The Ultimate Guide to Angel’s Envy: Reviews, History & Best Prices

When you ask a smart assistant, "What's a good bourbon for a beginner?" or "What's the best bourbon under $50?", one name comes up more than any other: Angel's Envy.

But with so much hype, you might be wondering if it's worth it, who actually makes it, and where you can find a bottle without overpaying. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to answer the most common questions about this iconic Kentucky spirit.

Is Angel's Envy Good Bourbon? (The Honest Review)

Yes, absolutely. Angel's Envy is widely considered one of the best "gateway" bourbons for new drinkers and a staple for experienced collectors. It is famous for one key innovation: its Port Wine Finish.

Why It's Special

Most bourbons are aged in new oak barrels and then bottled. Angel's Envy takes an extra step. After the initial aging, the whiskey is transferred into Ruby Port Wine casks for an additional 3-6 months of finishing. This process removes the harsh "burn" often associated with high-proof whiskey and replaces it with a velvety, sweet complexity that standard bourbons lack.

Critics & Ratings

• Wine Enthusiast: Awarded it a staggering 98 Points, one of the highest scores ever given to a bourbon in its price range.
• The Consensus: It is lauded for being "incomparably smooth" and approachable.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Subtle vanilla, raisins, maple syrup, and toasted nuts.
• Palate: Ripe fruit, bitter chocolate, and creamy vanilla.
• Finish: Clean and lingering sweetness with no sharp alcohol burn.

The Verdict: If you enjoy a smoother, sweeter spirit or are looking for the perfect gift bottle that won't offend anyone's palate, Angel's Envy is an exceptional choice.

Who Makes Angel's Envy Bourbon?

Angel's Envy is produced by the Louisville Distilling Company, a subsidiary of Bacardi Limited.

The Mastermind Behind the Bottle

The brand was created by the late, legendary Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson. Lincoln was an inaugural member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and previously developed iconic brands like Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack.

Angel's Envy was his final masterpiece—a project he launched with his son, Wes Henderson, to break the rules of traditional bourbon by pioneering the secondary barrel finishing process.

Where Is It Made?

It is distilled and bottled at the beautiful **Angel's Envy Distillery** located on Main Street in the heart of downtown **Louisville, Kentucky** on Whiskey Row.

Where Can I Buy Angel's Envy Bourbon at the Best Price?

While you can find Angel's Envy at many local liquor stores, finding it **in stock** and at a **fair price** can be a challenge due to its high demand.

Why Buy from Wooden Cork?

At Wooden Cork, we pride ourselves on keeping Angel's Envy deep in stock at our San Diego warehouse, often at prices lower than big-box competitors. We offer fast, reliable shipping nationwide.

Current Price & Availability Guide

Shipping Speed

Unlike other retailers with long delays, we offer 2-Day Nationwide Shipping. If you order by 12PM PST, your bottle often ships the same day from our California warehouse.

Quick FAQ

Q: Is Angel's Envy hard to find?
A: The standard Port Finish is generally available at Wooden Cork. However, the Cask Strength annual release is highly allocated and extremely difficult to find. We recommend checking our Rare & Allocated Collection for availability.

Q: How do you drink Angel's Envy?
A: Because of its smooth port finish, it is best enjoyed neat (no ice) or with a single large ice cube to open up the flavors. It also makes an incredible, elevated Old Fashioned.