Angel's Envy Cask Strength 2017

Annual limited release. Port barrel finish. Bottled at natural cask proof without dilution. The most intense expression of Angel's Envy — the standard 86.6 proof expression amplified to its full barrel-proof potential.

Angel's Envy was founded by Lincoln Henderson — the legendary Master Distiller who spent 40 years at Brown-Forman creating Woodford Reserve, Gentleman Jack, and other landmark American whiskeys. His signature innovation was the port barrel finish: Kentucky straight bourbon finished in ruby port wine barrels, adding a layer of dark fruit sweetness that complements and rounds the bourbon's caramel and vanilla character.

The Cask Strength release takes that same port barrel finish and bottles it at natural proof rather than proofing it down to 86.6. Each annual release varies in proof depending on the specific barrel selection. The 2017 edition delivers the full intensity of Angel's Envy's port-finished bourbon — bolder on the nose, richer on the palate, and with a longer finish than the standard expression. It is released once per year in limited quantities and sells out quickly.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with rich port-influenced tones.
• Nose: The port barrel influence is immediately present — dark cherry, dried fruit, and vanilla from the bourbon base amplified by cask strength delivery.
• Palate: Rich and layered — the cask strength opens up the complexity the standard expression holds back. Dark fruit, caramel, oak, and warm spice.
• Finish: Long and evolving — port sweetness and bourbon warmth fading into a clean, satisfying close.

Specs

• Distillery: Angel's Envy, Louisville, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Port Barrel Finish
• Bottling: Natural cask proof (varies by vintage)
• Release: 2017 Annual Cask Strength Limited Edition
• Size: 750ml

Explore the full Angel's Envy collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does the Cask Strength differ from the standard Angel's Envy? Standard Angel's Envy is bottled at 86.6 proof after proofing down. The Cask Strength is bottled at natural proof without dilution — bolder, richer, and more concentrated. The port barrel finish is the same in both expressions; the difference is entirely in proof delivery.
• Who was Lincoln Henderson? Lincoln Henderson spent 40 years at Brown-Forman as a Master Distiller, creating Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack. He founded Angel's Envy with his sons after retirement, pioneering the port barrel finish that became the brand's signature. He passed away in 2013, the year after Angel's Envy launched.
• How often is the Cask Strength released? Once per year in limited quantities. Each annual release varies in proof based on the specific barrels selected. The 2017 is now several years out of primary distribution and available only through specialty retailers.
• What is port barrel finishing? After maturing in new charred American oak, the bourbon spends an additional period in ruby port wine barrels — casks that previously held Portuguese port. The port residue imparts dark fruit sweetness, a slight tannic structure, and a subtle red wine character that complements rather than overwhelms the bourbon base.