Last night I had a rare chance to meet Wes Henderson, who came to New York City to promote Angel's Envy, a Kentucky bourbon created by his father, Lincoln Henderson (an early inductee of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame). Over a nearly 40 year career, Lincoln developed esteemed bourbon brands, such as Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack before striking out on his own. The family run distillery sits on Main Street in Louisville, Kentucky. If you visit, be sure to book a free tour to see how bourbon is made.
Angel's Envy was creator, Lincoln Henderson's only independent project; and many connoisseurs in the bourbon world say, it is his best. Angel's Envy is a small batch bourbon. Only 8 to 10 barrels are blended at a time. Each batch is tasted for quality control.
Once a year the company releases a limited edition brew. Look for the Angel Envy's label: Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels. Called ''the best spirit in the world" by Spirit Journal, there will only be 8,000 bottles of it produced and available, starting on October 1, 2017.
Cheap it isn't, but definitely worth the splurge for a taste, as Angel's Envy Cask Strength Bourbon is perfection to sip. At 124.5 proof, the bourbon is ultra smooth. Wes Henderson suggests sipping the bourbon straight up, or with a slash of water to release its flavor nuances. Every year this limited edition batch will taste different. This year the special brew has subtle notes of cherry, caramel, chocolate and a shading of cinnamon. (The favor is complex, listed on the website in detail.) A sip bathes your throat in warmth. At last night's launch, a number of people familiar with previous vintages agree, the 2017 Cask Strength Bourbon is their favorite.
But if you're not lucky enough to snatch up a bottle of the limited edition bourbon, you can try one of the two finishes that sell all year around: 1) Angel's Envy Finished Rye; or 2) Angel's Envy Finished Port. Each has unique notes of their own.
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| Photo: adventureinwhisky.com |
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Great blog...quite a treat that you got to have a taste. Interesting to know that it's part of same group who make Woodford Reserve, which I order quite a bit when I go out. As luck would have it, I am going out to lunch today at a place with a nice bar...so guess what I am going to order?
ReplyDeleteHi Barry,
DeleteFirst of all, I envy you're going to a lovely lunch today! Enjoy! Secondly, let us know how you like this new bourbon find. What will be the verdict of your palate?
I keep bourbon in the cabinet for the fall and winter months. My next bottle will be trying it. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThe cooler months seem like a perfect time for bourbon, true. I use it to ward off a cold if my throat gets raw, along with zinc lorenzers. Appears to work.
DeleteHappy to report that I finally had an opportunity to try ANGEL'S ENVY. Absolutely delicious, a nice full body, hints of softer fruit (maybe from casks, not sure). Places in NY that have it- Keens (36 Street, near Macy's) and Maysville (26 Street, between 5th and 6th Avenues) plus others that I did not get to this week. Once basketball season starts, I would expect to be having ANGEL'S ENVY at American Whiskey, on W 30 Street.
ReplyDeleteYay Barry. Glad to have your review ... and report on the bars who serve this balanced, tasty bourbon. Thank you!
DeleteI can report that I did find a liquor store in Glen Cove (north shore of Long Island, not far from the mansions of the Gold Coast/ East Egg - West Egg etc etc) that has Angel's Envy bourbon and also the rye. It is called Glenco, it's in the shopping center with Ace Hardware/ China Palace and other suburban stuff. Last night was chilly enough for the fire place, so sipping on bourbon with a hint of wine flavors was a delicious complement to burning cherry wood.
ReplyDeleteFurther to my comment a few weeks ago, I was hoping to try Ainsworth on 33rd Street near Madison Avenue which I'm told has a huge whiskey selection- thought it would be a good place to sip on Angel's Envy. But the timing did not work out, so that one will have to wait.
ReplyDeleteThe search continues. I think a bourbon guy like you, Barry, will get your reward, a bottom (taste) of Angel's Envy sooner than later, and I predict you will love it for the complexity of it. Lots of hints of interesting flavors.
DeleteActually, I have now sampled it in several venues. Though with colder weather coming to New York (finally!!!), I may be having more Angel's Envy at venues I've mentioned here, and others yet to be discovered.
ReplyDeleteWell thanks for coming back to report it. Since you've sampled it a few times, I asume you like it!
DeleteI can report another "Angel encounter"- went to Limani, very upscale Greek themed spot two blocks up from Rockefeller Center tree. I was meeting some Greek folks and happily waited for their arrival sipping on a glass of Angel's Envy on the rocks.
ReplyDeleteThat's says so much coming from you Barry. You know your bourdon!
DeleteI can report that I had a trip to Florida and was at the exclusive "Soho House" in Miami Beach, where the Ciccone restaurant serves Angels Envy - see picture (which I am attempting to post here but can't get the image embedded). Fabulous high end bar.
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool, Barry! It looks like there's no way of posting photos in a comment. There's no icon for it.
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