KY Bourbon Fest bound? Keep an eye out for these new releases

September 13, 2024The Bar Belle Leave a comment

The sold-out Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) starts today and continues through Sunday. If you are lucky to have scored tickets, here are some special new bottles to keep an eye out for. They might be at each distillery’s booth for a taste, or some might even choose to sell them there as well.

I’ll be posting from the KBF every day on the Bourbon Country social media platforms (@justaddbourbon), so be sure to follow my bourbon-soaked shenanigans. I will try and behave myself for the most part, and if you’re there on Sunday, Sept. 15, stop by the Bourbon:30 panel discussion on bourbon journalism with myself and some very cool writers in the industry. It runs from 1:30-2 p.m.

Four Roses 2024 Limited Edition Small Batch

OK, so this one will most likely NOT be at the KBF, but it is being released at the nearby Cox’s Creek Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling Facility as well as the Lawrenceburg distillery on Saturday, Sept. 14. It’s first-come, first-serve, so you’ll have to line up early. I believe they’ll start letting people in line around 3 a.m. Shoo!

This year’s release features bourbon aged 12-20 years old and is bottled at 108.2 proof and non-chill filtered. I received a media sample and can say with 100% certainty that it’s delicious and worth the time in line. I get a lot of citrus and vanilla notes from this one, as well as a lovely baked cherry note, some of that Four Roses spice, and also an underlying flavor of toffee and creme brûlée.

Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged 2024

This one WILL be for sale each morning at the KBF while supplies last. This year’s Maker’s Mark Cellar Aged release clocks in at 119.3 proof and comes from a blend of 12- and 13-year-old bourbons.

If you recall last year’s inaugural release, it’s created from taking fully mature barrels of Maker’s Mark (4-6 years old) and then relocating them inside the Maker’s cellar for extra aging. The moderate conditions inside the cellar allow the bourbon to age gracefully, and in turn, they’re not losing as much to the angels.

It’s tasty, as always, and is everything I wanted added to my standard Maker’s Mark: age and proof.

Angel’s Envy Triple Oak

For the first time in over 10 years, Angel’s Envy is adding a third bottle to its signature, everyday lineup, in the form of a Triple Oak bourbon. It’s a is a blend of whiskeys finished in three types of barrels: Hungarian Oak from Hungary, Chinkapin Oak from Kentucky, and French Oak from — you guessed it — France. It’s bottled at 92 proof.

This bottle will eventually be distributed throughout the U.S., but if you just can’t wait, it’ll be available at the Louisville distillery on Saturday, Sept. 14, as well as at the KBF that morning, too. Master Distiller Owen Martin will be at the festival as well, and I hear he’ll be doing a tasting of it on Friday. So if you’re interested, head to the AE booth and ask for details.

The Triple Oak bourbon is rich and nuanced, and I seem to taste something different every time I try it. (Full disclosure: I was given a media sample to review.) Sometimes I get milk chocolate and coffee, while other times I get a nice oak toast and cinnamon.

Booker’s Bourbon “The Reserves”

If you’re a fan of Booker’s, this release is like a “very special episode” of Booker’s. It blends bourbons that are 8-14 years old and will be released in smaller quantities because of the rare nature of these bourbons. The 2024 release spans eight production dates and eight different warehouses, and it is bottled at 125.9 proof.

I’d like to get a taste of this before I commit to buy, but deep down I know it’s going to be amazing — especially since I’ve never met a Booker I didn’t like. Hopefully I can taste it at KBF, where I’ll be stalking Freddie Noe for his country ham.

Little Book “The Infinite: Edition 1“

And speaking of Freddie Noe, he has a new Little Book release just in time for the KBF and National Bourbon Heritage Month: “The Infinite: Edition 1.” This is the first-ever brand extension from Little Book that features whiskey laid down by three generations of the Noe family: Booker, Fred and Freddie.

