Sips & Sites & Bites

Upping the ante, and the proof, Louisville-based distiller Angel’s Envy just launched their 2023 Cask Strength Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in Sauternes and Toasted Oak Barrels.

In addition, the brand also released the Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels for the 12th year in a row. 

The whiskeys mark the first releases under the eye of Master Distiller Owen Martin, who joined the brand last fall. Both expressions will be available starting Dec. 1st at select retailers across the U.S.

“We are always looking to push the boundaries of innovation at Angel’s Envy,” Owen Martin said. “It was thrilling to kick off my journey with the best-in-class team at the distillery on the 12th Annual Cask Strength Bourbon and the first-ever limited-edition Cask Strength Rye Whiskey.”

The Cask Strength Rye is the brand’s first limited-edition rye whiskey at cask strength, with only 5,500 bottles available for purchase. 

Martin said he put a special touch on this release by blending barrels selected first-hand of two rye whiskeys … one finished in Sauternes casks and the other finished in Toasted Oak barrels. 

The limited-edition Cask Strength Bourbon will have 22,656 bottles available at select retailers in all 50 U.S. states.

As part of their Cask Strength program, the Angel’s Envy team selects noteworthy barrels from its rickhouses to put through an extended finishing process in port wine barrels from Portugal. 

The distiller notes that these special barrels bring forward distinct characteristics in the whiskey, giving each expression a unique nose, palate, and finish. 

The distiller described the Cask Strength Rye as having creamy notes of pears, cream, and rye spice on the palate, which lead into a finish of cream soda, black tea, and a floral sweetness. 

The Cask Strength Bourbon features a profile that clocks in at 118.2 proof, and features creamy notes of cherry, caramel, and marshmallow on the palate, which lead into a finish of baking spice, oak tannins, and red wine. 

The Cask Strength Rye, which clocks in at 114.4-proof, as well as the Cask Strength Bourbon have a suggested retail price of $269.99 and $229.99, respectively. 

You can visit the Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville on Dec. 1st starting at 9 a.m. to purchase both cask strength releases. For more information or where else to find a bottle, check out https://angelsenvy.com.