Many bourbon purists believe that when a bourbon is finished in a second barrel, it’s because the distiller is trying to cover up something or mask an unwanted flavor note. Sure, that could be true in some cases, but ever since Angel’s Envy debuted in the market in 2011, they’ve had to field this misconception time and time again.

Now, for the first time ever, Angel’s Envy is releasing a special product that shows off its bourbon without any port finish. The Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bottled in Bond will be available only at the distillery starting on National Bourbon Day, June 14.

Using an industry low barrel entry proof of 103, these barrels were made specifically for this release and came in right at 100 proof (the standard for Bottled in Bond releases). The bourbon is almost 6 years old and will be sold in .375ml bottles for $54.99.

I caught up with Master Distiller Owen Martin earlier this week to sample the new product and find out how it came to fruition. Most of us would probably guess that releasing a product so unlike its core brand was likely Martin’s idea, since he was the newest person to join the team in 2022.

Not so, says Martin.

The idea to release an unfinished Angel’s Envy product actually came from founder Lincoln Henderson himself. Although he passed away in 2013, Lincoln left behind several notebooks full of ideas, processes and directions, and coming out with a bourbon that was not finished in ruby port barrels was up his sleeve all along.

“This was not my idea at all. This was an idea that was relayed to me of Lincoln Henderson’s,” says Martin. “It’s very cool for me to execute an idea from the founder of the company.”

The barrels were laid down in the spring of 2018 with that low barrel entry proof of 103. They were then placed on a lower floor of a cool warehouse in Henry County to help manage the angel’s share and proof level, since the goal was to keep them around 100 proof.

Here’s where Martin gets technical: “Instead of withdrawing them at 100 proof, we let them mature further to prioritize flavor,” he explains. “We drew the barrels at 98-99 proof and blended 27 low-proof barrels with two high-proof barrels from the same season to reach exactly 100 proof.”

He whipped out his phone and even showed me a picture the fancy proofing equipment that read 100.000 exactly. He was blown away, since most of the time there’s always a .006 margin. This was the first time he ever got a perfect proof, which surely has to be a sign that Lincoln approves.

“Reframing and thinking outside the box is necessary for any brand,” Martin says. “If I’m innovating correctly, it should feel like a natural extension of the brand and still surprise people. A good example of that was the Rye Cask Strength we released last year. I think that surprised folks a bit, and I think an unfinished Angel’s Envy is really going to surprise some people. Hopefully in a good way. I think the bourbon will speak for itself.”

And speaking it will do. Since I got to try a sample with Martin, I can attest to its wonderful notes of brown sugar, cinnamon, honey and Animal Crackers. Yes, Animal Crackers. It’s in there, I swear! Bourbon purists definitely won’t be disappointed with this one, and hopefully it’ll quell the naysayers who might not be into finished products.

You can pick up your own bottle of Angel’s Envy Bottled in Bond on Friday, June 14. The distillery will be throwing a party that day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., which will include cocktails, appetizers, live music and much more. Martin will also be on hand to sign bottles.