The whiskey ranges in age from 7-20 years old, and each is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It’s bottled at 119.3 proof. I haven’t tried this one yet either, but here are some details from the news release:

“Edition I: The bourbon distilled by Booker Noe lays the groundwork with notes of oak, char, and smoke. Fred Noe’s bourbon brings in rich flavors of dark fruit, cherry, and brown sweets. And it’s all rounded out with bourbon Freddie Noe made where caramel, vanilla, and spice notes really shine through. Perfectly balanced yet unlike anything made before.”

I’m hoping they’ll have both the Booker’s and Little Book at the KBF, but I don’t have confirmation. So we’ll just mosey on over there and pray for a miracle.

Other bottles to look out for …

Now that distilleries can sell bottles at the KBF, I’d say most of them will come with something special. My advice would be to head to your favorites as soon as you get in the gate and find out what they have. Heaven Hill always brings some great bourbons, as does Bardstown Bourbon Company, Green River and Lux Row.

Also, remember that the KBF has partnered with most of the distilleries involved and picked special single-barrel releases in honor of the festival. These will also be for sale at each distillery each day. So your chances of scoring a great bottle of bourbon are extremely high. Hopefully higher than the rain chances this weekend!

See you there!

New Angel’s Envy Bottled in Bond shows off bourbon without port finish

June 7, 2024The Bar Belle Leave a comment

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.

Angel's Envy Master Distiller Owen Martin — Angel’s Envy Master Distiller Owen Martin | Courtesy

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.

Owen Martin shares a sample — Martin shares a sample and explains the concept behind the release. | Photo by Sara Havens

“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.

Thank heavens! Angel’s Envy to release first-ever Cask Strength Rye

October 5, 2023The Bar Belle Leave a comment

The thirsty whiskey angels are finally sharing some of their coveted stock. Angel’s Envy is gearing up for not one but TWO big releases this season, and one is a brand new product for the 12-year-old company.

On Dec. 1, Angel’s Envy will release its annual Cask Strength Bourbon PLUS its first-ever Cask Strength Rye Whiskey. Both will be in fancy new bottles and will commemorate Master Distiller Owen Martin’s first big releases of his career at the downtown Louisville distillery. Martin joined Angel’s Envy last fall after working for six years at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and, before that, studying the craft of whiskey making in Scotland.

“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,” Martin said in a news release.

“With my deep background in maturing, blending and finishing whiskey, I’ve been able to share a unique perspective on the Cask Strength program and am looking forward to this next chapter with the brand.”

A few weeks back, a group of local media, including yours truly, met up with Martin to taste the two new products and also hear about the process of bringing these bottles to the market.

His enthusiasm for the whiskey was endearing, and his goal is to continue elevating the brand and its mastery over the finishing process. Instead of rushing to get something out, Martin instead chose to wait until the whiskey was ready.

Cask Strength Rye

If you’re a fan of the regular Angel’s Envy Rye Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks, well, this new release tastes nothing like that. In fact, it’s its own distinct product and is definitely not finished in rum casks this time around.

Bottled at 114.4 proof, the release is a blend of rye whiskeys finished in used sauternes and toasted oak barrels. Sauternes is a dessert wine from France.

This is actually the 10th anniversary of Angel’s Envy Rye, so the company wanted to recognize that milestone with its own cask strength iteration. Again, this tastes very different than that standard AE Rye, so keep that in mind. But in my opinion, it’s a much better whiskey and really showcases great, mature rye whiskey and the Angel’s Envy spin on finishing.

The flavor jumps with sweet fruit notes like pear and apple, followed by a sprinkle of that rye black pepper spice. A drizzle of caramel on top seals the deal for my taste buds, and the finish is long, spicy and rich. The term “pimp juice” keeps coming to mind, and I have no idea why, but it seems fitting here. You won’t be disappointed. Trust me.

There are only 5,500 bottles available, so be ready to vigorously scour your local liquor stores. It’ll retail for a suggested $269.99.

Cask Strength Bourbon

Not to be overshadowed by the rye, Angel’s Envy is also releasing the 12th iteration of its Cask Strength Bourbon series.

Martin said the team goes through the rick houses and marks the “very special” barrels each year, and it’s up to him to blend them together for this annual award-winning product.

This year’s release contains some of the first whiskey distilled at the distillery and leans more port-heavy than previous batches. For Martin, blending and marrying the barrels is the most important part of the process.

