Since its launch in 2010 Angel’s Envy has established itself as one of the premier bourbon brands in the market. Founded by industry legend Lincoln Henderson, the man behind Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack, the brand helped introduce the idea of finishing bourbon in exotic barrels to the everyday drinkers.
While bourbon has a strict aging regimen, there’s no rule that says a distiller can’t finish it in other types of barrels. Henderson saw an opportunity here. After allowing his bourbon to mature for several years, he did something unheard of in American whiskey at the time—he transferred the liquid to port wine barrels. The result was a bourbon that retained the caramel, vanilla, and oak backbone of a traditional Kentucky bourbon but layered in rich notes of dark fruit, subtle spice, and a smooth, velvety finish. It was like bourbon with a touch of European elegance.
Over the last decade Angel’s Envy’s limited releases have become highly sought after bottles that routinely rack up awards and proudly line the shelves of aficionado’s home bars. Their annual Cask Strength Bourbon is one of the most anticipated events on the whiskey calendar due to the brands deep respect for tradition married with a healthy dose of experimentation.
So, the announcement that they are adding Angel’s Envy Triple Oak to their Signature Series lineup is big news, especially since it’s the first new mainline addition in over a decade and the first since Henderson passed away in 2015. By adding a third bottle to their Signature Series the brand now offers drinkers another full-time bourbon showcasing its distinctive flavor-forward style.
It’s flagship, Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels was launched in 2011 and helped paved the way for finishing bourbon in port barrels, something common today. Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks was launched in 2013 just as drinkers were discovering rye, a style of whiskey that had faded from popularity, helping usher it back to popularity.
Angel’s Envy Triple Oak is the creation of Master Distiller Owen Martin. He took over the reins in 2022 after a successful run at Stranahan’s in Colorado. He and his production team worked through various blends of bourbon to find the ideal mix that would live up to Angel’s Envy ethos of innovation.
“I’m thrilled we are making a mark on the brand’s Signature Series with Angel’s Envy Triple Oak,” says Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel’s Envy. “When I joined the team, we aimed to craft something unique to round out our portfolio. With the oak barrel finishing, we carefully selected barrels that complement each other beautifully. The result is a must-have addition for bourbon drinkers, whether they’re new to the category or consider themselves aficionados.”
Triple Oak consists of a blend of whiskeys finished in barrels sourced from around the world: French Oak, Chinkapin Oak, and Hungarian Oak. Each of the oaks imparts its own distinctive flavor according to Martin. The French Oak brings strong flavors of baking spices, chocolate, and cinnamon while the Chinkapin Oak, from Kentucky, adds in flavors of caramel, vanilla, and coffee. The Hungarian Oak balances the entire mix out by providing nuance and depth.
Angel’s Envy Triple Oak comes at a mellow 92 proof and will be available for purchase nationwide, or online, beginning October 1 at a suggested retail price of $74.99. If you happen to find yourself in Louisville, KY you can swing by their distillery downtown, bottles go on sale September 14.
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