This is our second AE pick, and yet again, each barrel we were sent had a distinctly different profile with varying fruit and port influence levels. All samples provided by Angel’s Envy were, without question, some of the best samples we tasted last year. This program also differs from others due to Angel's Envy not allowing barrel strength bottling, presumably not to compete with their flagship cask strength edition. The company slightly proofs down single barrel selections anywhere from 100 to 110 proof, and the "proof down" amount varies for each selection based on each market. In New York, the proof-down effect is less than in most markets to 108 proof (the barrel we selected was originally tasted at 118.3 proof, then at 108 proof after proofing it down according to instructions from Angel's Envy)
We tasted several, and all could have been winners. We settled on the complete barrel - Barrel 172C - unique nose, complex palate, and an excellent finish. More specifically:
- Nose: subtle sweetness, browned butter and maple syrup, red apple, some woody smells like cedar.
- Palate: fruity, cherries, currant, maple syrup
- Finish: slightly toasty, and a touch of nuttiness
We will donate $5 from each bottle we sell in March to the Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, the all-encompassing global membership organization dedicated to fostering diversity, equity & inclusion in beer, wine, and spirits, launched its charitable arm, Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation, Ltd.501(c)3 in 2017.
Created, to help further Women of the Vine & Spirits’ larger mission of assisting individuals in advancing their careers within the traditionally white male-dominated alcohol beverage industry, the Foundation provides annual scholarships and awards to deserving applicants interested in continuing their professional development and education for careers within the food, wine/spirits, and hospitality sectors.
If the cause is closer to you than others, please donate more by clicking their logo below!