And you can tell he’s a master of the craft, because the balance of flavors in this release is phenomenal. At 118.2 proof, there is surprisingly no sting like a bee, but rather the creamy, sweet notes float like a butterfly over my tastebuds.

I definitely get the port on the finish, but on first sip it’s sugary notes of marshmallow and caramel, with baking spices and hints of oak and tobacco toward the back of my tongue. I thought the 10th anniversary Cask Strength Bourbon was going to be hard to beat, but this one gives it a run for its money.

This release will retail for $229.99, and there will definitely be more bottles of this than the rye — 22,656 to be exact. Still, that has to be split throughout all 50 states, so it’ll still be somewhat hard to find.

According to the news release, both of these bottles will go on sale at the distillery starting Dec. 1, or you might get lucky and find them at your local liquor stores. The rye will only be sold in Kentucky, New York, Florida, California, Texas, Illinois, Ohio and Tennessee.

11th Angel’s Envy Cask Strength drops today

November 1, 2022The Bar Belle Leave a comment

It’s crazy to think that just about a decade ago, downtown Louisville didn’t have a single distillery or bourbon experience to be found. And now, thanks to pioneers like Evan Williams, Old Forester, Michter’s and Angel’s Envy, the city now boasts about a dozen distilleries and plenty of bourbon-soaked adventures for locals and tourists alike.

Angel’s Envy launched its first product in 2011 and opened the doors to its state-of-the-art distillery on Main Street in 2016. And during that very first year or two of introducing the world to the Angel’s Envy brand, the Hendersons, led by co-founder Wes Henderson, decided to come out with a special cask-strength version that would become a rare treat for fans each year.

Angel's Envy bottle — Angel’s Envy bottle

Well, the 11th annual Angel’s Envy Cask Strength comes out today, and in my opinion, these are truly getting better each and every year.

This year’s release is bottled at 119.8 proof and comes with the fancy wooden case, just like in previous years. And there will be about 17,000 of these released in every U.S. state to spread the bourbon love around.

“Our annual Cask Strength expression is our most highly anticipated annual tradition at Angel’s Envy, both for our team and for our fans, and this year’s release is special – not just because it is an exceptional whiskey, but because it also marks an exciting time in Angel’s Envy’s growth,” said Gigi DaDan, general manager of Angel’s Envy, in a news release. “Looking ahead, we can’t wait to see the unique perspective that our new Master Distiller Owen Martin will bring to the Cask Strength program as he oversees it with the support of our best-in-class production team.”

I was able to try a sample of this year’s release and can attest to its creamy mouthfeel, as the press release describes. It comes off a little hot on first sip, but once you acclimate to the high proof, you get those nice warm flavors of brown sugar, black pepper, citrus and of course a drizzle of caramel.

The Cask Strength retails for $229.99.

A sneak peek inside Angel’s Envy’s new $8.2 million expansion

May 27, 2022The Bar Belle Leave a comment

It’s crazy to think that a distillery that opened in 2016 already needs some elbow room, but when you’re making bourbon in Kentucky, it’s basically par for the course.

Angel’s Envy will soon open the doors to its latest $8.2 million expansion, which adds 13,000 square feet to the Main Street distillery and will allow more than 100,000 guests per year. The project has been underway since late 2020, and the folks over there have been tight-lipped about what we can expect from the new space — until now.

Every time I’ve stopped by Angel’s Envy during the last year or so, I noticed the construction was always behind closed doors, or more like behind huge black tarps. I tried sneaking a peek on several occasions, but they would threaten to take my bourbon away and I would quickly oblige.

Finally, last week, a small group of local media was invited to witness the incredible vision and foresight Angel’s Envy has to propel them to the next level of bourbon tourism in Kentucky.

Lincoln Tasting Room — One of the new tasting rooms is named after Lincoln Henderson, the co-founder of Angel’s Envy. | Photo by Sara Havens

When your distillery and all its components already fill out 90,000 square feet, 13,000 more feet isn’t a tremendous amount to add. But what they’ve managed to do with that new space completely changes the game.

