Angel’s Envy vs Jack Daniel’s: Which Wins?

Discover the differences between Angel’s Envy vs Jack Daniel’s in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whiskey is better for You!

Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Nose	Coconut, chocolate, vanilla
Palate	Bread, maple syrup, caramel, vanilla
Finish	Toasted oak, baking spice
Alcohol content	86 proof (43% ABV)
How to drink	Neat
Similar to	Buffalo Trace, Basil Hayden’s

Angel’s Envy is not the typical bourbon as it finished it’s aging in port casks. Port is a strong, sweet, typically dark red fortified wine, originally from Portugal, typically drunk as a dessert wine.

The nose has hints not typical of bourbon such as coconut and chocolate followed by vanilla.

On the palate, the Angel’s Envy feels a bit thin lacking in texture. Taste is a little spicy up-front like a red wine, followed by maple syrup, caramel, vanilla and baking spice.

The finish is long and easy, moderately sweet, with hints of toasted oak and baking spice.

Angel’s Envy is an interesting pour. This is different to the hundreds of bourbons I’ve sampled so far. Very smooth with very little to no burn with a maple breakfast vibe and a tad of spice.

Having a bit more proof would make this bourbon a 5-star pour but it’s quite enjoyable as is.

There are a few facts worth knowing about Angel’s Envy:

• Aged for 4 to 6 years.

• Mash bill is comprised of 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley.

• Earned 98 points from the Wine Enthusiast.

• Earned five stars from F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.

• This brand was created by Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson who developed the Woodford Reserve and the Gentleman Jack while working for Brown Forman.

• This brand is owned by Bermuda-based Bacardi Company along Grey Goose, Patron Tequila, among several others.

Jack Daniel’s No. 7

Nose	Banana, oak, wood polish
Palate	Caramel, banana, oak char
Finish	Citrus, black pepper, oak spice
Alcohol content	80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink	Coke
Similar to	Jim Beam, JW Black Label

The nose brings a plastic banana note, with hints of brown sugar, oak and just a bit of wood polish.

On the palate, Jack Daniel’s falls flat, with very little body as it lacks texture. Somewhat sweet up-front, with oak char bitterness coming behind overwhelming the sweetness as you keep drinking it.

The finish is almost non-existent, hot and peppery, with a hint of citrus and something that reminds me of Gorilla Glue.

I have fond memories as Jack Daniel’s was my first whiskey and something I enjoyed 20 years ago, but my taste has evolved greatly and now is something I would only drink if drowned in Coke.

It’s just too harsh to make a nice sipping whiskey although it gets better when adding rocks. Ice tunes down the heat and the pepper making it acceptable.

The best use you can make of the Jack Daniel’s (Review) is in cocktails, especially when mixed with Coke. In fact, I can’t think of something better except for those Caribbean rums to mix with Coke.

Drink Jack Daniel’s with Coke or ginger ale and you will be very happy with it… beyond that it serves no purpose as it’s just too harsh.

I’ve compiled a list of alternatives Jack Daniel’s that you should look into!

There are a few things worth knowing about Jack Daniel’s

• Jack Daniel’s is the best-selling American whiskey across the globe with sales of over 100 million bottles per year.

• Jack Daniel’s is not a Bourbon, but a Tennessee Whiskey, made from 80% corn, 12% barley, and 8% rye.

• Most distillers adhere to a set amount of years to declare a whiskey ready for bottling but Jack Daniel’s tasters decide when is ready based on color, aroma and flavor. 

• Jack Daniel’s is filtered for up to 12 days through 10 feet (3 meters) of homemade sugar maple charcoal. This process removes some of the harshness from the spirit.

What’s the differences between Basil Hayden’s and Jack Daniel’s?

Jack Daniel’s is not a Bourbon, but a Tennessee Whiskey, a spirit made in the state of Tennessee from a mash with at least 51% corn, distilled at no higher than 160 proof, barreled at no higher than 125 proof in a new and charred oak barrel.

Angel’s Envy vs Jack Daniel’s: Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whiskey	Price
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon	$55
Jack Daniel’s No. 7	$26

Angel’s Envy vs Jack Daniel’s: Which is better?

Angel’s Envy provides a much better experience

Whiskey	Angel’s Envy	Jack Daniel’s
Nose	✅
Body
Palate	✅
Finish	✅
Value	✅

• The Angel’s Envy is an enjoyable sipping bourbon, super smooth, yet tasty and with no harsh notes.

• A bit more proof would make it better as it would add body but it’s quite good as is.

• Jack Daniel’s is something to drink with Coke and that’s the only use I can think of for this whiskey that has been the introductory bottle to booze for millions of people including me.