Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon 2019 Release

A Heavenly Finish: Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon 2019 Release

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are perpetually in search of spirits that transcend the ordinary—bottles that represent the pinnacle of a distiller’s art and the courage to innovate. In the world of American Kentucky whiskey, few names have redefined tradition as gracefully as Angel’s Envy. And within their esteemed portfolio, the annual Angel’s Envy Cask Strength release stands as the ultimate expression of their craft. The 2019 Release is a particularly celebrated iteration, a rare bourbon that continues to be a benchmark for finished whiskeys.

This isn’t just another bourbon whiskey; it’s a symphony of power and elegance. It takes the core principle of Angel’s Envy—finishing straight bourbon in port wine barrels—and presents it in its most potent, unadulterated form. For the collector or connoisseur seeking a small batch bourbon that is both brutally strong and beautifully refined, the Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2019 is nothing short of a holy grail.

The Angel’s Envy Philosophy: A Legacy of Finishing

To appreciate the Cask Strength release, one must first understand the vision of the late Lincoln Henderson, a true legend in the American whiskey industry. His philosophy with Angel’s Envy was simple yet revolutionary: take a perfectly matured Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and give it a final act of refinement in a different type of cask.

The core Angel’s Envy Bourbon is finished in ruby port wine barrels, which impart unique notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and richness. The “Angel’s Envy” name itself is a play on the “angel’s share”—the portion of whiskey that evaporates from the barrel during aging. The Henderson family believed that the angels would indeed be envious of the delicious spirit left behind after this special finishing process. This innovative approach set Angel’s Envy whiskey apart from other bourbon whiskey brands and created a new category of premium finished bourbons.

The Pinnacle Expression: What is Angel’s Envy Cask Strength?

The Angel’s Envy Cask Strength release is the zenith of this philosophy. While the standard expression is cut with water to achieve a lower, more approachable proof, the Angel’s Envy Cask Strength is bottled straight from the barrel, unfiltered and un-cut. This means you experience the whiskey exactly as it exits the port barrels, with all its robust flavor and intense character intact.

The 2019 Release is a small batch bourbon, comprising a limited number of select barrels that have achieved a perfect harmony between the base bourbon and the port wine influence. This annual release is highly allocated and represents what many consider the best barrell bourbon batch from the distillery each year. The Angel’s Envy Bourbon Whiskey Cask Strength is not just a product; it’s an annual event in the whiskey world.

Tasting Notes: A Port-Influenced Powerhouse

Tasting the Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2019 is an experience of contrasts. It delivers the expected heat of a high-proof spirit, but it’s layered with an unexpected elegance from the Angel’s Envy sherry cask finishing (a common misnomer for the port cask finish, which this release uses).

• On the Nose: The aroma is rich and complex, immediately announcing its port barrel heritage. Waves of dark chocolate, ripe plum, and black cherry rise from the glass, intertwined with the classic straight bourbon notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The high-proof ethanol is present but carries these deep, sweet aromas without being harsh.

• On the Palate: The first sip is a full-bodied and velvety explosion of flavor. The mouthfeel is incredibly dense and oily. The initial taste is a powerful blend of brown sugar, maple syrup, and dark port wine. This is followed by a cascade of baking spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove—from the high-rye mash bill. The port finish shines through with pronounced notes of raisin, fig, and a touch of dark cocoa, creating a profile that is both sweet and complex. Despite its high proof (often between 115-120), it is remarkably smooth for a cask-strength spirit.

• The Finish: The finish is eternally long, warm, and evolving. It lingers with fading notes of dried fruit, oak tannins, and a final, satisfying hint of peppery spice and dark honey. It’s a finish that solidifies its status as a world-class pour and a landmark of American whiskey Kentucky.

