**Title: The Controversial Journey of Angel’s Envy: From Kentucky Derby to Limited Edition Rye**

Angel’s Envy, a well-established whiskey brand today, has a fascinating history that many may not be aware of. When it made its debut in 2010, it caused quite a stir in the industry. The master distiller behind it was Lincoln Henderson, a renowned figure at Brown-Forman, known for his involvement in creating popular brands such as Woodford Reserve and Gentleman Jack. However, Henderson came out of retirement and created Angel’s Envy with his son Wes through their own Louisville Distilling Co. This move apparently did not sit well with Henderson’s former employers.

What set Angel’s Envy apart from others at the time was its unique finish. The flagship bourbon was aged in port barrels, a practice that has now become relatively common but was almost unheard of back then. Traditionalists were scandalized, arguing that this barrel finish disqualified it from being called a bourbon. Despite the controversy, one thing was undeniable – Angel’s Envy was good. Its quality and success eventually caught the attention of Bacardi, who acquired the brand in 2015, two years after Lincoln Henderson’s passing.

As an enthusiast of Angel’s Envy, I must admit that it’s the rye expression that truly captivates me. First released in 2013, this rye whiskey is finished in Caribbean rum casks, infusing it with a delightful sweetness. I remember a particular moment at the Kentucky Derby a few years ago when I decided to break away from the bourbon and mint juleps and switched to Angel’s Envy rye Manhattans. The blend of rum casks and spicy rye, combined with sweet and dry vermouth, created a perfect balance of flavors. Since then, it has become one of my go-to Manhattans.

Interestingly, when Angel’s Envy initially launched, the distillery itself had not yet been built. The brand relied on sourced whiskey, including the rye, which came from the renowned MGP distillery in Indiana. Even without an official master distiller after Henderson’s passing, Angel’s Envy continued to produce top-quality whiskey. With Wes Henderson as the Innovation Manager and his son Kyle as the production manager, the brand thrived. However, with Wes’ retirement and Kyle’s departure, changes were inevitable.

In 2022, Owen Martin, formerly of Stranahan’s in Colorado, became Angel’s Envy’s new master distiller and the face of the brand. Martin made an impressive debut by releasing Angel’s Envy Cask Strength Rye Whiskey Finished In Sauternes & Toasted Oak Barrels. This limited edition cask-strength rye is a blend of two separate batches of MGP’s classic 95% rye/5% malted barley mashbill, aged between five and seven years. One batch was further matured in Sauternes wine casks for three years, while the other aged in a combination of American and French toasted oak barrels for six months. Bottled at 57.2% ABV, this whiskey exhibits the sweetness of Sauternes on the nose and the palate. Notes of chocolate-covered cherries, nougat, and caramel complement the dry oak, peppery rye spice, and the bold alcohol presence. A touch of water mellows the intensity, revealing sweet vanilla and toffee undertones. Personally, I prefer the robust flavors and the full-bodied experience.

This limited edition release, consisting of only 5,500 bottles, is the kind of whiskey that whiskey enthusiasts eagerly line up for long in advance outside distilleries or allocated stores. Its scarcity causes the price to skyrocket on the secondary market (suggested retail price is $269.99). Set to be released on December 1st, whiskey enthusiasts should start preparing their whiskey hunting gear and sleeping bags if they want to secure a bottle.

Angel’s Envy has come a long way since its controversial debut, and its journey continues to evolve under the guidance of new talent. The brand’s commitment to innovation, quality, and pushing boundaries ensures that it will continue to capture the hearts and palates of whiskey enthusiasts for years to come.