The Port Finish Bourbon is the cornerstone product of the core Signature Series from Kentucky craft distiller Angel’s Envy. It sits alongside two other bourbons – the Rum Finish and Triple Oak – in the range. These are supplemented by several Private Selection single barrel releases and other limited editions. As the name suggests, this whiskey sees a short finishing period in ex-Port barrels sourced from the Douro Valley in Portugal.
The Angel’s Envy distillery is located in downtown Louisville in the whiskey state of Kentucky. It was the first fully operational distillery to open on the city’s famous Whiskey Row since Prohibition. Whiskey Row covers the West Main Street and East Main Street district and was historically an important hub for whiskey companies. This was due to its proximity to the Ohio River, which allowed transport of whiskey and barrels across the country. The distillery began production in 2016.
Angel’s Envy was founded by Bourbon Hall of Fame member and Master Distiller, Lincoln Henderson, and his son Wes Henderson. The name is said to come from the term ‘angel’s share’. This is the evaporation of spirit from the cask during maturation due to wood and climatic conditions. This is around 5% per year in downtown Louisville. Lincoln always says that he is envious of the angels for taking his liquid.
The Angel’s Envy Bourbon Port Finish is bottled at 43.3% ABV (86.6 Proof) and is available throughout the US. It is also available in selected world markets, including the UK.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is coppery gold, and the nose is laced with aromas of vanilla, maraschino cherry and caramel. Then comes a wave of fresh oak, plus orange oil, bitters like Angustura and sultana. A hint of maple syrup sits in the background, alongside clove and nutmeg spice.
On the palate this whiskey is expressive, woody and sweet. It feels rich and creamy, with big juicy red fruit to the fore. A lovely combination of notes kick things off – think of toffee, shiny red apples, chewy caramel, and milk chocolate. Further sweetness is added with a distinct maple syrup note.
There is also plenty of oak and wood spice. This comes in the form of hot cinnamon, nutmeg and cassia bark. Further depth and complexity are added with notes of juicy cocktail cherry, pink peppercorns, plus a hint of mild fruity red chilli pepper. Further late hints of eucalyptus and bitter cocoa powder also evolve.
The finish is of decent length with plenty of icing sugar sweetness and vanilla. The cocktail/maraschino cherry is also evident again. Once the sweet and fruity elements begin to fade, the wood spices dominate. A white pepper heat, in combination with the oak, makes the whiskey very drying and warm towards the end.
What’s The Verdict?
This whiskey from Angel’s Envy is a bold, assertive and expressive American bourbon. It shows all the classic characteristics that one would expect but with an extra fruity twist. That said, we thought the Port cask would have more impact and influence, but the subtley that it has added is lovely none the less. This would be a great whiskey to use in a classic Manhattan cocktail.
Below is a video review of Angel’s Envy Bourbon Port Finish from our Allotment Dram series. To watch other such videos or subscribe to our YouTube channel – click here.
