Angel's Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Finished in Port Wine Barrels (2017 Edition)

Note that I was poured the last remaining ounces in the bottle, so I think this had the advantage of air time. The color is striking, a rich, deep amber that evidences its port cask finish. Roasted caramel, char, and fresh oak on the nose. Not as much alcohol sting on the nose as I expected. The palate follows suit, it seems smooth for its proof. Nice sweetness, which is expected for Angel's Envy juice. There's a pleasant perfume note, which I usually don't like, but here it works. Balanced with just the right amount of baking spice, and this spice lingers on the back of the tongue throughout. It finishes with heat and cacao nibs. Not the most complex pour, but that's a minor quibble. This has something for the adventurous novice looking to expand his palate, and something for a veteran. It would probably work as an aperitif, as dessert, as a nightcap, or on it's own, it even holds up to a cigar. 4 stars, with the potential for 5. At its price point it's hard to make this an every day pour, but you may be tempted. 4/23/18

The nose is spicy of black pepper and dominated by oak and port with hints of toffee and cinnamon. The palate is dry and full of rye spiciness with dry port sweetness coming through, with cinnamon, vanilla and toffee in the background. The finish is medium and mouth warming with rye and cinnamon that fades and gives way to faint vanilla and toffee.

AE drinks very smoothly in general, with a lot of caramel and vanilla notes start to finish. That higher proof drives a lot of those sweeter notes up and creates a lingering spice/woody aroma filling your sinuses. The proof does not change the expected pour, but adds a pleasant heat and burst of the flavors one would expect.

Excellent. Really nice rye spice up front. I prefer the 2020, it has more port to balance. Not as much body as the 2020 either, leans more into the whiskey flavor than the port.

Sweeter notes on the nose. It’s almost deceiving on the pallet. Can definitely taste the spiciness from the barrels. The finish dissolves from your pallet fairly quickly.

Super tasty. Hard to detect flavors. But great taste. This is the basic version not port wine