Angel's Envy Private Selection Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels Bourbon (Liquor Barn, 2021)

From the Liquor Barn selection, 109.8 proof, barrel #3703, bottle #122. Alright, I truly hope no one is defending the price of this, but I'd be dishonest if I said I wasn't eager to try it. It was a purchase made entirely by chance, largely due to being restricted to acquiring just one bottle. Angel's Envy is among the most self-important distilleries, believing their extremely limited output of two products warrants no modifications, no increased production, and certainly no price reduction. I quickly grew weary of their standard bourbon, as it's excessively priced for what it offers, particularly at 80 proof. Now, present me with the flavors of a single barrel and increase the proof, and we might have something to discuss... But you'll need to speak quite convincingly to justify an expenditure close to three digits. I recall Angel's Envy bourbon having a rather dark color (likely from the port barrels, as I doubt they ever disclosed an age statement), yet still very clear and thin at that low proof. This one, however, possesses a much deeper hue, and if any color comes from the port barrels, it's not discernible over the higher proof. Sweet corn and rye spice (along with their typical accompanying notes) are easily noticeable, but as the oak emerges, I detect a sweeter, almost rum-like flavor, which is certainly distinct and fitting from the finishing barrels. It's possibly a psychological effect, but there might be a faint hint of dusty grape juice towards the end. The initial taste coats the mouth, but without being distinctly sweet or spicy. Instead, it's damp, dusty, and reminiscent of brandy, offering notes of jam and aged fruit. Typical bourbon characteristics emerge at this stage (slightly more rye than corn notes), but a raw cocoa flavor also becomes apparent. This progresses to a more familiar dark chocolate near the finish, as the high proof competes with the rye to stimulate the gum line on the way out. Okay, so this is good. Honestly, this is how Angel's Envy bourbon ought to taste from the outset, but that's just my personal view, as someone who dislikes drinking anything below 100 proof. This product should have been available much earlier, and forcing people to wait and compete for it is a rather contemptible tactic, comparable to the underhanded methods of Buffalo Trace. Furthermore, it should be priced like the standard bourbon, and the standard version should cost significantly less. However, they executed brilliant marketing and cultivated their fanbase, enabling them to sell this for well over $100 without question. You could assist them in counting their earnings and acquire it yourself, or you could sample a friend's bottle and seek out more affordable, high-proof, barrel-select bourbons elsewhere.

Tried neat after a neck pour. This selection is 105.8 proof. I'm wondering about these for $90 given the yearly cask strength version is $200. The proof is somewhat lower, I guess, but that doesn't justify an additional $110. I will compare it to the 2018 cask strength at the conclusion. The aroma is quite subdued. A mild peanut is the first element I detect, followed by a sugary confectionary scent mingled with berries. Even blueberries are present. A touch of caramel accompanies those peanuts, reminiscent of peanut brittle. The aroma is agreeable, but requires excessive effort for minimal reward. The texture is very viscous. The port influence is prominent and very sweet. It offers more taste than anticipated. Primarily, those peanut brittle notes are evident for me, with a hint of salinity that truly completes that particular flavor. Then, the port character reappears at the finish and persists for a considerable duration. In comparison to the 2018 Cask Strength. Wow, the aroma is remarkably alike. The 2018 version is superior. More intense flavors, greater port presence. The sweetness is more distinct. However, they are quite similar. Therefore, it's decent, but too expensive for what it delivers. It lacks a distinguishing characteristic or note; it's simply consistently good. The cask strength is an improvement, but not remotely worth more than double the cost. This expression at $90 makes it difficult to rationalize paying $200+ for the cask strength.

The port barrels impart a slightly burnt taste. After that initial impression fades, it's quite enjoyable.