Milestones are all about reminding yourself about the journey it’s taken to get to a certain point. My first 1000 views have been a blast, getting to know new people, learning new things, and drinking new whiskeys all along the way. Here’s to my next 1000, and for those of you who read and comment, thank you for acknowledging me, even if it is only by spending the time to look at the words I string together on the page.
Sláinte,
Chuck
Being the inaugural year of Whiskey World Tour, we haven’t posted all that many reviews in the past two months, but I figured it was a good idea to start a year end tradition. So a few extra words about the best reviewed whiskey of the year is probably in order. And this year 2011, that whiskey just happened to be…
Angel’s Envy by Louisville Distilling Company.
This whiskey is simply stunning, as I said in my review, but I have had a few more glasses since that review and I thought I would update it a bit. After a glass or two, when I was more used to the flavor profile of this standout bourbon, the flavors only seem to continue to expand on the palate. As the bottle has gotten some air, and opened up a bit, the background sweetness has come on strong, yet is still mellow enough to not feel like some of those bourbons that taste like someone dumped honey in the bottle. Lincoln Henderson has really outdone himself with this bourbon and I simply can’t wait to see what other expressions come from this master distiller who has come into his prime with this beautiful small batch (now if only I could get them to sell it in NJ).
The price tag isn’t bad, just over 40 bucks at most stores, and I have bought MUCH worse bottles of hooch for $40. With that in mind, and although I much prefer to drink my whiskey either on the rocks or solo, Angels Envy has listed a few cold weather cocktails using this top shelf bourbon and they all sound pretty inviting. Just thought I would share them.
But before that, have a Happy and Safe New Year. May all your drams be beautiful and bold in 2012.
Chuck
Now on to the recipes:
Price – 750 ml – $39.99 – (out of state purchase – not available in NJ)
Method – Teaspoon of water in 50ml
Rating – 97-100
Review –
First thing’s first. This has got to be one of the best bottle designs I have seen thus far. The tall narrow bottle with the Wings coming through the whiskey from the back of the bottle is perfect. But enough of that, onto the bourbon.
Only one word ran through my head as I took my first few sips of Angel’s Envy, smooth. The lack of burn, both in the mouthfeel and finish is bewildering. I immediately double checked the bottle to make sure I read the fact that it is a 86 proof whiskey correctly. The taste of this whiskey fills your whole mouth immediately.
You can tell immediately that this is a product of Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, the man behind the 10 foot tall flavors of Woodford Reserve and Old Forester. The bourbon is aged for 4-6 years in charred American Oak barrels, and then finished for 3-6 months in Port wine casks. The most interesting thing to me is that the Louisville Distilling Company, the company that produces Angel’s Envy, is not an old distillery. In fact this is their first bourbon. Lincoln and his son Wes started the new company with the express intention of creating “a career culmination in two fingers of the finest bourbon you’ve ever tasted.” I think he has done just that. This is only the first expression of Angel’s Envy, called 10/10
The sweet maple and fruity flavors from the Port finishing casks explodes on your palate with stunning results. The taste is sweet, but not cloying. The drinking experience is top notch, and not one I expect to top any time soon from a bourbon. This is a definite suggestion for fans of Woodford Reserve, and bourbon in general. The finish is long and has amazing depth, going through at least 4 flavor transitions as the finish goes along.
As it stands, this is my favorite bourbon, taking the place of Maker’s 46 in a first round knockout. I will re-buy this whiskey a long as they make it.
Official Website: http://www.angelsenvy.com
Official Description: “Mr. Henderson describes his masterwork as “a warm spirit, lacking any hint of edginess, with ephemeral hints of port wine and a rich amber hue.” He explains, “My goal with Angel’s Envy is to produce a bourbon of exceptional character. Even with economic fluctuations, consumers want the opportunity to treat themselves to special indulgences, and I have created an affordable luxury that can be savored.” Lincoln Henderson sought to create the best-tasting bourbon on the planet. In our humble opinion, he succeeded.”
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