Angel's Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels

I reviewed this back in 2021 from a sample, and didn't care for it, but recently began thinking that now that I have sufficient experience to give the whisky a fairer shake, I ought to try again. I got a pint bottle (375ml) at Total Wine for $30.09. It's 86.6 proof, and there's no age statement on the bottle. The mash bill is 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% rye. In the glass the color is copper. 𝗡𝗼𝘀𝗲: On the nose I got a sour and astringent alcohol above all else. After repeated sniffs I got a faint grape note, but nothing more. 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹: Buttery. 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲: There was a slight honey note first, then I began to detect a slight cinnamon, and an overall sweetness. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗵: I have to give the finish credit for lasting a good while, but it wasn't anything exciting - just cinnamon and alcohol. 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆: I don't know whether it's the bourbon itself, or the port finish, but I just don't care for this whisky. I know a lot of people like it, but for my palate, it's mediocre at best. And at that this was my third glass, and the best of the three. I'll not buy this bourbon again. 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: On my hick scale, which starts with 1 at the bottom, this gets a 3, Mediocre. That comes out to 1.875 stars, 3.75/10, or 37.5/100.

I could have sworn I'd written a taste on Angel's Envy before. Perhaps it was an older one and I deleted it with the intent of re-writing it some day. Well there's no time like the present. Port wine is immediately noticeable on the nose: mixed berries hits the nose with a distinct tart twang. There's a little bit of sweet nuttiness, like honey roasted peanuts but its 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 though 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.

NEAT NOSE - Very sweet nose. There’s notes of vanilla, maple syrup, caramel, honey, and the slightest tinge of orange. PALATE - The palate comes across very sweet with lots of maple syrup as well as vanilla and honey. As expected by the proof, the mouthfeel is extremely thin and watery. FINISH - This bourbon has a drying finish of vanilla and oak. BUY? - This is a decent bourbon that’s greatly overpriced in my opinion. I’d recommend it for being good, but I don’t like the price point. BUY AGAIN? - I don’t see myself buying this regular offering again, although I am interested in this at a higher proof point which would lead me to buying a single barrel. Unfortunately, those are overpriced as well in my opinion. Only time will tell if I decide to try one.

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

This bourbon has a delightful nose rich in caramel, vanilla, brown sugar, and a ton 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 a 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.