We’re talking five more private tasting rooms, a full kitchen for caterers, several new event spaces, a new bar, doors that open by themselves when tours begin, a “Bottle Your Own” experience room, and an expanded gift shop for more merchandise. Yes, you really do need some Angel’s Envy socks. Trust me.

Dee Ford, the Brand Home General Manager at Angel’s Envy, told us that this expansion will allow them to accommodate 64,000 more people per year, which is about how many they’ve had to turn away the last couple of years due to space and tour limitations.

Many tourists come to Kentucky believing they can just walk up to a distillery and jump on a tour, but unfortunately, that just isn’t the case anymore. Ford said she hated sending people away who just wanted some kind of distillery experience but didn’t have a reservation, and now there’s room for tastings and special bottles and all the shopping a bourbon fanatic could want.

Look at this brand new bar! | Photo by Sara Havens

“We’re really proud of the expansion and the opportunities it will give us,” Ford said. “We can’t wait for the public to see what we’ve created for them.”

Angel’s Envy chose the same style of building for the expansion, so you really don’t notice a huge difference when looking at the old vs. the new from the outside, and inside, the connected buildings work as one seamless hub of activity. The five new private tasting rooms are pristine and intimate, allowing you to hear every word the guide says as he explains how to taste bourbon.

One cool new feature that I particularly liked was a new room/foyer where all tours now begin. This is where you meet your guide and he or she gives you the rundown of the rules. Then, as you are about to embark on your excursion, two large wooden doors swing open like magic, welcoming you inside the working distillery.

The newly expanded Angel’s Envy and all of its new facilities will open to the public on Tuesday, June 14, which is fittingly National Bourbon Day.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Founders Collaboration

Alcohol Professor: 7 of the Best Whiskey Releases of Spring 2022

April 13, 2022The Bar Belle Leave a comment

Here’s my most recent piece for Alcohol Professor on some of the newest bourbon and whiskey releases this spring.

Spring has certainly sprung in the whiskey world, with new releases pushing up through the soil quicker than I can remove winter’s gook. There once was one big release period in the fall, but it seems nobody’s holding back their bourbon-soaked bounty for that anymore. So let’s take a look at some of the latest crop looking for a little sunshine and sippin’.

Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished In Ice Cider Casks

107 Proof | $249.99

In 2013, Angel’s Envy came out with rye whiskey finished in Caribbean rum casks that was — and still is — phenomenal. There truly is nothing at all like it in the marketplace today, so it’s no surprise they didn’t mess with it for nine years. Until now. As part of the Cellar Collection, this release finishes the Angel’s Envy rye (sans the Caribbean rum) in ice cider casks from Vermont-based Eden Specialty Ciders for 364 days.

The rye whiskey is 7 years old, so it’s solid even without the cider finish. You definitely get that hint of apple on the nose, and then once you sink your teeth in — er, I mean sip — it’s like Grandma’s apple pie. Straight up baked apple with drizzles of caramel, sprinkles of cinnamon and even some roasted cashews thrown into the mix. The price tag is a bit steep on this one, but if you’re a rye and cider fan, this is your golden goose.

Uncle Nearest

118.4 proof | $149

Uncle Nearest Tennessee Whiskey first came onto the scene in 2017, and as founders Fawn Weaver and company conceptualized the welcoming distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., they were smart to lay down some of their own distillate before ground was ever broken.

Now, that whiskey is about 5 years old, and the company will be switching over to that juice, which is 100-percent distilled, aged and bottled by Uncle Nearest. They’ll also be adding to their lineup of offerings, including some rye whiskeys, but first they celebrated the milestone with the release of the Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition, which is only available at the distillery.

There’s a reason Uncle Nearest is the most awarded American whiskey company for the last few years, and once you pop the top on this bottle, you’ll know why. The whiskey titillates with butter pecan, dark fruit and toffee notes — and that’s just in the aroma. The flavors are very impressive for a 5-year-old whiskey, and the notes I just mentioned are all heightened in that first sip, along with hints of butterscotch and caramel corn. The whiskey is thick and leaves you thirsty for more.