Production & Specs: What Makes the 2019 Cask Strength Special

• Proof / ABV: 122.4 proof (61.2% ABV)

• Release Volume: Just over 14,000 bottles for the U.S. market

• Suggested Retail Price: Around $199.99 USD (though secondary market value is much higher)

• Mash Bill: 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley (same as their core bourbon)

• Finishing: After primary aging in new charred American oak, Angel’s Envy transfers select barrels into Portuguese port wine casks for an extended finishing period.

• Selection: The Henderson family hand‑selects barrels exhibiting exceptional character for the cask strength program.

This combination of Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, port cask finishing, and full strength bottling ensures that the 2019 release is a commanding, complex spirit worthy of attention.

Angel’s Envy vs. Traditional Kentucky Bourbon

For those exploring the nuances of bourbon vs whiskey, Angel’s Envy offers a fascinating case study. It begins its life as a classic straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey, adhering to all legal requirements. However, the additional finishing step in port casks moves it into a new, innovative category.

• Traditional vs. Finished: A standard Kentucky straight bourbon derives all its character from the new, charred American oak. Angel’s Envy gains a secondary layer of flavor from the port wine-soaked oak, adding fruit and wine-like complexity not found in a traditional single barrel bourbon.

• Cask Strength vs. Standard Proof: The Angel’s Envy Cask strength version offers a more intense, concentrated version of the flavors found in the core expression, providing a purer, unadulterated experience for the enthusiast.

Why the 2019 Cask Strength is a Collector’s Dream

The Angel’s Envy Cask Strength series is one of the most anticipated annual releases in bourbon. The 2019 edition, in particular, is highly sought after for several reasons:

1. Limited Availability: Each release is produced in extremely small quantities, making it a true rare bourbon.

2. Critical Acclaim: It consistently receives top marks from whiskey publications and enthusiasts.

3. Provenance: It represents the pinnacle of the Angel’s Envy finishing technique.

4. Investment Potential: As a numbered, limited annual release, it has shown strong value appreciation on the secondary market.

Finding Angel’s Envy Cask Strength for sale is a challenge that eludes many collectors, making it a true trophy bottle.

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2019 Price & Market Value

Though the suggested retail price was $199.99 USD at launch, the secondary market value has climbed significantly—reflecting the bottle’s rarity, the strength of the release, and the limited supply.

Some online sellers list the 2019 release at $500+ USD or more in rare spirits markets. This makes it not only a sipping whiskey, but a collectible and investment piece in many collections.

For those asking Angel’s Envy Cask Strength bourbon whiskey for sale, or trying to buy bourbon online, these high markups are typical for limited‑edition, high‑proof releases.

How to Secure This Heavenly Pour

The quest to find this bourbon for sale near me is notoriously difficult. Its status as a highly allocated, limited-release spirit means it is rarely available on open shelves and is subject to intense demand.

This is the core mission of Rare Finds Liquor Store. We are your best place to buy bourbon online, with a dedicated network that allows us to source the most elusive allocated bottles, including the revered Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2019 Release. Our secure platform ensures that when you decide to buy bourbon whiskey online, you can do so with the confidence that you are receiving an authentic, perfectly stored bottle.

The Final Verdict: A Masterpiece of Modern Bourbon

Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon 2019 Release is more than a spirit; it is an event. It is a powerful, complex, and beautifully balanced straight bourbon whiskey that showcases the incredible potential of cask finishing. It is the perfect acquisition for the collector seeking a modern classic, for the enthusiast who appreciates a high-proof challenge, and for anyone looking to understand why Angel’s Envy has earned its wings in the world of premium spirits.

It is, without a doubt, a heavenly pour that lives up to its name.

Experience Bourbon Finished to Perfection.

Don’t miss your chance to own a modern legend. Explore our curated collection at Rare Finds Liquor Store, where we connect you with the most sought-after spirits in the world.

Visit our website to browse our selection of bourbon for sale online and inquire about securing your bottle of the legendary Angel’s Envy Cask Strength 2019 Release. Contact us for current availability on this and other unparalleled expressions.