Angel's Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels

I previously reviewed this in 2021 from a sample and disliked it. However, I recently decided that with my increased experience, I should re-evaluate it. I purchased a 375ml bottle for $30.09. It is 86.6 proof with no age statement. The mash bill is 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malt. The color in the glass is copper. Nose: The dominant aroma is a sour and astringent alcohol. With more sniffing, a subtle grape note emerged, but nothing else. Body: Buttery texture. Taste: A faint honey flavor appeared first, followed by a subtle cinnamon and an overall sweetness. Finish: The finish deserves credit for its duration, but it was uninspired, featuring only cinnamon and alcohol. Conclusion: I'm unsure if it's the bourbon or the port finish, but I don't enjoy this spirit. While many people apparently like it, it's only mediocre for my palate. This was my third tasting, and the best of the three. I won't be purchasing this bourbon again. Rating: On my rating scale, which starts at 1, this receives a 3, Mediocre. This equates to 1.875 stars, 3.75/10, or 37.5/100.

I could have sworn I'd written a review on Angel's Envy before. Perhaps it was an older one and I deleted it with the intent of re-writing it someday. Well, there's no time like the present. Port wine is immediately noticeable on the nose: mixed berries hit the nose with a distinct tart twang. There's a little bit of sweet nuttiness, like honey roasted peanuts, but it's so hard to get it past the fruit. On the taste, raspberries with caramel and raisins create an interesting tart, sweet, and slightly musky taste. It isn't unpleasant, though. A little bit of peppercorn and corn syrup make their way through the mid-back of taste. The finish is moderate, a surprise for a bourbon that has little viscosity on the taste. Tart berries with raisins and peppercorn mingle with tannic oak. For a "budget" bourbon, this certainly does the trick. Now, seemingly available anywhere; it won't disappoint.

Served neat. Nose: The aroma is very sweet, with notes of vanilla, maple syrup, caramel, honey, and a very faint hint of orange. Palate: The flavor profile is quite sweet, dominated by maple syrup, vanilla, and honey. As anticipated given the proof, the texture is extremely thin and watery. Finish: This bourbon has a drying finish with notes of vanilla and oak. Purchase Recommendation: This is a decent bourbon, but I find it significantly overpriced. I would recommend it for its quality, but not for its price point. Repeat Purchase: I don't anticipate buying this standard offering again. However, I am interested in a higher proof version, which might lead me to purchase a single barrel. Unfortunately, those are also overpriced in my opinion. Only time will tell if I try one.

A rich Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey made by Louisville Distilling Co. in Kentucky using Kentucky limestone water and local grains, with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. It is aged for 4 to 6 years in American white oak barrels, then finished for 3 to 6 months in French oak Port casks before being bottled at 43.3% ABV. It has an aromatic beginning with notes of ripe fruit, maple syrup, toasted nuts, and spices; while a rich middle adds notes of dark chocolate, creamy vanilla, cedar spice, cinnamon, berries, and candied tangerine; that leads to a long and warm end with notes of peppermint, raisin, and butterscotch. August 2022 / February 2023

This bourbon has a delightful aroma rich in caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and a lot of grape. In addition to the sugary notes is a splendid amount of oak and rye spice. Some peppery notes come forward and fill the nasal passage. Tasting brings the sugars immediately which coat the palate and tongue making the mouth water for the next sip. The finish is rather fleeting, attributable to the low proof but is a mouthful of flavor. Lovely offering but rather overpriced. Nose: 4/5 Taste: 4/5 Overall: 4/5 Repurchase: Yes Type: Friday night pour

Had a pour of this one at a hotel bar. It was tough to distinguish the nose as I was served in an open cup. I moved into a wine cup and it improved the experience. It has a light gold color and medium legs. Caramel is upfront on the nose with some baking spices and a hint of raisins. The palate is very sweet mixed with the nutmeg, pine tree feeling and finishes with pepper and a cereal taste. Not bad for their signature bourbon.