Angel's Envy Private Selection Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels

Purchased at Total Wine in Gilbert, AZ. Bottled at 101 proof. On the nose: notes of cinnamon sugar, vanilla cream, apple, rye spice, sweet oak, and a subtle hint of the port finish arriving with white grape essence. (Port isn’t actually made from white grapes, but that’s the vibe.) Pleasantly, there’s minimal ethanol presence despite the high proof. Taste begins with vanilla cream and apple from the aroma, complemented by mild caramel, pepper, and cinnamon. Quite lively and bold. A deeper exploration reveals a faint wine-like taste from the port, but it’s very subtle. The flavors are impactful, yet lack polish. It has no age statement and genuinely tastes a bit youthful. The finish is moderately long, characterized by cotton candy, cinnamon, and some drying oak that detracts from the overall experience. The texture is somewhat thin, yet simultaneously feels a bit rich, which struck me as peculiar. This is just a bit better than average whiskey, though experiencing Angel's Envy at a higher proof was interesting. However, at $100, it costs over twice as much as standard AE. It has too many shortcomings and doesn't offer a sufficiently deep or intricate experience for that price. Definitely not worth buying again.

ANGEL’S ENVY SINGLE BARREL-SOUTHPORT NC PICK PROOF: 110 GLASS: Glencairn COLOR: 1.6 Mahogany NOSE: Certainly the Port wine influence is dominant, but other notes are present. Botanical and Orchard Fruit (Green Apple, Grape, Pear), Woody Sandalwood, Dry Brown Sugar, Graham Cracker, and Bright Orange Peel. Quite pleasant. NEAT: Intense, Piquant, and Woody. Similar to the Nose, the Port wine character is primary with Pronounced Cherry. Wonderful Mouthfeel provides Dark Chocolate Covered Raisins, Vanilla Bean, and Wood Tannins. A moderate to extended Finish with Earthy Oak and Chocolate lingering and covering the tongue. Quite pleasant. SPLASH: A small addition of water transforms this into a Fudge Brownie initially with Spicy Pepper on the finish. It resembles a Damp Fudge Brownie sprinkled with Cayenne. Quite pleasant. VERDICT: I don't believe I have formally evaluated the regular Angel's Envy, but my memory suggests it wasn't that remarkable. This expression is entirely distinct. From the Robust Aroma to the incredible texture to the chocolate finish, this was an exceptional pour. 4.5 STARS

Upon first approach, the port wine aroma is noticeable. An impressive scent. The initial taste offers molasses and butter, red wine, with a faint, almost imperceptible burn. A robust wheaty, maple syrup finish. I must say, Angels Envy stands apart from other bourbons. Its flavor profile is uniquely desirable and complex, deserving its own category. If the makers could smooth out that slightly bitter finish, it would rival Pappy Van Winkle 12 year.

Barrel SB - 230792 A bit intense initially, at 110 Proof, but drinks lighter than its strength. Upon further tasting, notes of dried fruit and toffee emerge towards the end. Abundant toffee is present, with the sweetness persisting in the aftertaste. It's somewhat restrained, with tannins that make their presence known, but patience reveals its rewards. A small addition of water is beneficial.

I sampled a small amount of this local store selection from a friend's bottle, likely bottled at 106 or 108 proof. The port finish is expertly applied here, not overpowering but providing a pleasant fruity background to the bourbon. I'm not usually a fan of the standard bottling or this brand in general, but this particular bottle was quite enjoyable.

105.8 proof 52.9% ABV Smells like a ton of brown sugar, toasted caramel, cherries, and raisins. Just a whisper of wood... The port influence is quite well-managed. Flavor mirrors the smell with brown sugar. The port barrel's contribution is well-integrated. Leaves the mouth feeling a little dry. Conclusion - Port finishes aren't typically my favorite, but this one is rather enjoyable.