Angel's Envy - A Distinctive Bourbon Story

Dedric Borer 19 Jun 2025

When you think about good whiskey, there's a certain feeling that comes with it, isn't there? It’s more than just a drink; it's about the craft, the people, and that moment of enjoying something truly well-made. We're going to talk about Angel's Envy, a bourbon that has certainly made its mark, and for some very good reasons. It’s got a way of standing out, you know, with its own particular charm and flavor that folks really seem to appreciate.

This bourbon, a Kentucky straight variety, gets a special touch from port casks, which is actually kind of a neat idea. Someone who really knows their whiskey, a person who works in the business, even gave it a really high score, like a nine out of ten. They mentioned how everything just feels right with it, how it tastes the same every time you try it, and how easy it is to get into, even if you’re not a seasoned whiskey drinker. So, it's pretty clear that there's something quite appealing about this one.

If you're looking to pick up a bottle, you can find Angel's Envy at places like Total Wine & More, where they apparently have a lot of different spirits, over three thousand, actually. You can even shop for it online, which is pretty convenient. It’s a handcrafted whiskey, you see, and it spends time in port wine casks, which adds to its character. We'll get into what that means for the taste and a little bit about the "angel's share" too, which is a fun bit of whiskey lore, basically.

Who is Lincoln Henderson and His Vision for Angel's Envy?
Lincoln Henderson - A Life in Whiskey
What Makes Angel's Envy Bourbon So Special?
The Signature Angel's Envy Finish
How Does Angel's Envy Get Its Unique Taste?
Can You Really Taste the Difference with Angel's Envy?
Exploring Angel's Envy Flavors
Where Can You Find Angel's Envy?
Finding Your Own Angel's Envy Bottle
What About Angel's Envy Beyond Bourbon?
Trying Angel's Envy Rye
How Does Angel's Envy Keep Things Fresh?
The Latest from Angel's Envy
Final Thoughts on Angel's Envy

Who is Lincoln Henderson and His Vision for Angel's Envy?

The story of Angel's Envy, you know, really starts with a person named Lincoln Henderson. He was quite a figure in the whiskey world, actually, even getting into the Bourbon Hall of Fame. It's pretty cool to think about how much experience he must have had. He worked as a master distiller for a very long time, and then, with his son, Wes Henderson, they decided to create something new. This wasn't just about making another bourbon; it was about building on a huge history of whiskey making while also trying something a little bit different. They had this idea, you see, to take bourbon and rye and give it a special "secondary finishing" touch. This meant putting the whiskey into different kinds of barrels after its initial aging, which was a pretty innovative move for the time. It really changed how people thought about what bourbon could be, adding new layers of flavor and a distinct character that set Angel's Envy apart. They were committed to respecting the old ways of making whiskey, but also really open to trying new things and moving forward, which is a nice balance, I think.

Lincoln Henderson - A Life in Whiskey

Lincoln Henderson, you could say, lived and breathed whiskey for a good portion of his life. He spent so many years learning the ropes and perfecting his craft. It’s pretty amazing to consider how much knowledge he accumulated over his career. When he decided to start Angel's Envy with his son, it was, in a way, the culmination of all that hard work and passion. He truly left a lasting mark on the whiskey industry, pushing boundaries while still honoring the traditions that came before him.

Name	Lincoln Henderson
Role at Angel's Envy	Founder, Master Distiller
Key Contribution	Pioneered "secondary finishing" technique for bourbon and rye.
Legacy	Bourbon Hall of Fame member.

What Makes Angel's Envy Bourbon So Special?

Well, when you think about what makes Angel's Envy stand out, it really comes down to a few things, you know? It's not just another bottle on the shelf. The folks behind it put a lot of thought into how they make it. For one, it’s a Kentucky straight bourbon, which already tells you a bit about its origins. But the real twist, the thing that gives it its own personality, is how it spends time in port wine casks after its initial aging. This step, this "finishing" process, is what gives it that extra something. It’s like adding a final brushstroke to a painting, giving it depth and a unique kind of richness. This approach, you see, is what makes it quite different from many other bourbons you might have tried.

