate. The flavor of breakfast was fatty and savory, with hints of bacon and celery seed and drizzles of sweet syrup.