Photo courtesy of Angel’s Envy

Available this month, the Louisville Distilling Company is releasing their annual limited-edition release of Angel’s Envy Cask Strength.  This year’s batch is limited to 7,500 bottles in the following markets:  AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MA, NJ, NY, OH, OR, TN, TX, WA.

If you’re a regular visitor to this whiskey blog, you know I’m a fan of Angel’s Envy, both their port cask-finished bourbon and rum cask-finished rye whiskey.  The Cask Strength has always eluded me.  Thankfully, the folks behind Angel’s Envy were kind enough to send over a small review sample.  Suggested retail price is $169.99.  This year’s release comes in at a hearty 127.9 proof.  The Cask Strength bourbon is aged up to seven years.  Barrels are blended together and finished in casks that previously held port wine.

On the nose, there’s typical bourbon aromas of caramel, vanilla and corn mash.  I also get some fruit (think berries) and orange zest.  Taste-wise, there’s a burst of vanilla, fruit (plum, berries) and honey.  A bit of burnt orange pops up afterwards.  The high proof, while a little rough-around-the-edges, makes this a full bodied whiskey.  The finish here is sweet corn, orange and some spice.

You can probably guess what I’m going to say about this one.  It’s a good one.  I think the flavors work well together.  However, I wish the port finish showcased stronger on the finish.  Nitpicking aside, if you like the normal expression of Angel’s Envy bourbon, you’ll most likely find this outstanding.  You wouldn’t be wrong.