Essential Guide to Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey: Unveiling the Rum-Kissed Gem

For discerning whiskey enthusiasts, the name Angel's Envy conjures images of luxurious finishes and unparalleled smoothness. And within their collection, the rye whiskey stands as a unique masterpiece, boasting a distinctive rum cask finish that sets it apart from the crowd.

This guide equips you with everything you need to unwrap the mysteries of Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey, from its origins to its nuanced flavor profile and beyond.

A Legacy of Innovation:

The Angel's Envy story begins with Lincoln Henderson, a Master Distiller at Brown-Forman, and his son Wes. Fueled by a desire to explore beyond traditional boundaries, they experimented with finishing bourbon in port casks, birthing Angel's Envy in 2011. Today, Owen Martin, Angel's Envy's Master Distiller, carries on the spirit of innovation, crafting exceptional expressions like the rye whiskey.

The Allure of Rye:

While crafted at a bourbon distillery, Angel's Envy Rye is a true rye whiskey through and through. Made with a mash bill of at least 51% rye grain, it offers a distinctive peppery spice compared to its bourbon cousin. Think bold, crisp character with notes of cinnamon, black pepper, and hints of mint.

The Rum Rendezvous:

What truly sets Angel's Envy Rye apart is its unique finish in Caribbean rum casks. For up to 18 months, the rye rests in these casks, soaking up the rum's tropical nuances and transforming its profile. Expect a wave of sweet butterscotch, toasted vanilla, and subtle rum flavors to mingle with the rye's spicy character, creating a harmonious and unexpected complexity.

Why Does Angel's Envy Rye Taste So Great?

The Magic of Rum Finish: The Caribbean rum cask finish is the star of the show. It adds unexpected layers of sweetness, butterscotch, and tropical notes that beautifully balance the rye's inherent spice and peppery kick. This harmonious contrast creates a unique and captivating flavor profile.

Balanced and Smooth: Owen Martin, the Master Distiller, carefully manages the finishing process to ensure the rum influence enhances the rye character without overpowering it. This results in a well-rounded and exceptionally smooth whiskey that's enjoyable neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.

High-Quality Ingredients: Angel's Envy uses at least 51% rye grain in their mash bill, known for its bold and spicy character. Additionally, they source high-quality grains and employ meticulous distillation techniques, contributing to the overall quality and taste.

Why is Angel's Envy So Expensive?

Premium Craftmanship: Angel's Envy Rye isn't a mass-produced whiskey. Each bottle reflects careful attention to detail, from the meticulously controlled finishing process to the handcrafted decanter. This dedication to quality comes at a premium price.

Limited Availability: Some expressions, like the Cask Strength Rye, are released in limited quantities, further driving up the price due to increased demand and collector appeal.

Luxury Brand Marketing: Angel's Envy has built a reputation as a luxury brand, targeting discerning whiskey enthusiasts. This premium positioning naturally reflects in the cost of their products.

What are the Different Angel's Envy Varieties?

Rye Expressions:

Angel's Envy Rye Finished in Rum Casks: The core expression, offering a balanced and approachable experience with rum-kissed sweetness and rye spice.

Angel's Envy Cask Strength Rye Finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak: A limited-edition, bolder expression with higher proof, showcasing notes of dried fruit, honey, and oak alongside the rye and rum character.

Bourbon Expressions:

Angel's Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels: The original flagship expression, renowned for its smoothness and fruity notes from the port cask finish.

Angel's Envy Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels: A higher-proof, limited-edition bourbon offering a richer and more intense experience.

There are also special releases and collaborations in different finishes, so be sure to explore their website for the latest offerings.

WHERE TO BUY ANGEL'S ENVY RYE?

Finding Angel's Envy Rye can be a bit of a treasure hunt, especially for the limited-edition expressions. Here are some tips:

Check local liquor stores: High-end liquor stores and wine shops are your best bet. Ask the staff if they carry Angel's Envy Rye or can special order it for you.

Online retailers: Several reputable online retailers offer Angel's Envy Rye, but proceed with caution and ensure they are licensed and reliable.

Distillery website: You can check the "Find a Store" section on the Angel's Envy website to locate retailers near you.

Remember, due to its popularity, Angel's Envy Rye might not always be readily available. Be patient, explore different options, and celebrate your find when you finally secure a bottle!