We all know Eagle Rare and Angel’s Envy. These two bourbons are often compared to each other, with people wondering which one is better. Both of these bourbons have their own unique characteristics that make them stand out from each other.
Eagle Rare is known for its traditional approach to maturing their bourbon inside American white oak barrels for anywhere from 10 to 17 years, depending on the expression. This aging process gives the bourbon a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of leather, herbs, honey, caramel, and oak. On the other hand, Angel’s Envy is finished in port wine barrels, which gives the bourbon a unique fruity and spicy flavor profile. The port wine finish also adds a subtle sweetness to the bourbon, making it a great choice for those who prefer a sweeter bourbon.
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History of Eagle Rare and Angel’s Envy
Eagle Rare’s History
photo credit: eaglerare.com
Eagle Rare is a bourbon whiskey that has been around since 1975. It was originally created by Master Distiller Charles L. Beam, who was part of the Jim Beam family, under Seagram. The first iteration of Eagle Rare was a 101-proof, ten-year-old bourbon, which was discontinued in March 2005. Today, Eagle Rare is bottled at 90 proof.
In March 1989, Sazerac bought the label and started producing Eagle Rare at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The distillery is located in Frankfort, Kentucky, and has been producing bourbon since 1775. Eagle Rare is made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley, and is aged for at least ten years in charred oak barrels.
Angel’s Envy’s History
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Angel’s Envy is a relatively new bourbon whiskey, having been founded in 2010 by Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son, Wes. The Hendersons have a long history in the bourbon industry, having worked for companies like Brown-Forman and Woodford Reserve.
Angel’s Envy is unique in that it is finished in port wine barrels, which gives it a distinctive flavor profile. The company’s first release was a bourbon that was aged for four to six years and finished in port barrels for three to six months. Today, Angel’s Envy produces a range of bourbons, including a cask-strength version that is finished in port barrels for up to 18 months.
Angel’s Envy is produced at the Louisville Distilling Company in Louisville, Kentucky. The distillery was founded in 2011 and is located in the heart of downtown Louisville. The company’s bourbons are made from a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley, and are aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years.
Production Process
When it comes to Eagle Rare vs Angel’s Envy, understanding the production process of each bourbon is essential. Both bourbons have unique production processes that set them apart from one another.
Eagle Rare’s Production Process
Eagle Rare is produced using a traditional approach to maturing their bourbons. The spirit is aged inside American white oak barrels for anywhere from 10 to 17 years, depending on the expression, before bottling. The barrels are charred to a level of four, which gives the bourbon a rich, complex flavor profile.
After aging, the bourbon is bottled at 45% ABV, which is higher than the standard 40% ABV for most bourbons. This higher ABV gives Eagle Rare a more robust flavor profile, making it perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks.
Angel’s Envy’s Production Process
Angel’s Envy is a “Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels.” The bourbon is aged for at least 2 years, and if it’s aged less than 4 years, it must have an age statement on the label.
After aging, the bourbon is finished in port wine barrels for an additional 6 months to 2 years, depending on the expression. This finishing process gives Angel’s Envy a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons. The port barrels add a sweet, fruity note to the bourbon, which is balanced by the traditional bourbon flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Angel’s Envy is bottled at 43.3% ABV, which is slightly lower than Eagle Rare. However, the lower ABV allows the unique flavor profile of the bourbon to shine through. Angel’s Envy is perfect for sipping neat or in a cocktail.
Taste Comparison
When it comes to taste, Eagle Rare and Angel’s Envy are two very different bourbons. Eagle Rare has a more traditional, oaky taste, while Angel’s Envy is smoother and sweeter.
Eagle Rare has a rich, complex flavor that is characterized by notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The bourbon has a medium to full body and a long, smooth finish. The age of the bourbon, which can range from 10 to 17 years, gives it a deep, woody flavor that is perfect for sipping straight or on the rocks.
Angel’s Envy, on the other hand, has a much sweeter taste. The bourbon is finished in port wine barrels, which gives it a unique flavor profile that is characterized by notes of cherry, honey, and caramel. The bourbon has a medium body and a smooth, velvety finish that is perfect for sipping straight or mixing in cocktails.
Price Comparison
When it comes to price, Eagle Rare and Angel’s Envy are both considered premium bourbons, but there are some differences to consider.
Eagle Rare is generally more affordable than Angel’s Envy, with a price range of around $35 to $90 depending on the age and type of bourbon. The most common variety is the Eagle Rare 10 Year Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which sells for an average price of $35.99 for a 750ml bottle. However, the Eagle Rare 17-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey can cost up to $90 for a 750ml bottle.
On the other hand, Angel’s Envy is typically more expensive, with an average price of $50 for a 750ml bottle. This is due in part to the additional step in the aging process where the bourbon is finished in port wine barrels, which adds a unique flavor profile to the whiskey.
Conclusion
So, if you’re looking for a more traditional bourbon with a focus on aging in American white oak barrels, Eagle Rare is the way to go. It offers a dryer and oakier taste that is perfect for those who enjoy a more mature and refined bourbon.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit more experimental, Angel’s Envy’s double maturation process may be more to your liking. The additional aging in port wine barrels gives it a unique sweetness and complexity that is hard to find in other bourbons.
Both Eagle Rare and Angel’s Envy are fantastic options that are sure to impress any bourbon lover. It’s up to you to decide which one is right for you based on your personal taste preferences and what you’re looking for in a bourbon.