The Signature Angel's Envy Finish

The way Angel's Envy gets its special touch is by resting in those port wine barrels. This isn't something every bourbon does, so it really sets Angel's Envy apart. It’s a bit like giving the whiskey a little vacation in a different type of wood, allowing it to pick up new tastes and smells from the wine that used to live there. This process, which they call "secondary finishing," is actually a big part of why people talk about this bourbon so much. It adds a layer of flavor that's just not there in bourbons that only age in new, charred oak barrels.

How Does Angel's Envy Get Its Unique Taste?

So, how does Angel's Envy get that particular taste profile, you might wonder? It’s all about the way they handle things, basically. They blend this handcrafted whiskey in small batches, like eight to twelve barrels at a time, which is a pretty hands-on approach. Then, as we talked about, it gets that special finish in port wine barrels. This isn't just a quick dip; it’s a process that allows the bourbon to really soak up some of those wonderful flavors from the wood and the remnants of the port. You’ll find, for instance, that this Kentucky whiskey tends to have hints of soft vanilla, along with things like raisins, maple syrup, and toasted nuts. When you actually taste it, those flavors come through as vanilla, ripe fruit, and even a touch of bitter chocolate. It’s a pretty interesting mix, you know, making it quite unlike other bourbons you might have encountered. The whole idea is to create something that’s familiar but also completely new, which is a rather cool concept.

Can You Really Taste the Difference with Angel's Envy?

When people talk about Angel's Envy, a common question that comes up is whether you can truly tell it apart from other bourbons. And the answer, for many, is a pretty clear yes. That unique finishing process, the one with the port wine casks, really does make a noticeable impact on the flavor. It’s not just a subtle change; it adds a certain something that whiskey lovers often pick up on right away. The flavors aren't just thrown together; they seem to fit, like pieces of a puzzle. This leads to a taste that feels, well, more complete, you know? It’s got a distinct character that makes it memorable, and that's usually a good sign that something special is going on.

Exploring Angel's Envy Flavors

When you actually get a chance to try Angel's Envy, you’ll find a range of tastes that come through. As mentioned, there are those hints of vanilla and the sweetness of maple syrup, which are pretty comforting. But then, you also get the dried fruit notes, like raisins, and a slight nuttiness. When you take a sip, the vanilla comes forward, joined by the taste of ripe fruit, and then, sometimes, a little bit of that bitter chocolate, which adds a nice depth. It’s a complex experience, yet it’s also very approachable. The different Angel's Envy expressions also offer varied flavor journeys. For example, their Triple Oak version really shows how the character of each barrel can change the blend. The French oak, for instance, brings out stronger tastes, like baking spices, chocolate, and cinnamon. Then, the Chinkapin oak, which is a local Kentucky wood, adds touches of caramel, vanilla, and a rich coffee layer. It’s pretty fascinating how each wood contributes something different, isn't it?

Where Can You Find Angel's Envy?

If you're thinking about trying Angel's Envy for yourself, or maybe you're already a fan and just need to pick up another bottle, you might be wondering where to look. Luckily, it's pretty widely available, so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding it. Places that specialize in spirits, like Total Wine & More, tend to have a good stock. They often boast a really wide selection, with thousands of different drinks to choose from, and Angel's Envy is typically among them. You can even check out their websites and buy it online, which is super convenient these days, you know, if you prefer to shop from home.

Finding Your Own Angel's Envy Bottle

So, when you're ready to get your hands on some Angel's Envy, whether it's the standard Kentucky straight bourbon or perhaps one of their other interesting offerings, you've got options. Looking at a big store like Total Wine & More is a good place to start because they aim to have the best prices. Plus, they usually have a huge variety of spirits, so you can really explore. Shopping online for Angel's Envy Kentucky straight bourbon is also a very straightforward way to go about it. This allows you to learn a bit more about the port finishing process, the specific flavors you might expect, and even that interesting idea of the "angel's share" before you make your purchase. It’s pretty easy to get your hands on, which is nice.

What About Angel's Envy Beyond Bourbon?

