Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye vs Woodford Reserve Rye

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:53 pm

Unearth distinctions between Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye and Woodford Reserve Rye in this direct matchup.

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye vs Woodford Reserve Rye: Comparison

Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye: A rye with vanilla, coconut, and banana nose. Palate is sweet with maple and cinnamon. Finish combines rye spice and plantain. Served neat, 50% ABV.

Woodford Reserve Rye: Opens with oak and vanilla, leading to a palate of fruit and rye spice. Finish is long with vanilla and oak spice. Enjoy on rocks or in cocktails, 45% ABV.

Verdict: Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye and Woodford Reserve Rye showcase the versatility of rye whiskey, each offering distinct profiles. Angel’s Envy presents a unique, dessert-like sweetness, while Woodford Reserve offers a classic rye experience with a balanced, spicy depth, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best-Tasting Cheap Rye Whiskeys

Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye: A Sweet and Spice-Accented Rye

• Nose: Vanilla, coconut, banana, baking spice
• Palate: Ripe fruity, maple, cinnamon, brown sugar
• Finish: Rye spice, plantain
• Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat
• Similar to: Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye

Aroma: This rye whiskey opens with a surprising yet delightful nose, offering tropical fruit notes and a distinct coconut aroma reminiscent of sunscreen, balanced by a subtle hint of rye spice.

Taste: The Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye boasts a creamy and thick texture, followed by a flavor profile dominated by sweetness. Notes of maple syrup, fruit, and vanilla take center stage, with the rye spice playing a supporting role.

Finish: The finish is smooth and lacks significant heat, leaving behind lingering hints of rye spice, plantain flavors, and additional maple syrup sweetness.

Overall: This rye whiskey offers a unique and enjoyable experience, reminiscent of a cinnamon graham cracker drizzled with maple syrup. The sweetness is the star of the show, with the rye spice emerging subtly in the finish.

The smooth and easy-drinking nature, at 100 proof, makes it a great choice for those who prioritize a mellow experience. This expression is perfect for enjoying after dinner or for anyone who appreciates sweet and dessert-like flavor profiles in their whiskey.

Key points:

• Finished for 18 months in Caribbean rum casks
• Bottled at 100 proof
• Known for its smooth texture, sweet flavor profile, and subtle rye spice

Additional notes:

• Offers a unique taste profile combining sweetness (maple syrup, fruit, vanilla) with subtle rye spice.
• A good choice for those who enjoy smooth and easy-drinking whiskies with a dessert-like character.
• Interesting for fans of the Angel’s Envy brand or those curious about rum cask-finished rye whiskeys.

Woodford Reserve Rye: A Spicy Twist on a Classic

• Nose: Oak, vanilla, rye spice
• Palate: Ripe fruit, rye spice, vanilla, oak
• Finish: Long, vanilla, tobacco, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Bulleit Rye

Aroma: The Woodford Reserve Rye opens with a dominant oak character, followed by subtle hints of vanilla and rye spice that become more prominent as the aroma develops.

Taste: The initial sip reveals a gentle rye spice balanced by rich and sweet notes of vanilla. A surprising fruity note reminiscent of apricot emerges, adding complexity to the flavor profile. The body has a pleasant texture, offering a balance between creaminess and a satisfying thickness.

Finish: This rye whiskey boasts a lengthy and warm finish with minimal burn. Lingering notes of vanilla and a touch of oak spice linger on the palate.

Overall: The Woodford Reserve Rye offers a delightful sipping experience thanks to its balanced and approachable spice level, even for those unaccustomed to rye whiskies. Adding a touch of ice further enhances the smooth character and sweetness, making it even more enjoyable.

This rye expression shares the signature toasty oak character of the well-regarded Woodford Reserve Bourbon, while its distinct rye spice makes it a perfect choice for crafting flavorful cocktails.

Key points:

• Mash bill of 53% rye, 33% corn, and 14% malted barley
• No age statement, but bottled as a straight rye whiskey (aged at least four years)
• Crafted at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky

Additional notes:

• Offers a balanced and approachable rye whiskey experience with subtle sweetness and minimal heat.
• A good option for those seeking a spicy twist on the classic Woodford Reserve profile, while still retaining its signature oaky character.
• Ideal for both neat sipping and crafting rye-forward cocktails.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Angel’s Envy Rum Cask Rye	$83
Woodford Reserve Rye	$40