Angel’s Envy Whiskey Madeira Cask Finish Bourbon : A Rare Gem in the World of Small Batch Bourbon

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are constantly searching for spirits that challenge conventions and delight the senses. We believe the most remarkable bottles are those that tell a story of innovation while respecting tradition. In the world of finished American Kentucky whiskey, Angel’s Envy has long been the pioneer, and their Madeira Cask Finish expression stands as one of their most unique and captivating creations. This limited-release bourbon whiskey takes the brand’s signature finishing technique in an exciting new direction, offering a rare bourbon experience that is both familiar and entirely novel.
This isn’t just another Angel’s Envy bourbon; it’s a bold exploration of how different wine casks can transform a classic straight bourbon. For the curious connoisseur or the collector seeking a distinctive bottle from a trusted name, the Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask Finish is a journey into uncharted flavor territory, right from the heart of Kentucky.
The Angel’s Envy Ethos: Finishing as an Art Form
To appreciate the Madeira Cask Finish, one must first understand the visionary philosophy behind Angel’s Envy. The brand was built by the late Lincoln Henderson, a true legend in the American whiskey industry, on a simple but revolutionary idea: that a perfectly matured Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey Finished in port could be elevated through a secondary finishing process in specialty wine casks.
The core Angel’s Envy Bourbon Whiskey is famously finished in ruby port wine barrels, which imparts rich, fruity notes. The “Angel’s Envy” name itself is a playful nod to the portion of whiskey that evaporates from the barrel during aging—suggesting the angels would be envious of the exquisite spirit left behind after this transformative rest. This commitment to creative cask finishing is what sets Angel’s Envy whiskey apart from other bourbon whiskey brands and established a new category of premium finished bourbons.
The Madeira Cask Difference: A Sweet and Sunny Twist
While the port cask finish is iconic, the Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask offers a different, yet equally sublime, profile. Madeira is a fortified wine from the Portuguese islands of the same name, known for its unique aging process that involves heating the wine. This “estufagem” process gives Madeira its characteristic flavors of roasted nuts, dried fruit, and caramelized sugar.
When a fully matured straight bourbon is finished in these casks, something magical happens. The Angel’s Envy cask Strength finishing process allows the whiskey to absorb these complex wine notes, layering them over the foundational bourbon flavors of vanilla and oak. The result is a small batch bourbon that is notably rich, with a bright, sun-kissed sweetness distinct from the darker, berry-driven profile of the port finish. It’s a testament to the blender’s skill, creating what many consider a contender for the best barrell bourbon batch from this experimental series.
Why Choose Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask Finish?
There are several reasons why Angel’s Envy Bourbon continues to be one of the most popular choices for whiskey enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether you’re looking to buy bourbon whiskey online or purchase a bottle for a special occasion, Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask Finish offers a few distinct advantages:
1. Unique Finishing Process
The key differentiator for Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask Finish is its aging and finishing process. By using Madeira wine casks, the whiskey adopts a richer, fruit-forward profile that you won’t find in traditional straight Kentucky bourbon whiskeys. This innovation places it at the forefront of bourbon whiskey innovation.
2. A Perfect Balance of Flavors
Angel’s Envy Whiskey is known for its exceptional balance. The smoothness of the small batch bourbon is complemented by a hint of sweetness, spice, and dried fruit notes. Whether you enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, the whiskey’s versatility makes it a favorite for many.
3. High-Quality Ingredients
Angel’s Envy is crafted using high-quality grains, and each batch is produced with great attention to detail. Their commitment to excellence results in a premium Kentucky straight bourbon that is consistently smooth and well-balanced.
4. Limited Edition Bottles
Angel’s Envy releases limited-edition offerings, including the Madeira Cask Finish, making these bottles highly sought after by collectors. If you are looking to purchase rare bourbon or find an exceptional whiskey for your collection, this expression of Angel’s Envy is one that should not be overlooked.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Sweetness and Spice
Tasting the Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask Finish is an experience of discovery. It presents a profile that is both decadent and complex, a direct result of its unique finishing process.
