Angel’s Envy Bought By Bacardi

By Richard Thomas

News broke Tuesday, March 30 that Louisville-based bottler Angel’s Envy has been purchased by drinks corporation Bacardi.

Angel’s Envy was started by longtime Brown-Forman man and Bourbon Hall of Famer Lincoln Henderson. The company’s first release was a popular and innovative port-finished bourbon, followed by a cask strength version of the same and a rum-finished rye whiskey. Angel’s Envy was in the midst of constructing its own $12 million distillery and tourist center, located in an old paint factory in downtown Louisville, at the time of the acquisition.

Chief Operating Officer Wes Henderson, son of founder Lincoln Henderson, will reportedly continue as brand ambassador. His son Kyle will also continue with blending and bottling.

For its part, Barcardi is no stranger to the whiskey business. In 1998, the company acquired Dewar’s Scotch from Diageo. Bacardi is also the world’s largest family-owned drinks company.