If you're a whiskey enthusiast, you've probably heard of Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey. This rare whiskey is produced in limited quantities each year—less than 8,000 bottles—and has been lauded by whiskey connoisseurs for years.
What makes Angel's Envy Rye so special? The secret lies in the unique finishing process used when creating this rye whiskey. While most bourbons and ryes are aged in standard oak barrels, Angel's Envy undergoes a secod aging process in port wine barrels. This extra step adds complexity and sophistication to the palate, helping to create a balance between the traditional flavors of bourbon and the unique flavors imparted by the port barrel finish.
On the nose, Angel's Envy Rye is soft and seductive with notes of caramel, praline, raisins and vanilla. Take a sip and you'll find yourself hit with a sweet wave of gingerbread and molasses that transitions into maple sugar candy before finally ending on a marshmallowy cotton candy note. All throughout this journey, the sweetness from its port barrel finish will dominate your taste buds.
For those looking for an extra kick of flavor and strength, there is also an Angels Envy Cask Strength variant available. This cask strength version offers up even more complexity with intense flavor notes like dark fruit and dried cherries making an appearance along with bolder caramel, oak and leather tones that stand out above all else.
All things considered, it's easy to see why Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey is so highly regarded by enthusiasts. Its unique flavor profile crafted through careful aging processes provides drinkers with an unforgettable tasting experience that will keep them coming back for more!
The Sweetness of Angel's Envy Rye
Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey is not overly sweet. It has a rich, oaky flavor and aroma, with subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The whiskey is finished in port barrels, which adds a touch of sweetness to the mix and complements the rye whiskey's natural spicy character. The finish also gives the whiskey a smooth texture that balances out any initial sweetness. The whiskey's overall flavor profile is complex yet well-rounded and enjoyable – definitely not overly sweet.
Tasting Notes for Angel's Envy Rye
Angel's Envy Rye has a complex and distinct flavor profile. On the nose, it has a sweet, spicy aroma of cinnamon, clove, and allspice. The taste is warm and spicy, with notes of oak, vanilla, butterscotch, and toasted nut. The finish is long and smooth with hints of caramel and maple syrup. There's also a subtle sweetness that comes from the use of rum casks in the aging process.
Availability of Angel's Envy Rye
Angel's Envy Cask Strength rye is one of the rarest whiskeys available, with fewer than 8,000 bottles released each year. This makes it an incredibly exclusive whiskey, with only a select few lucky enough to get their hands on this limited-edition offering. The annual production of Angel's Envy Cask Strength rye allows for a unique tasting experience that can't be replicated anywhere else in the world. With its rich and complex flavor profile, it's no surprise that this whiskey is highly sought after by those who appreciate fine spirits.
The Quality of Angel's Envy Sipping Whiskey
Yes, Angel's Envy is an excellent sipping whiskey! With its unique port barrel finish, it offers a complex balance of flavors that make it enjoyable to sip and savor. The nose is full of sweet aromas like caramel, praline, raisins, and vanilla. On the palate, you can taste hints of oak and spice along with the sweetness from the port. The finish is smooth and long lasting, leaving behind a pleasant aftertaste. Angel's Envy is definitely a great choice for sipping whiskey!
Comparing Angel's Envy Rye to Other Ryes
Angel's Envy Rye whiskey is a high-rye mashbill whiskey, with 95% rye and 5% malted barley. As such, it compares favorably to other high-rye whiskey brands such as Bulleit Rye, Templeton Rye, Dickel Rye, Smooth Ambler Rye, James E Pepper Rye, and Redemption Rye. These brands all use the same mashbill but may differ in terms of distillation or aging techniques.
What makes Angel's Envy unique is its finishing process. After aging in charred American oak barrels for 4–6 years, it is transferred to ex-rum barrels from old Caribbean rum distilleries for an additional period of 6–18 months. This process infuses the whiskey with added sweetness from the rum barrels as well as unique flavor notes that set it apart from other rye whiskeys. Additionally, High West's Rendezvous Rye and Double Rye variations also use this same high-rye mashbill but have not been finished in old rum barrels like Angel's Envy has.
Enjoying Angel's Envy Rye: A Guide
When drinking Angel's Envy Rye, it is best to start by taking a few sips neat to get the full flavor profile of the whiskey. After that, you can add a few drops of water or an ice cube to help open up the flavors and accentuate subtleties. The addition of water helps to bring out some of the spicier notes, allowing for a more enjoyable drinking experience. You can also mix Angel's Envy Rye with other ingredients, such as ginger ale or citrus soda, to create a unique cocktail. However you choose to drink it, enjoy it responsibly!
Why Angels Envy is Not Considered a Bourbon
Angel's Envy Whiskey is not a bourbon because it does not adhere to the strict guidelines that define a bourbon. According to the Federal Standards of Identity for Distilled Spirits, in order for a whiskey to be classified as a bourbon, it must be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. Angel's Envy Whiskey does not fit this criteria because it is finished in port wine casks, whih are not made from new charred oak. This secondary aging process gives Angel's Envy its unique flavor profile, and ultimately disqualifies it from being classified as a bourbon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey is a truy unique and exceptional whiskey that has captured the hearts of whiskey enthusiasts. Its rum finish adds a unique sweetness to the typical caramel, praline, raisin and vanilla flavors found in bourbon. The taste of gingerbread, molasses, maple sugar candy, marshmallow and cotton candy make this rye whiskey a decadent experience for any whiskey lover. With fewer than 8,000 bottles released each year, this rare whiskey is an absolute must-try for any connoisseur looking for something special.
