Angel's Envy Review
Sweet, oh so sweet. How can a bourbon be THIS sweet? The moment it hits your mouth, it’s like drinking sugar water – that sweetness just rushes in. I actually turned the bottle around checking if they’d added sugar or syrup. Sure, I knew it was finished in port wine casks, but… even with port wine being sweet, could that combination really create something this sweet?
But it’s not just a one-dimensional sweetness. There’s something alluring about the subtle vanilla notes and woody aromas that peek through the sweetness. The bourbon character is still there – that distinct alcohol kick as it goes down your throat. Yeah, this is definitely still bourbon. Besides Jack Daniel’s, it’s been a while since I’ve found a bourbon that made me think it’d be perfect for a highball.
This is a bourbon whiskey that seems better suited for highballs than drinking neat. Just imagining it mixed with plenty of ice and soda water makes my mouth water – that would be absolutely perfect.
Angels Envy
When I travel for business, I always buy a bottle of whiskey to finish during my stay. I usually go for bourbon, preferably something tasty and affordable. This time, short on time and craving something straightforward, I picked Angel’s Envy.
I hadn’t tried it before. While I knew the name, I’d never felt compelled to buy it. I chose it precisely because it seemed like something I wouldn’t typically drink at home. At $35, the price was reasonable, and I was up for trying something new.
Angel’s Envy lacks bourbon’s typical bite. At 43% ABV, it’s lower proof than typical bourbon, and it seems they deliberately emphasized the smooth corn notes over bourbon’s characteristic kick. This might be due to its unique 3-6 month finishing period in port wine barrels.
The sweetness is intense – and that’s putting it mildly. That first sip floods your mouth with such sweetness you might wonder if they added syrup. It’s not a sticky, sugary sweetness though – it goes down easy. The problem is that this sweetness is so dominant it overwhelms everything else. After finishing, instead of appreciating the finish, you’re just left thinking, “Wow, that was sweet!”
It’s light on the floral notes, orange hints, and nutty flavors common in other bourbons. The upside is there’s less of that tannic dryness typical in bourbon finishes. It’s incredibly smooth going down. These characteristics make Angel’s Envy perfect for whiskey beginners or sweet-tooth drinkers, but bourbon purists might find it lacking.
Final Verdict
Sweet and bright. Angel’s Envy has its unique charm, but if you’re looking for deep, complex bourbon flavors, you might be left wanting more.
It could make an excellent daily sipper. The sweet, mouth-filling flavor isn’t overwhelming, and thanks to its 43% ABV and port wine cask finishing, it’s considerably smoother than typical bourbon. This makes it highly recommendable for bourbon newcomers or those who find traditional bourbon too intense. It’s a great entry point into whiskey with its smooth, sweet profile.
Personally, I think it would work great in cocktails. The sweetness and smooth texture would probably shine in various cocktail recipes. I bet it would make a fantastic Old Fashioned.
However, bourbon enthusiasts might be disappointed. If you’re expecting traditional bourbon’s complex flavors and bold character, Angel’s Envy’s simple sweetness might become cloying.
Ultimately, Angel’s Envy represents a modern take on bourbon that breaks from tradition. It’s a polarizing whiskey – you’ll either love it or find it too far removed from classic bourbon. For enthusiasts exploring bourbon’s diversity, it’s worth trying at least once.