Bardstown Bourbon Co. Collaborative Series: KBS Stout

110 proof | $159.99

The latest in Bardstown Bourbon Company’s Collaborative Series has them teaming up with the beloved Michigan beer company Founders Brewing. The finished whiskey began as a 10-year-old Tennessee bourbon and then was put into Founders Brewing KBS Stout Barrels for 15 months. As with most of these collaborations, the results are phenomenal.

This is one that reveals new flavors with each sip. On the nose you get wonderful notes of coffee, cocoa and orange peel, most likely from the stout finish. And then that first sip explodes with black cherry, dark chocolate and even more coffee. It may sound complex, but the bourbon and the stout have intermingled well, making it a fun experiment and treat for both beer and bourbon lovers. I’m thinking about adding this to my coffee to see if those mocha notes come out even more.

15 Stars Timeless Reserve

103 proof | $279

This is the newest bourbon to hit store shelves (in Kentucky only, sorry folks), and yet it’s the oldest one at 14 years old. 15 Stars is a new brand named in honor of America’s 15th state — you guessed it, Kentucky!

The father and son team of Rick and Ricky Johnson sourced barrels for this blend, called Timeless Reserve, and they recently revealed the website, which also highlights many historical artifacts from 1795. Although Kentucky was founded in 1792, it took three more years for a 15-star flag to debut.

The Johnsons will continue to put out sourced blends as well as some of their own bourbons and whiskeys they’ve distilled with the help of Bardstown Bourbon Co. using various types of heirloom corn.

At a perfect and deliberate 103 proof, this Kentucky bourbon truly is timeless, reminding you just how delicate and nuanced whiskey can be as it ages on past a decade. You get a little of that oak on the nose, along with a nice maple and butterscotch. And after that first sip, it’s a spring bouquet of fresh flavors bursting in your mouth. It’s got that viscous mouthfeel from its time in the oak, plus a few dark chocolate and roasted almond notes, along with hints of sweet vanilla and warm caramel. It’s a high price point, but it’s 14 years old!

FOR THE FULL ARTICLE, CLICK HERE.

Angel’s Envy adds to its Cellar Collection: rye whiskey finished in ice cider casks

February 3, 2022The Bar Belle 2 Comments

In 2013, Angel’s Envy came out with a rye whiskey finished in Caribbean rum casks that was — and still is — phenomenal. There truly is nothing at all like it in the marketplace today, so it’s no wonder the Hendersons didn’t mess with the rye for nine years.

Until now.

Of course they know better than to tweak a product beloved by many, so instead, they’ve taken their rye whiskey surplus and experimented with a new finished product that will be the next bottle in the highly coveted Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection. For the fourth iteration of this collection, behold the Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished in Ice Cider Casks.

The late Lincoln Henderson, who founded Angel’s Envy with his son Wes Henderson, was passionate about innovation, so to honor him, they started the Cellar Collection to produce one-time releases that showcase both experimentation and unique flavor profiles. Wes recently announced his retirement from Angel’s Envy, so now his sons Kyle, Andrew and Connor run the operations at the Louisville distillery.

This newest concept features 7-year-old, 95% rye whiskey that has been aged for 364 days in ice cider casks from the Vermont-based Eden Specialty Ciders. Ice cider is a dessert-style cider that is produced primarily in the northern United States and Canada.

“The flavor profile of this whiskey is very unique — the spiciness of the rye is balanced by the fruity sweetness from the ice cider casks, and there’s a crispness that is really distinct,” said Kyle Henderson, distillery production manager, in a news release. “We’ve never seen a whiskey finished in ice cider casks before, so we’re excited to introduce this finish as part of our Cellar Collection.”

Kyle explained that it was Andrew who first suggested the ice cider finish, and after they took a deep dive into the world of cider-making, “we fell in love with the product and the process and knew these special casks would be an excellent match for our rye,” he said.

The whiskey is bottled at 107 proof and will be sold for a suggested price of $249.99. There will be 6,000 bottles as part of this limited-edition release, and it’ll officially hit store shelves around Feb. 25 in Kentucky, New York, California, Florida, Tennessee, Illinois and Texas. If you’re a 500 Main member, keep an eye out for an email on Feb. 15 where you can enter to win a chance to purchase a bottle.

