Cask strength. Port barrel finished. The 2015 annual release of Angel’s Envy Cask Strength natural barrel proof, no dilution, from the same ruby port wine barrel finishing program that established Angel’s Envy as the defining premium finished bourbon in American whiskey.

Angel’s Envy was founded by the Henderson family led by the legendary Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, who spent 40 years at Brown-Forman creating Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack before launching his own label. Henderson’s innovation of finishing Kentucky straight bourbon in 60-gallon ruby port wine barrels from Portugal added dried fruit, sweetness, and complexity that transformed the finished bourbon category. The Cask Strength annual release delivers this same port-finished bourbon at natural barrel proof the full intensity version of Angel’s Envy’s signature expression.

The 2015 vintage came as the Cask Strength program was gaining significant national recognition. Each annual release varies in proof and character based on the specific barrel selection that year. At 3 units still available, the 2015 is one of the more accessible older Cask Strength vintages in the current inventory.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber with a characteristic ruby port tint.
• Nose: Dark cherry, dried plum, caramel, and vanilla port barrel influence at full cask strength intensity.
• Palate: Rich and concentrated dried fruit, dark chocolate, warm bourbon sweetness, and port-derived complexity at natural barrel proof.
• Finish: Long and warming the port-finished character persisting through a satisfying, multi-layered close.

Specs

• Distillery: Angel’s Envy Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky
• Style: Port Barrel Finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Finishing: Ruby port wine barrels, Portugal
• Bottling: Cask strength, no dilution
• Release: 2015 Annual Cask Strength
• Size: 750ml

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

Frequently Asked Questions

• How does each Cask Strength vintage differ? Each annual release reflects a different barrel selection with varying natural proof and tasting character. Proof is the most visible difference year to year varying based on the specific barrels selected. Collectors build verticals to track how the program evolves.
• Why is port barrel finishing significant? Port wine barrels impart dried fruit, dark cherry, plum, and a natural sweetness from the residual port wine absorbed into the wood. For bourbon which is already sweet and caramel-forward port finishing adds a complementary fruit layer without competing with the bourbon’s base character. Lincoln Henderson’s specific use of ruby port barrels (vs tawny or LBV) produces a distinctive dried fruit and chocolate profile.
• Is the 2015 Cask Strength still available? Yes 3 units remaining. One of the more accessible older vintages currently in stock.
• How does Cask Strength compare to standard Angel’s Envy? Standard Angel’s Envy is 86.6 proof. Cask Strength is the same port-finished bourbon at natural barrel proof significantly higher proof, richer mouthfeel, and more intense expression of the port finishing character.

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