Angel’s Envy has made a name for itself in the whiskey world for its exceptional cask-finished releases. As a fan-favorite, the annual Cask Strength Bourbon release always generates a lot of excitement among whiskey enthusiasts. But this time, Angel’s Envy is taking it a step further by introducing their first-ever Cask Strength Rye, also cask-finished. This exciting venture falls under the purview of their new master distiller, Owen Martin, who has been with Angel’s Envy for just about a year.

The details of this new Cask Strength Rye are quite intriguing. It starts with a mashbill of 95 percent rye and five percent malted barley, which was distilled at MGP in Indiana in 2015. The base liquid was then aged for five to seven years, and some of the whiskey was finished in sauternes wine barrels for three years, while the rest spent six months in toasted oak barrels (both French and American). The end result is a whiskey bottled at 114.4 proof.

Now, I understand that hearing about a toasted oak finish might give you some reservations. If not done right, it can overpower the palate and overshadow other flavors with an onslaught of baking spices. But fear not, in this case, that is definitely not the situation. This high-proof rye whiskey is a delightful blend of fruity and peppery notes, courtesy of that 95 percent rye mashbill. Taking a sip reveals the magnificence of pear and cherry flavors, accompanied by the richness of dark and milk chocolate, almond, and a hint of toasted spice that adds depth without dominating. If you prefer a slightly lower proof, feel free to add a splash of water, but keep in mind that this whiskey has strength without being overly hot.

There’s a catch, though. With only 5,500 bottles of the Cask Strength Rye available, it might prove challenging to find when it hits the shelves in December (with a suggested retail price of $270). This limited availability is even more restricted compared to the Cask Strength Bourbon, which will see a release of over 20,000 bottles. However, don’t worry, as the Cask Strength Bourbon is also an exceptional whiskey that is definitely worth seeking out and likely to sell out quickly.

Owen Martin’s first attempt at blending Angel’s Envy Cask Strength has yielded fantastic results. With this introduction of their 12th bourbon and their first rye in the cask-finished category, the excitement for future releases from this distillery is palpable. If you manage to get your hands on a bottle of the Cask Strength Rye, consider yourself lucky. And if you’re still unsure about it, let me assure you that this whiskey has received a well-deserved score of 94 out of 100, making it a true gem.

So, mark your calendars and keep an eye out for Angel’s Envy’s Cask Strength Rye release. But be prepared to act fast, as the limited number of bottles is sure to make it a sought-after whiskey among enthusiasts. And who knows, this might just be the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of Angel’s Envy cask-finished whiskeys.