So how does it taste?

I was fortunate to receive an extravagant media package this week that included a sample of the finished whiskey, plus all the ingredients and tools to make cheese fondue, complete with Vermont apples, Kenny’s cheese, a cutting board, Blue Dog Bakery bread and much more. I plan on trying my hand at fondue tonight, but for now I’ll just focus on the whiskey, since that is what we’re here for.

(If you’re curious to see how the fondue unfolds, I’ll post something to my Instagram later.)

Color: Since this rye whiskey is seven years old, it’s got a decent amount of amber hue to it, but in comparison to some of the other Cellar Collection releases, like the Sherry or Tawny finish, it’s much lighter since the finishing spirit is light in color. You’re probably like, “No duh,” but whatever.

Aroma: You definitely get that apple right up front, and if I close my eyes and inhale, I feel like there’s a late-season Northern Spy apple under my nose that I’m about to sink my teeth into. OK, so I don’t know my apples that well — I pulled “late-season Northern Spy” from the news release — but you get the point. On top of the apple, I get light caramel and roasted cashew notes.

Taste: If you took an apple, cut it into pieces and sprinkled black pepper, brown sugar and cinnamon over it, as well as a light drizzle of hot caramel, that is exactly what I taste here. The rye doesn’t soften at all. You get a little of that ice cider sweetness on the tip of the tongue, and then the fury of the rye quickly warms things up as it moves to the back. The finish is quite pleasant as the spice shapeshifts back into sweet.

Thoughts: This is definitely a great experiment with rye whiskey and ice cider, and it certainly is a one-of-a-kind product. Would I swap it out permanently for the regular Angel’s Envy Rye? No. But nobody’s asking me to. Am I going to shell out $250 for a bottle? I suppose I should do my taxes first and then make that decision later. (Ahh, the benefits of freelancing.)

Bravo, Angel’s Envy, for always pushing the envelope of innovation. This is a great pairing, and I look forward to whatever else is up your sleeve.

Bourbon sips & scoops: Maker’s, Parker’s, Angel’s, Michter’s and more!

October 30, 2020The Bar Belle Leave a comment

Things are starting to pile up on the Bar Belle desk, and my boss is nowhere to be found! I should have written this sooner and I apologize, dear thirst nuggets.

But alas, here I am with a mound of announcements and a handful of samples. What’s a bourbon journalist to do? Let’s take ’em one at a time.

Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup bottle

You might see these pop up at your local liquor store this weekend! It’s the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup commemorative bottle, which also helps raise funds for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund.

As you know, the Breeders’ Cup will return to Keeneland Race Course Nov. 6-7, so this limited-edition bottle celebrates the partnership between the two entities — as well as Maker’s Mark, which is the official bourbon of the race.

I kinda like the white bottle with the purple wax — it would definitely make a nice show piece on your bar or nightstand. Hey, no judgement here.

Buffalo Trace expands soda line with ginger ale and ginger beer

If you’ve visited Buffalo Trace Distillery within the last year, you probably noticed Freddie’s Root Beer for sale in the gift shop.

Freddie Johnson is a longtime tour guide — and all around great bourbon ambassador — at Buffalo Trace, so the line is named in his honor.

Word is, they’re expanding the line with ginger ale and ginger beer. These will make perfect mixers for that bourbon you pick up there, or consumed on their own, of course.

The new products should be at the distillery by mid November and will sell for $1.25 a bottle.

New Releases:

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2020

Despite the craptacular year we’ve had, good things do happen. Case in point, the release of the annual Angel’s Envy Cask Strength.

This biting baby doll will be 120.4 proof and released on Nov. 1 — just in time for the election. (Maybe we’ll be celebrating, or maybe we’ll be drowning our sorrows — who knows.)

There are only 17,400 bottles divided up between all 50 states (for the first time ever), so dust off that hunting gear and get prepared for next week.

