Latest Angel’s Envy Limited Bourbon Finished In Tawny Port Barrels

Angel’s Envy, beginning last year, started for itself an annual special release collection that focuses upon limited run offerings seemingly finished in alternate cask types compared to the standard, generic ruby port barrels it is commonly known for. The 2019 variant was finalized in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, and for 2020 what we are seeing now is finishing done in tawny port barrels.

The new Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Tawny Port Wine Barrels, according to those behind it, is the distillery’s oldest release to date (typically the flagship bourbon is aged for up to 6 years). It consists of 10 year old bourbon that has been put through an extended finishing process for 10 months in tawny port barrels versus the typical ruby port type. For those unfamiliar with port variants, ruby and tawny are considered the two main categories of this fortified wine type.

“My dad always used to say ‘taste is never an accident,’ and when we first started dreaming up what Angel’s Envy could be, we knew we wanted to explore and push the boundaries of bourbon,” said Wes Henderson, Angel’s Envy Chef Innovation Officer and co-founder, in a prepared statement. “Our tawny port finish embodies exactly that. When you combine the mellow finish from the tawny port barrels with the profile of our 10-year-old bourbon, you get a richness and complexity that I think our fans will really enjoy.”

As it stands now plans call for for this bourbon, bottled at 111.6 proof (55.8% ABV) to be made available beginning February 8th at select retailers in KY, CA, FL, IL, NY and TN, as well as the Angel’s Envy distillery in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Only 5,400 bottles bottles, each pricing around $250 per 750 ml, will be out there. You’ll find some official tasting notes below as well.

On the nose, Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Tawny Port Wine Barrels offers notes of dry fruit and oak. On the palate, notes of black pepper, toasted nuts, clove and delicate cinnamon spice are present, along with a hint of dried apricot. The finish is light and lingering, reminiscent of dried fruit dipped in dark chocolate.