How to Drink Angel’s Envy Bourbon

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:36 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Angel’s Envy Bourbon: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey aged in Port Wine barrels.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Ideal for sipping neat due to its smooth and sweet nature, suggests bourbon expert Neil Coleman.
• Features a unique finish in port wine barrels, adding complexity.
• Tasting notes include caramel, vanilla, and a hint of fruit.
• Pairs well with smoked meats and dark chocolate.
• Store in a cool, dark place to maintain quality.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Angel’s Envy Bourbon

“Angel’s Envy is a sweet and smooth bourbon with a delightful breakfast feel, ideally sipped neat from a neck pour. “, states bourbon expert, Neil Coleman.

Its uniqueness stems from a port cask finish, which imparts distinct flavors, setting it apart from traditional bourbons.

This bourbon is notably smooth and characterized by a blend of maple and spice in its flavor profile.

Adding Water

Adding water to the Angel’s Envy, which is only bottled at 86 proof (43% ABV), doesn’t reveal additional flavors and may actually dull its existing ones.

Therefore, I advise against adding water due to the risk of muting its distinct taste.

Adding Ice

For those who prefer their whiskey chilled, I suggest using a large ice ball to minimize dilution or opting for stainless steel whiskey stones or chilled glasses.

This approach helps maintain the original taste of Angel’s Envy without compromising its flavor.

Glassware Selection

Opt for a Glencairn glass when sipping Angel’s Envy.

This glass is designed to enhance the whiskey-tasting experience.

Its tapered mouth focuses the aroma, allowing for a fuller appreciation of the bourbon’s complex scents, including Angel’s Envy’s unique notes from its port cask finish.

The shape also makes it comfortable to hold and sip, ensuring that you experience all the nuanced flavors and aromas this bourbon has to offer.

Tasting Notes

The nose of Angel’s Envy features unconventional bourbon scents such as coconut and chocolate, mixed with vanilla.

Its texture on the palate is a bit light, missing some fullness.

Flavor-wise, it begins with a spiciness akin to red wine, evolving into notes of maple syrup, caramel, vanilla, and baking spices.

The finish is long and smooth, marked by a moderate sweetness and understated notes of toasted oak and baking spice.

Angel’s Envy Cocktails

Angel’s Envy’s distinctive flavor profile and premium price make me explore other options for cocktail-making.

Nonetheless, here are a few ideas you might consider:

Maple Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1/2 oz Maple Syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Orange Peel for Garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, combine Bourbon, maple syrup, and bitters.
2. Add ice and stir until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange peel, expressing the oils over the drink.

Vanilla Sour

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Vanilla Syrup
• Egg White (optional for froth)
• Lemon Twist for Garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine Bourbon, lemon juice, vanilla syrup, and egg white (if using) in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously.
2. Add ice and shake again until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Port Manhattan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Port Wine
• 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Cherry for Garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, add Bourbon, port wine, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice.
2. Stir until chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
4. Garnish with a cherry.

Pairing with Food

Here are five sweet food pairings that would complement Angel’s Envy Bourbon unique profile:

Dark Chocolate Truffles

• The rich, bitter notes of dark chocolate truffles can beautifully contrast with the sweet and smooth profile of this Bourbon, enhancing its maple and vanilla notes.

Caramel Apple Tart

• A caramel apple tart, with its sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy flavors, pairs wonderfully with the bourbon, echoing its caramel and apple notes.

Maple Pecan Pie

• The natural sweetness of maple and the nuttiness of pecans in a pecan pie complement the sweet, oaky flavors of this Bourbon, creating a harmonious dessert pairing.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

• A simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can bring out the vanilla notes in this Bourbon, while the creaminess of the ice cream balances the bourbon’s smooth texture.

Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake

• The spices in a pumpkin cheesecake, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, can enhance the baking spice notes in this Bourbon, while the creaminess of the cheesecake pairs nicely with its texture.

Preserving the Bottle

• Store in a cool place with minimal light.
• Ensure the seal is tight to avoid oxidation.
• Drink promptly once the quantity falls below 25% to preserve consistent flavor.

About Angel’s Envy Bourbon

• Bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof).
• Matured for 4-6 years.
• Consists of a mash bill with 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley.
• Awarded 98 points by Wine Enthusiast.
• Received a five-star rating in F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.
• Crafted by Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, known for creating Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack.
• Part of the Bacardi Company portfolio, alongside brands like Grey Goose and Patron Tequila.