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On the Nose: The aroma is immediately warm and inviting. Instead of the deep red fruit of the port finish, you’re greeted with the scents of honey, apricot, and toasted almond. Notes of vanilla and caramel from the straight bourbon whiskey base are present, intertwined with a distinctive nuttiness and a hint of orange marmalade from the Madeira casks.
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On the Palate: The first sip is a delightful surprise. The mouthfeel is smooth and lush. Flavors of honeyed malt, crème brûlée, and roasted pecans lead the way. The classic Angels Envy sweetness is there, but it manifests as dried fig and raisin rather than dark chocolate and berry. The high-rye mash bill of the underlying bourbon provides a gentle, peppery spice that perfectly balances the sweetness, preventing it from being cloying and adding a layer of sophisticated complexity.
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The Finish: The finish is long, warm, and remarkably clean. It lingers with fading notes of toasted coconut, baking spice, and a final, satisfying hint of caramelized sugar. It’s a finish that is both luxurious and refreshingly different, leaving a lasting impression that is uniquely its own.
Angel’s Envy Madeira vs. The Core Range
For enthusiasts curious about the nuances within the Angels Envy portfolio, the Madeira expression offers a clear point of differentiation.
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Madeira vs. Port Finish: The core Angels Envy port finish is deeper and richer, with notes of dark fruit and chocolate. The Madeira finish is brighter, nuttier, and showcases more caramel and honeyed flavors.
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A Study in Bourbon vs Whiskey: For those exploring this distinction, Angels Envy is a perfect case study. It begins as a classic straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey and, through finishing, becomes a innovative spirit that expands the very definition of bourbon.
Understanding the Angel’s Envy Whiskey Price and Value
When considering the Angels Envy whiskey price for this expression, it’s important to view it as an investment in a limited-edition experience. As a special release that is not part of the permanent core range, its Angel’s Envy whiskey price is influenced by its rarity, the cost of sourcing Madeira casks, and the additional time required for the finishing process.
Glowing Angel’s Envy whiskey review ratings from critics further cement its desirability. For collectors, the value is clear: this is a chance to own a distinctive and limited bottling from one of the most innovative names in modern bourbon—a true rare bourbon that showcases a different side of the brand’s artistry.
Angel’s Envy vs. Other Bourbons: What Sets It Apart?
While Angels Envy is undoubtedly a premium bourbon, how does it compare to other options? When compared to single barrel bourbon and best barrel bourbon batches, Angels Envy stands out due to its unique cask-finishing process. Most other bourbons do not undergo secondary maturation, making the Angel’s Envy experience more layered and nuanced.
Furthermore, the Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey classification means that Angels Envy adheres to the strict standards of production that define American whiskey Kentucky. These standards guarantee quality while still allowing for innovative finishing techniques like those used in Angel’s Envy Cask.
How to Acquire This Distinctive Expression
Finding Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask Finish for sale can be a challenge due to its limited production run. It is not as widely distributed as the core port-finished bourbon, making it a bottle that requires a dedicated search.
This is where Rare Finds Liquor Store excels. We are your best place to buy bourbon online, with a specialized network that allows us to source special releases and limited editions like the Angel Envy Madeira Cask. Our platform makes it simple and secure to buy bourbon whiskey online, ensuring that this unique expression can be delivered directly to your door, no matter where you are searching for bourbon for sale near me.
The Final Verdict: A Successful and Sun-Drenched Experiment
Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask Finish Bourbon Whiskey is more than a spirit; it is a delicious proof of concept. It is a wonderfully balanced, complex, and approachable bourbon that successfully demonstrates the vast potential of wine cask finishing. It is the perfect acquisition for the Angel’s- Envy enthusiast looking to complete their collection, for the adventurer seeking a bourbon with a unique, sun-kissed profile, and for anyone who believes that the best way to honor tradition is to occasionally reinvent it.
It is a heavenly pour with a decidedly worldly twist.
Experience a New Dimension of This Whiskey.
Don’t miss your chance to own this distinctive and limited release. Explore our curated collection at Rare Finds Liquor Store, where we connect you with the most innovative and sought-after spirits.
Visit our website to browse our selection of bourbon for sale online and secure your bottle of Angel’s Envy Madeira Cask Finish Bourbon Whiskey. Contact us for current availability and pricing on this unparalleled expression.




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