Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Bourbon Review (2020)

By Richard Thomas

Rating: A-

Even as 2020 becomes a year noteworthy for its out-sized serving of sucktitude, there have been bright spots. Among them is something special for fans of Angel’s Envy: this year’s 17,400 bottles of Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, the 9th edition, will be distributed to all 50 states for the first time. The current installment clocked 120.6 proof.

The Bourbon
My pour had the dark, maple syrup-like amber coloring that I have come to expect from this series, and the nose had all the aspects I’ve come to expect as well, although they came together in a particularly lovely way: vanilla; melted brown sugar; hoary, toasted wood; a dollop of red fruit. Tasting stayed in that vein, while shifting over a step: caramel; a stronger note of red berries; a more modest note of oak; and a hint of nuts. The finish concluded spicy, sweet and fruity.

I’m now very familiar with this series by now, and this is an especially good installment. If I find time to update last year’s feature, Seven Years Of Angel’s Envy Cask Strength (2012-2018), this year’s installment will definitely rank near the top.

The Price
Angel’s Envy Cask Strength currently holds an official price of $200, but unscrupulous retailers are asking as much as $400 a bottle for it.