Angel's Envy

Angel's Envy was launched in 2011, the brainchild of Wes Henderson, whose father Lincoln was a Master Distiller with Brown-Forman (and credited with creating Woodford Reserve) until his retirement after 40 years. In 2006 Wes persuaded his dad to experiement with barrel-aging and finishing and 5 years later Angel's Envy was born - so named because this was the liquid that despite getting some share from the cask, angels would not be able to enjoy.

Originally Angel's Envy was a sourced Bourbon, but the USP for the brand was time spent finishing in barrels that had previously held Port - up to 6 months. This introduced an extra rich fruitiness to an already delicious whiskey, and when I first encountered it not long after launch during a holiday in Orlando, I was absolutely smitten. Yes, the bottle itself is stunning, and that was what caused me to pick one up in the first place, but the liquid inside was equally as good.

Ground was broken in 2013 for the Angel's own distillery to be built in Kentucky, and now we find their own spirit within.

The Port Finished Bourbon was in my personal All-Time Top 5 whiskies - until I managed to try a sample of the Rum Finished Rye last year, which immediately usurped it. Finished for 9 months in barrels that previously held Plantation XO rum - itself an amazing but sweet dark rum - this has incredible sweet yet soft spice notes. I fully appreciate this is not a whiskey for people who aren't a fan of the sweeter side, as this almost edges into a dessert category. But my word if you like golden syrup, cinnamon rolls, Christmas cake, marzipan and/or sticky toffee pudding you are going to LOVE this!