Given the choice between the 2018 and 2019, I’d take… 2019. I also liked the 2018 more than the 2017, so it seems that I’m liking these more and more each year. Now that the inevitable question of YoY comparison is out of the way we can get down to the task at hand. The 2019 Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Port Finish review.
I’ve never been on the creation and finishing side of the equation, so I can’t speak to this statement from that side of the business, but it seems like port barrels are the trickiest ones to work with. From the consumer POV I’ve tried many port finishes and they’re either too light or too heavy – not-present or overwhelming.
It seems difficult balance out and find that harmonious middle ground, but when you do it creates something astounding… let’s see where this one landed
2019 Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Port Finish Review: Details and Tasting Notes
In Louisville Distilling Co’s Words:
“We judge only a handful of barrels exceptional enough for our lengthy finishing process. The result? Even at 122.4 proof, every sip is worth savoring. A remarkably complex spirit, we suggest you enjoy it neat or with just a splash of water to release the flavor nuances, and perhaps with a few friends who appreciate outstanding whiskey. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength was worth waiting for, now it’s worth sharing.”
Details (price, mash bill, cask type, ABV, etc.)
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Unknown (Woodford Reserve)
Bottler: Louisville Distilling Co.
Mash Bill: At least 51% Corn + Rye + Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak + ex-Port Barrels
Age: NAS
ABV: 61.2%
Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Batch: 2019
Price: $200*
Tasting Notes
EYE
Ruby caramel
NOSE
Dark sugary fruit, grain, nuts, oak, caramel, brown sugar, leather and a touch dry and musty.
PALATE
Oak, brown sugar, dark fruit (jammy), nuts, musty and leathery.
FINISH
Long -> Heavy dark fruit, sugary and oaky.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Ok balance, round-full with a hot oily feel.
2019 Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Port Finish Review: Overall and Score
The port comes in a bit heavy. The Aroma is very sweet and heavy with a strong sugary profile that screams port; Palate has the same basic profile and comes through heavy, dark and sweet with only the oak to really balance it out; Finish is one raisin away from cloying.
It’s not bad, it’s just not fully balanced and I’m getting more of the port than I am the bourbon and this is the problem I have with finished bourbons all too often. The finish overpowers instead of compliments. This is especially true of port which almost always seems to be on the side of too much. It’s a heavy, bold, sweet drink on its own and I have no doubt it’s hard to work with. Unfortunately, this one got a bit away from them, but less so than in previous years.
SCORE: 3/5
*Disclosure: This whiskey sample was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.
2019 Angel's Envy Cask Strength Port Finish Review $200
Overall
3.1- Nose (3)
- Palate (3.5)
- Finish (3)
- BBF (3)
User Review
0 (0 votes) Comments Rating 0 (0 reviews)2019 Angel's Envy Cask Strength Port Finish Review Summary
A fairly tasty whisky with a big port influence. It’s heavy and dark and the port is pronounced enhancing the sweetness in a way that heads towards cloying but pulls up just short.
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