Whiskey comes in all kinds of flavor profiles. And there’s no shortage of premier bourbon and whiskey varieties, perfect for complementing even the most specific of tastes. Depending on how you like to drink your whiskey, on the rocks or as part of your favorite craft cocktail, whiskey certainly earns its place behind home bars and local establishments, too. It’s a wildly popular choice of spirit, in part because of its unique flavor but also because of its versatility. However, when it comes to premium whiskey, with complex distilling processes and craft ingredients, the whiskey list narrows. Today, we’re highlighting one of those top whiskeys – Angel’s Envy Whiskey. Discover more about where it hails from, how much it costs, what it tastes like, and why it’s so special. You may be eager to add it to your must-sample list.

Where Does Angel’s Envy Whiskey Originate?

Head to Louisville, Kentucky, to find the Louisville Distilling Company and Angel’s Envy. Lincoln Henderson, a Master Distiller and Bourbon Hall of Fame member, along with his son Wes Henderson, is the founder. Angel’s Envy first launched in 2011 and quickly rose to the top of the must-try lists in the whiskey and bourbon industries.

The name “Angel’s Envy” began as a kind of inside joke. During the traditional aging process, the 5% or so spirit lost annually is called the “angel’s share.” And it was Lincoln who teased, “We finally struck a better deal than the angels,” citing the unique finishing process for his whiskey. It was then that the name Angel’s Envy was officially born.

The Bermuda-based company, Bacardi Limited, officially acquired Angel’s Envy in 2015. 

How It’s Made

Angel’s Envy innovates the traditional bourbon distilling process and puts the rye and bourbon through a secondary finishing technique. The whiskey matures first in charred oak barrels. But it’s then transferred to finishing casks where the secondary finishing step takes place. The result is a refined blend with inviting flavor profiles that are stand-alone and distinguishable from any other whiskey.

Book Your Angel’s Envy Distillery Tour

You can experience the magic behind Angel’s Envy Whiskey by planning your visit and taking a distillery tour in person. Expect a fully immersive tour experience, enjoying a host of unique and truly great offerings. 

• Bottle your own
• Cocktail glasses
• Guided tour of the facility

Head to the urban Main Street distillery, located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky’s Whiskey Row. Schedule your experience, choosing from the Signature Tour, the Private Select Tour, or the Taste the Finish Tour.

What Makes It So Special, and Sometimes, Expensive

It’s the process that really makes Angel’s Envy Whiskey so distinctive and special. Each small batch of eight to 12 barrels goes through the second finishing, taking upwards of six months, which leads to the award-winning spirit. And there’s no official set aging or finishing time. Angel’s Envy is only ready when testing determines it’s so.

The other factor driving up price tags is limited small batch availability. With a high demand for each batch release, it can be hard to find the Angel’s Envy you’re looking for on demand. When it’s readily available, bottles range in price from $49.99 to $63.99. Limited supply and off-season purchases could run much higher.

Choose your Angel’s Envy Whiskey favorite after trying them all!

• A Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey which is finished in Port Wine Barrels from Portugal
• A Rye Whiskey which is finished in Rum Casks
• A Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which is finished in Port Wine Barrels
• A Rye Whiskey which is finished in Ice Cider Casks
• A Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey which is finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Casks

FAQs About Angel’s Envy Whiskey

Have more questions about Angel’s Envy? Check out these FAQs and rapid-fire answers.

What craft cocktails can you make with Angel’s Envy?

Angel’s Envy Whiskey can elevate all of your favorite whiskey cocktails, including The Henderson, the Old Fashioned, the Manhattan, the Suburban, the Vieux Carre, and more.

How should I prepare for my distillery tour at Angel’s Envy?

Signature distillery tours are available every day, limiting 12 participants per group. It’s recommended you wear closed-toed shoes. Also, it’s best that you make reservations ahead of time.

Is Angel’s Envy Whiskey good for sipping?

Yes! Because it’s a straight bourbon, bottled at 43.3% ABV (or 86.6 proof,) it is a great sipping whiskey. Most enthusiasts recommend enjoying Angel’s Envy neat, on the rocks, or as part of a classic Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

Is Angel’s Envy the best whiskey?

While it is award-winning and among the top lists of whiskey to buy, tastes are subjective. Try it for yourself and see how you feel about its smooth flavor profiles. 

Other Native Kentucky Whiskeys to Try

Of all the whiskey in the world, 95% of it hails from Kentucky. And it might actually be something in the water there. Kentucky’s water sources flow through limestone reserves, which is believed to make KY horses stronger than others. It’s also potentially why Kentucky whiskey and bourbon is so legendary around the globe. In addition to Louisville’s Angel’s Envy, try some of these other notable and award-winning KY whiskeys:

• Buffalo Trace
• Eagle Rare Bourbon
• Bulleit Bourbon
• Wild Turkey 101
• Willett Distillery
• Evan Williams
• Kosher Whiskey
• Old Fitzgerald
• Four Roses
• Knob Creek
• Pinhook Bohemian
• Sazerac Rye
• Jim Beam

According to the Courrier-Journal, these are six bourbons you can only find in Kentucky that often rank among the best:

• Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.
• Old Forester Distillery 117 Series.
• Maker’s Mark Private Selections.
• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Square 6.
• Angel’s Envy Bottle-Your-Own Experience.
• Neeley Family Distillery bottling experience.

Distillery Nearby Can Map Out Your Whiskey Adventures

Now that you have a more in-depth understanding of Angel’s Envy Whiskey, you can embark on distillery tours all over the country to explore other whiskeys and craft spirits. Let Distillery Nearby be your compass with our distillery tour locator. Dive into our comprehensive library of tidbits and craft spirit insights with our ongoing blog series! Whether you’re into whiskey and bourbon or are curious about other craft spirits, we can help.