Angels Envy Port Barrel Finished Bourbon 375ML

Angel's Envy Port Barrel Finished Bourbon 375ML is a Kentucky straight bourbon finished in ruby port wine casks, bottled at 43.3% ABV (86.6 proof) in a 375ml format. Scoring an exceptional 98 points from Wine Enthusiast, this expression earned a Gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named a top spirit by GAYOT in 2011.

Quick Facts: ABV: 43.3%  |  Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA  |  Up to 6 Years, Port Cask Finished  |  Distillery: Angel's Envy Distillery

Production & Heritage

Angel's Envy Distillery, based in Louisville, Kentucky, was founded by the late Lincoln Henderson — a veteran bourbon maker with decades of experience at Brown-Forman. The bourbon uses a mashbill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, aged up to six years before being blended in small batches of eight to twelve barrels. Each batch then undergoes an additional three to six months of finishing in 60-gallon ruby port barrels made from French oak, imported directly from Portugal's Douro Valley — a step that imparts a distinctive fruit-forward sweetness uncommon in traditional bourbon.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Subtle vanilla opens first, followed by raisins, ripe berries, and maple syrup. Toasted oak and roasted nuts develop underneath, lending warmth and complexity.

Taste: The entry is silky, with vanilla and ripe fruit arriving immediately. The mid-palate deepens into dark chocolate, dried fig, and baking spice, while maple syrup and toasted bread round out the peak. The port cask influence is unmistakable but never overwhelming.

Finish: Clean and lingering, with a slow-fading sweetness reminiscent of Madeira. Bitter chocolate and a trace of dried fruit persist through a medium-long finish.

How to Drink Angel's Envy

The port cask complexity rewards neat sipping or with a single large ice cube, which opens the fruit and chocolate notes without dulling them. In cocktails, it brings distinctive character: try it in an Old Fashioned, where the port-driven sweetness reduces the need for added sugar; a Manhattan, where the berry and fig notes harmonize naturally with sweet vermouth; or a Boulevardier, where the chocolate undertones stand up beautifully to Campari's bitterness.

Best For

• Introducing a bourbon drinker to cask-finished whiskey for the first time
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast a half-bottle they can explore without a full-size commitment
• Building a home bar flight comparing finished versus unfinished bourbons
• After-dinner sipping alongside dark chocolate or dessert

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Angel's Envy taste like? Angel's Envy leads with vanilla and ripe fruit, moves into dark chocolate and dried fig at the mid-palate, and finishes with a clean, lingering Madeira-like sweetness. The ruby port cask finishing adds a fruit-forward richness not typically found in straight bourbon.

How does Angel's Envy compare to Woodford Reserve Double Oaked? Both bourbons use secondary barrel finishing to add complexity beyond standard aging, but Angel's Envy relies on ruby port casks from Portugal's Douro Valley, producing prominent fruit and chocolate notes. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked uses a second charred American oak barrel, which emphasizes caramel, toasted marshmallow, and deeper wood tannins.

Is Angel's Envy good for sipping neat? At 43.3% ABV, Angel's Envy is approachable neat and does not require water to tame harsh alcohol burn. The port cask finish delivers enough sweetness and fruit character to make it an enjoyable sipper without any additions.

Where is Angel's Envy made? Angel's Envy is produced at the Angel's Envy Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. The distillery sits in the heart of bourbon country and uses ruby port barrels imported from Portugal for its signature finishing process.

What foods pair well with Angel's Envy? Dark chocolate truffles highlight the bourbon's cocoa and dried fruit notes. Blue cheese complements the port-influenced sweetness. Grilled stone fruits like peaches mirror the ripe fruit character. Pecan pie echoes the toasted nut and maple aromas. Charcuterie with fig jam bridges the savory and sweet elements in the whiskey.

What sizes does Angel's Envy come in? Angel's Envy Port Barrel Finished Bourbon is available in both 375ml and standard 750ml bottles, making the half-bottle format ideal for sampling or travel.

Is Angel's Envy worth the price? Angel's Envy positions as a premium bourbon within the cask-finished category, and the 98-point score from Wine Enthusiast along with multiple Gold medals support its standing. The 375ml bottle offers a lower entry point for those wanting to experience the port-finished profile before committing to a full-size bottle.

Why Angel's Envy?

A 98-point rating from Wine Enthusiast places Angel's Envy among the highest-scored bourbons in recent memory — a distinction few finished whiskeys can claim. The specific use of French oak ruby port barrels sourced from Portugal's Douro Valley sets it apart from competitors that rely on domestic cooperage or more common wine cask types. Lincoln Henderson's decision to blend in small batches of eight to twelve barrels before finishing ensures batch-to-batch consistency while preserving nuance. For drinkers who find standard bourbon one-dimensional, this expression demonstrates how thoughtful cask finishing can add genuine complexity without masking the grain.