Angel's Envy vs Four Roses Small Batch: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:21 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Angel’s Envy vs Four Roses Small Batch in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!

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 vs Four Roses: Comparison

Angel’s Envy: A distinct bourbon aged in ruby port casks, offering unique notes of coconut, chocolate, and vanilla, with a palate of maple syrup and caramel. Smooth and port-kissed, it stands out at 86 proof.

Four Roses Small Batch: Combines vanilla, cherry, and oak on the nose, with a creamy palate of vanilla and baking spice, finishing with burnt caramel. A sweet and spicy bourbon valued for its balance at 90 proof.

Verdict: Both Angel’s Envy and Four Roses Small Batch present bourbon enthusiasts with finely crafted experiences, from Angel’s Envy’s unique port infusion to Four Roses’ blend of sweet and spicy. Each offers a distinctive journey through flavor and tradition, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Angel’s Envy: Port-Kissed Smoothness, Uniquely Flavorful

Similar to: Eagle Rare

Craving a bourbon that breaks the mold? Angel’s Envy might just be your cupid. Its secret weapon? Aging in ruby port casks, creating a flavor profile unlike any other.

First Sniff: Coconut, chocolate, and vanilla whisper promises of a sweet adventure.

First Sip: Don’t expect a heavyweight – the body is light, but the flavors pack a punch. Spice, maple syrup, caramel, vanilla, and baking spices dance on your palate.

The Finish: A long, smooth goodbye with toasted oak and baking spices lingering pleasantly. Think sweet, not fiery.

The Verdict: This isn’t your typical bourbon. It’s smooth, intriguing, and definitely unique. While some might wish for a fuller body, its distinct port-kissed flavors and lack of burn make it worth exploring.

Beyond the Sip:

Aged 4-6 years, embracing maturity without losing vibrancy.
Made with a classic corn, rye, and barley mash bill, then given a twist with port casks.
Impressed the critics, earning high scores from Wine Enthusiast and F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.
Brainchild of Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, the legend behind Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack.

Remember: Taste is subjective! Experiment and find your perfect pour, whether it’s a classic sipper or a daring adventure.

Four Roses Small Batch: Sweet & Spicy Value

Similar to: 1792 Small Batch

Sweetness lovers, listen up! Four Roses Small Batch might just become your new friend.

Nose: Dive into a warm embrace of vanilla, cherry, and oak aromas.

Taste: Creamy velvet on your tongue, carrying rich vanilla, caramel, and a dash of rye spice, all resting on a bed of subtle oak.

Finish: Long and satisfying, it avoids harsh burns, leaving a lingering touch of burnt caramel for a sweet goodbye.

Verdict: This bourbon offers excellent value for neat sipping. It’s a clear step up from the basic Four Roses Yellow Label, but doesn’t quite reach the peak of their Single Barrel expression (my personal Four Roses favorite).

Beyond the Sip:

Crafted from a blend of four distinct Kentucky bourbons, each with its personality.
Two rye-heavy mash bills (60% and 75% rye) add complexity, while the remaining corn brings sweetness.
Unique yeast strains in each bourbon influence the final flavor profile.
Aged for at least 4 years in single-story rickhouses for consistent aging.
Only 4 casks blend into each release, ensuring quality control.
Owned by the Kirin Brewery Company, part of the Mitsubishi Group.

Remember: Taste is subjective! Explore and find your perfect pour, whether it’s sweet smoothness or something more adventurous.