Angel's Envy is not a wheated bourbon, but rather a bourbon that incorporates rye in its mash bill. The specific mash bill for Angel's Envy is 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This combination of grains creates a unique flavor profile that distinguishes Angel's Envy from other bourbons on the market.
To understand the significance of Angel's Envy's mash bill, it is important to delve into the history of bourbon and the evolution of its ingredients. Bourbon has a long and storied history, dating back to the late 18th century. The exact origins of bourbon are a subject of debate, but it is widely believed to have emerged in Kentucky, where it was first produced by early settlers.
In those early days, bourbon was made primarily from corn, as it was a readily available and abundant grain in the region. The high corn content gave bourbon its signature sweetness and smoothness. As bourbon production expanded and evolved, distillers began experimenting with different grain combinations to create unique flavor profiles.
Rye, a grain known for its spicy and robust character, started to make its way into bourbon mash bills in the 19th century. This addition of rye introduced a new dimension of flavor to the spirit, balancing the sweetness of corn with a subtle spiciness. Rye became a popular choice among distillers, particularly in the northeastern states, where it was more readily available than corn.
The inclusion of rye in bourbon mash bills became more common throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. However, during Prohibition in the United States (1920-1933), the production of bourbon was heavily restricted, and many distilleries were forced to shut down. This period of prohibition had a significant impact on the bourbon industry, and when production resumed, some distillers opted for more cost-effective grain alternatives, such as wheat.
Wheated bourbons, which replaced a portion of the rye with wheat, gained popularity in the mid-20th century. This shift was largely driven by the success of brands like Maker's Mark, which used a higher wheat content to create a smoother, milder bourbon. Wheated bourbons became synonymous with certain Kentucky distilleries and were favored by many bourbon enthusiasts.
Despite the rise of wheated bourbons, traditional mash bills with rye remained an integral part of the bourbon landscape. Many distilleries continued to produce bourbons with rye, recognizing the distinct flavors and characteristics it brought to the spirit. Angel's Envy, with its 18% rye content, falls into this category, harkening back to the traditional bourbon recipes that have shaped the industry for centuries.
Angel's Envy is not a wheated bourbon but a bourbon that incorporates rye in its mash bill. The 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley composition of Angel's Envy creates a unique flavor profile that showcases the spicy and robust characteristics of rye, while still maintaining the sweetness and smoothness associated with bourbon. This blend of grains pays homage to the rich history and tradition of bourbon production while offering a distinctive and enjoyable drinking experience.