I was fortunate to try a sample of this year’s release and can say that it does not sip like 120 juice — it’s quite smooth, and it’s teeth are not as sharp as you’d imagine them to be. There’s a lot of vanilla, caramel and brown sugar up front, but there’s also a nice ripe cherry note in there, as well.

And the finish … ah, the finish: It’s like licking the spoon after Mom made some sugar cookies. I could sip on this all night long.

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength will retail for $199.99.

Michter’s Toasted Barrel Finish Rye

These delectable dudes were released in September, so I’m sorry I’m just now getting to them. You may be able to find a pour of them at your favorite bourbon bar, and I suggest you give them a sip!

The Toasted Rye consists of fully matured Michter’s Single Barrel Rye (at barrel strength) that is then put into a second custom toasted barrel and aged a bit longer.

The result is gorgeous notes of caramel and spice and everything nice. I was also fortunate to receive a sample and will tell you without hesitation that this juice is richer than a cheesecake the Golden Girls are huddled over at midnight.

I love the viscosity in this one, as well. It’s thick and coats my mouth like a North Face. Think of the consistency of a cherry juice — if you buy the right ones, especially Luxardo — and you get the idea.

This limited release is bottled around 109.2 proof and goes for about $85 if you can find it in a store.

Parker’s Heritage 2020: Heavy Char Bourbon

This is the 14th edition of this annual, highly anticipated release, and it’s a 10-year-old bourbon that was aged in a heavily charred (level 5) barrels.

The brand is named after the late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, and it raises funds for ALS, the disease Beam passed away from in 2010.

This one is bottled at 120 proof and retails for about $120. And like these other releases, it’ll be hard to find.

I was fortunate to try a sample of this, too, and would describe it as a maple bomb. It’s got a touch of spice and sips easy — I can imagine sipping it next to a fireplace as it gently snows outside.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C920

This is the third barrel-proof release from Elijah Craig this year, and it’s the second highest proof — at 132.8 proof.

This seems to be a theme here, but despite the high proof, it sips quite smoothly. It’s got deep flavors of toasted marshmallow, caramel, and I’m even getting some milk chocolate in the sample I got.

This is uncut, 12-year-old bourbon bottled straight from the barrel, as God intended. If you haven’t explored the Elijah Craig portfolio, I’d recommend getting acquainted with it. It’s delicious and pretty darn affordable.

This one retails for around $65.99.

Larceny Barrel Proof C920

This wheated barrel-proof bourbon is also a product of Heaven Hill, like the Elijah Craig above.

Bottled at 122.4 proof, this bourbon is consists of bourbon aged 6 to 8 years and is non-chill filtered.

To me, this is definitely getting better each time I try a new Larceny release.

Since it’s a wheat-based bourbon, it’s a little sweater on the palate and less spicy, but you get those wonderful full-time flavors — think s’mores, campfire and soft baking spices from the kitchen.

This one retails for around $67.99, and I would recommend the barrel proof over the standard Larceny.

Angel’s Envy goes big for its 10th anniversary with a new release, and it sells out in minutes (sort of)

August 19, 2020The Bar Belle Leave a comment

That angst you felt in the air this morning was from hundreds of local bourbon collectors huddled over their keyboards trying to score a bottle of the new Angel’s Envy release, aptly called Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Japanese Mizunara Oak Casks.

Yes, it’s quite a mouthful for the whiskey that celebrates the 10th anniversary of company’s Founder’s Day (Aug. 19), when the very first port barrel was filled with Angel’s Envy bourbon. And it’s quite a bottle, crafted from premium, lead-free crystal, and is meant to be used as a decanter once you’ve imbibed all the precious juice within.

The extremely limited release (only 1,200 bottles) will set you back $349.99 — if you were able to nab it from the AE website this morning (which had some technical difficulties). While that initial launch was to the brand’s 500 Main club members, they’re holding back more bottles for the official release at the distillery on Sept. 1.

So what makes this so special?

The bottle in its full glory!

Well, despite such a limited number of bottles available, the whiskey is a blend of four-year-old and nine-year-old Angel’s Envy that is finished in hand-selected, charred, new Japanese Mizunara oak casks for an additional two years.