While Angel's Envy is certainly well-known for its bourbon, especially the one finished in port casks, they actually do more than just that. They’re a brand that really focuses on taking American whiskeys and giving them a special finish in other kinds of barrels. This means they use secondary barrels, like port wine casks, but also rum casks, to add even more flavor and interesting nuances. It’s a way to really push the boundaries of what whiskey can be, you know? They have a few different things going on, including their signature series, some limited releases that are harder to find, and even private selection options. They’ve won some awards too, which speaks to the quality of what they’re doing. It’s all part of their story and the unique way they approach making whiskey.

Trying Angel's Envy Rye

One really interesting example of Angel's Envy going beyond bourbon is their rye whiskey. This one gets its special finish in Caribbean rum casks, and it spends a good amount of time there, sometimes up to eighteen months. That’s a fairly long time for a secondary finish, and it really makes a difference. The taste profile of this finished rye whiskey is genuinely quite unique, and it’s something that truly lives up to the reputation of Lincoln Henderson, the master distiller who started it all. It’s a testament to his original vision of innovating within the whiskey world. If you're someone who enjoys a classic cocktail, like an Old Fashioned, you might also be interested in their Angel's Envy Lincoln Old Fashioned cocktail. It’s a fresh take on a familiar drink, offering a taste that's a bit more mellow and has more layers to it, which any bourbon lover would probably appreciate. They even have a collection of whiskey drinks and cocktail recipes you can check out, so there are lots of ways to experience Angel's Envy.

How Does Angel's Envy Keep Things Fresh?

It’s pretty clear that Angel's Envy isn't just resting on its laurels, you know? They’re always looking for ways to keep things interesting and to give their fans something new to try, while still staying true to what people love about them. They’re committed to respecting the long-standing ways of making whiskey, but they’re also very much about trying new things and moving forward. This means you might find modern twists on familiar bourbon cocktails, or they might even come up with new whiskey creations that remind you of the classics but also take the whole tasting experience to a new level. It’s about celebrating what makes each barrel special, too. Their private selection single barrel, for instance, is a really good example of what their bourbon can be when they focus on the individual character of a single barrel.

The Latest from Angel's Envy

The folks at Angel's Envy are always working on something new, which is pretty exciting. They guide each batch’s conditioning, blending their handcrafted bourbon in small groups of eight to twelve barrels at a time. This bourbon is typically aged for up to six years before it gets its special finish. There's a lot of enthusiasm, too, about what’s next for their cask strength program. Someone involved with the brand mentioned how excited they are to keep developing what people can expect from this program, doing it in ways that feel both new and familiar. The 2023 cask strength Kentucky bourbon, for example, is said to honor the tastes that fans already enjoy, but it also brings in another level of complexity, thanks to a tawny finish. It sounds like they're really dedicated to giving people interesting and evolving experiences with Angel's Envy.

Final Thoughts on Angel's Envy

So, we've talked about how Angel's Envy, a Kentucky straight bourbon, gets its special character from being finished in port casks. We looked at how a whiskey professional really liked its balance and how easy it is to enjoy, giving it a high score. We also touched on where you can find it, like at Total Wine & More, and how you can shop for it online. The discussion covered the unique port finishing process and what "angel's share" means. We went into how Angel's Envy is a brand of American whiskeys that use secondary barrels, including rum casks, for extra flavor, and mentioned their different series and awards. We explored how Angel's Envy Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is blended in small batches and finished in port wine barrels, describing its flavors of vanilla, raisins, maple syrup, toasted nuts, ripe fruit, and bitter chocolate. We also learned that Lincoln Henderson, a Bourbon Hall of Fame member, founded Angel's Envy with his son, Wes Henderson, bringing a new "secondary finishing" technique to bourbon and rye. The article mentioned their 2023 cask strength Kentucky bourbon, and how Angel's Envy aims to honor tradition while also trying new things, from cocktails to unique blends. We covered the Angel's Envy private selection single barrel and the Triple Oak, noting how French and Chinkapin oaks add baking spices, chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, vanilla, and coffee notes. The Angel's Envy rye, finished in Caribbean rum casks, was highlighted as a unique taste, worthy of Lincoln Henderson’s legacy. Finally, we touched on the Angel's Envy Lincoln Old Fashioned cocktail and their collection of recipes, and how batches are conditioned and blended, typically aged for up to 6 years, with excitement for the evolving cask strength program and its tawny finish.

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