BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Louisville Distilling Co.
• MASH BILL: Not disclosed, but likely 72% Corn | 18% Rye | 10% Malted Barley
• AGE: Just shy of 6 years
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 100 (50% AVB)
• MSRP: $54.99
• BUY ONLINE: This is an Angel’s Envy distillery-only offering

STEVE’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Any bourbon fan,, but especially with fans of bottled-in-bond whiskeys.

WORTH THE PRICE: Given that this is only a 375ml bottle and so many high-quality 750ml BIBs are much less expensive, it’s not, based on that, an easy decision. If you commit to buying it, you’ll not regret it, though.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bottle if you’re looking for a great souvenir from the distillery. Bar, if you’re not rushing to spend $55 on a half bottle.

OVERALL: If you’re even semi-American whiskey savvy, you recognize the phrase in this bottle’s name: Cask Strength Bottled-In-Bond Bourbon. Well, it’s true: no water was added to achieve 100 proof; just the mingling of sub- and above-100-proof casks to attain that essential proof for BIB. If you want to know how master distiller Owen Martin achieved that, read here. It’s really interesting stuff.

Also of note is that 27 of the barrels in this batch were filled at 103 proof, which matches the industry’s lowest barrel entry proof at Michael’s. Again, see the link above for more info.

But to the whiskey … . Aromas rise easily from the glass: toasted bread, cooked corn, peach pie, lemon chiffon and balanced oaky goodness. On the palate, you’re reminded why 100 proof is such a sweet spot for bourbon lovers; it delivers a terrific balance of strength and subtlety. Here, stone fruit is first in line, followed closely by honey, caramel and fire-cured tobacco. The finish is long, warm and flavorful. It’s a great whiskey all around, and which promises a long runway for Angel’s Envy spirits that aren’t cask finished.

In His Words: Angel’s Envy Master Distiller, Owen Martin

What’s different between what I do now versus what I did at Stranahan’s was operating mostly as a blender and finding complementary finishing casks. I really enjoyed that, but to come here was an opportunity to do that on a bigger playground.

BOURBON & BANTERSteve Coomes

BRAND NOTES

Aged for nearly six years, the toasted gold color hue and complex flavor profile can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks at 100 proof (50% ABV). 

Nose: Lightly caramelized sugars, vanilla wafers with a hint of banana pudding.

Palate: Sweet and balanced. Honey latte. Light fruit syrup and toasted oak

Finish: Rounded and soft. Gently fades, begging for a second sip.

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.