Popular Kentucky Distilleries: Angel’s Envy

OriginLouisville, Kentucky, United States
ManufacturerLouisville Distilling Company
EstablishedFounded in 2010
OwnershipBacardi Limited
Angels Envy

Introduction

Angel’s Envy, a distillery renowned for its innovative approach to bourbon production, offers a range of popular products that showcase their commitment to quality and creativity. From the Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in Port Wine Barrels to the Rye Whiskey finished in Rum Casks, each release embodies a unique flavor profile achieved through secondary barrel finishes.

The distillery’s timeline reflects a rich history, from the early 20th century when bourbon was sold in bulk to the groundbreaking launch of Angel’s Envy in 2011 and the opening of their downtown Louisville distillery in 2016. With famous product releases like the Japanese Mizunara-finished Bourbon and interviews with key figures like Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson and co-founder Wes Henderson, Angel’s Envy continues to push boundaries in the bourbon industry while maintaining a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels

Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak Barrels

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels

Rye Whiskey Finished in Rum Casks

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Casks

Timeline of Angel’s Envy Distillery

  • Early 20th Century: Bottles were not common, and bourbon was typically sold in bulk to wholesalers who then distributed it to various establishments.
  • 1870: George Brown introduced a premium, high-quality whiskey exclusively for physicians, marking the beginning of a trend towards quality assurance in whiskey production.
  • 1897: The Bottled-In-Bond Act was passed, guaranteeing the quality of whiskey sold in sealed bottles and simplifying tax collection.
  • 1903: Introduction of an automatic bottle-making machine made bottling cost-effective for the first time.
  • 2010: Wes Henderson convinced his father, Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, to collaborate on creating Angel’s Envy, utilizing port barrels and secondary finishing techniques.
  • 2011: Angel’s Envy was launched, defying traditional bourbon maturation by using port casks alongside new American oak casks.
  • 2013: Groundbreaking for the downtown Louisville distillery, which became the first full-production whiskey distillery in downtown Louisville.
  • 2016: The downtown distillery opened to the public, offering tours, tastings, and unique experiences for whiskey enthusiasts.

Famous Product Releases

  • Port Finish: Angel’s Envy’s signature bourbon finished in port barrels, creating a unique flavor profile.
  • Rum and Sherry Finishes: Expansion into rum and sherry finishes alongside the original port finish.
  • Cask Strength Edition: A high-proof release catering to enthusiasts seeking a more intense bourbon experience.
  • Japanese Mizunara-finished Bourbon: Limited-edition release finished in rare Japanese Mizunara oak casks.

Important People

  • Lincoln Henderson: Renowned Master Distiller and co-founder of Angel’s Envy, known for his innovative approach to bourbon production.
  • Wes Henderson: Co-founder of Angel’s Envy and instrumental in bringing his father out of retirement to create the distillery.
  • Kyle Henderson: Joined the family business to learn from his grandfather Lincoln Henderson.

Significant Historical Events

  • Angel’s Envy played a pivotal role in restoring historical bourbon production in Louisville’s Whiskey Row.
  • The distillery’s commitment to quality and innovation challenged traditional bourbon-making practices.

Interviews with People at the Distillery

Interviews with Wes Henderson revealed his passion for creating something new in the bourbon industry by utilizing unique finishing techniques and his induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame for his contributions.

Products and Practices

Angel’s Envy distinguishes itself through its secondary finishing techniques using port, rum, sherry, and other cask types. The distillery focuses on small-batch blending to ensure consistent flavor profiles. Additionally, Angel’s Envy is committed to sustainability through initiatives like Toast the Trees, where fans support tree planting efforts. The distillery offers immersive experiences like tours, tastings, cocktail classes, and a Bottle Your Own Single Barrel experience for visitors.

Citations:
[1] https://www.angelsenvy.com/us/en/guide/whiskey-history/the-birth-of-bottling/
[2] https://www.angelsenvy.com/us/en/our-story/the-family/wes-henderson/
[3] https://greatdrams.com/angels-envy-distillery-story/
[4] https://vinepair.com/articles/angels-envy-bourbon-rye-guide/
[5] https://nuvomagazine.com/daily-edit/angels-envy-honours-louisvilles-bourbon-history