Distillers explore multiple avenues in broadening bourbon’s boundaries
December 21, 2020
As the bourbon boom continues, the trajectory isn’t just up but outward as distillers and blenders seek novel ways to innovate. From rare, limited-edition bourbons (with prices approaching that of exclusive Scotch), to cask-finished bourbons, one-and-done blends, and collaborative partnerships, here are several recent highlights.
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Angel’s Envy 2020 Cask Strength
In 2012, hall-of-fame master distiller and Angel’s Envy co-founder Lincoln Henderson, son and co-founder Wes Henderson, and grandson Kyle Henderson selected and set aside several barrels of exceptional bourbon from their stocks. They crafted a flavor-forward blend and finished the whiskey in Portuguese port wine casks, as are all Angel’s Envy bourbons. For this family project, however, they bottled it at cask strength. Lincoln Henderson passed away in 2013, but Wes Henderson and his sons carry on the annual tradition with this year’s release, bottled at 120.4 proof and redolent with “juicy Bing cherries” and “notes of salted chocolate, orange peel, and some cedar.” This year is also the first time Angel’s Envy Cask Strength is available nationwide, with a total of about 17,400 bottles.