These Japanese casks are actually made from rare, 200-year-old wood that was very porous — soaking the bourbon right up into the charred wood.

“Ten years ago today, my dad Lincoln and I filled our first port barrels with the bourbon that would eventually become Angel’s Envy. In celebration, we wanted to release something special to honor my dad’s incredible legacy, how far Angel’s Envy has come and our exciting future ahead,” said Wes Henderson, Angel’s Envy co-founder and chief innovation officer, in a news release.

As you may or may not know, the Japanese create some great whiskey of their own and also are rabid consumers of Kentucky bourbon.

“We chose this release for the 10th anniversary because my dad, having taken on several consulting roles in Japan during his career, always had a deep appreciation for the country and its distilling community,” added Henderson.

The 750ml bottle is a warm 97.8 proof.

I was fortunate to try a sample provided to the media and can say it’s definitely a fitting tribute to 10 years of the company. From first whiff, I got intense notes of banana bread, burnt marshmallow and cherry pie. And from a few sips (OK, more than a few), I detected warm vanilla, dark chocolate and definitely some smoky oaky flavors, most likely from the Japanese casks. It also finished smooth like an unpeated scotch.

Is it worth $350? Well, I don’t think I’d pay that much for any bourbon. But if you can spare it, the whiskey is wonderful, the bottle is beautiful, and the milestone is memorable.

Check out the Angel’s Envy website for details on the Sept. 1 release. Not sure if it’ll be one of those first-come, first-serve long line deals, or if they’ll do something different due to COVID restrictions.

New releases: Batch Proof, Barrel Proof and bourbon-battered beer

February 10, 2020The Bar Belle Leave a comment

Just when you thought it was safe to enjoy your bourbon collection as it now stands, along come more damn releases — but that’s a good thing! Right?

Batch Proof

Courtesy of Woodford Reserve

First up, Woodford Reserve is releasing another limited-edition Batch Proof, which is up slightly in proof from last year’s first-ever Batch Proof release (123.6 vs. 123.3). Hey, we’ll take what we can get, right! I thought last year’s was incredible, so I’m excited to try this one on for size.

“Most people do not get to experience Woodford Reserve at such a high-proof presentation, so we are honored to share this special bourbon with the public,” said Master Distiller Chris Morris in a news release. “The intensity and depth of flavor found in Woodford Reserve Batch proof is truly remarkable.”

Thanks, Chris. Now I really need to try it!

According to the release, some flavor notes include rich raisin, brown sugar, “spicy leather character” (huh?) and cedar wood. Sounds like Grandma’s old closet to me.

Regardless, this is going to be great stuff. It’ll retail for $129.99.

Barrel Proof

Photo by Sara Havens

Next up, it’s the 2020 release of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (A120), at a whopping 136.6 proof! Each year, the Barrel Proof starts trickling out to thirsty bourbon fanatics, and it has garnered top accolades throughout the years, including Whisky of the Year.

This is bourbon in its purest form, you all! The only thing they do to it after dumping from the barrel is filter out the flecks of char.

It’s uncut, 12-year-old bourbon that packs a punch as well as a fascinating flavor that you just can’t put down. It’s hot, it’s sweet, it’s sticky. It’s what you’d taste if you found yourself in a rick house with a long-ass straw.

This usually retails for around $60-$70.

Bourbon-aged beer

And finally, Angel’s Envy is preparing to launch a barrel-aged beer program called “Angel’s & Ale,” and its first partner in crime is Against the Grain.

Courtesy of Angel’s Envy

Apparently, AtG created a Belgian Quadruple Ale that was aged for three to four months in port barrels formerly used to finish Angel’s Envy core product.

While the beer will be available for the entire month of March at AtG, they’re having a kickoff party on Feb. 28 at the Angel’s Envy Distillery, just right across the street from AtG. And more good news: They’ll be announcing additional “Angel’s & Ale” collaborations throughout 2020.

Can’t wait to try this brew out, as I’m curious how much flavor resonates from a used port barrel that has aged bourbon for a few months.

Cheers!

The Bar Belle

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