Angel’s Envy 2024 Cask Strength Bourbon

Bacardi’s Angel’s Envy has unveiled its 13th annual cask strength bourbon, with this year’s release being the first to introduce a Tawny Port cask finish in addition to the signature Ruby Port cask finish.

According to notes provided by the distillery, the robust oak and toffee from the bourbon harmonise with the hallmark Ruby Port character, while Tawny Port adds a nutty, caramelised fruit quality that bridges the two flavours.

The Angel’s Envy 2024 Cask Strength Bourbon also marks the distillery’s first time using the solera method.

"This year's Cask Strength Bourbon not only honours the familiar flavours our fans love but also adds another layer of complexity with the Tawny finish,” said Owen Martin, Master Distiller.

“It's a great example of our vision for innovation, staying true to our roots while striving to provide a fresh perspective on our cherished whiskeys and American Whiskey overall."

Drinks Trade caught up with Owen Martin during his recent visit to Australia, which coincided with Angel’s Envy’s official launch into Australia’s off-premise trade.

According to Martin, Angel’s Envy is well positioned to steal market share from Scotch, American and Australian whisk(e)y due to its unique approach to cask finishing.

“Because of using the port finishing - which is more of a process that's commonplace in scotch and Irish whiskey and less so in American whiskey - I can kind of hit it from either side,” he said.

“So if it's a drinker that's only really had Jack or Jim, then I'm using finishing to explain how we're basically premiumising a similar base product to theirs. Meanwhile, if it's somebody who's more European whisk(e)y focused or even Australian/Tasmanian whisky focused, I can talk about finishing as almost like a parallel to what they're used to, and then use that to kind of provide the end to then discuss American whiskey more broadly.”

Luiz Schmidt, Managing Director of Bacardi-Martini in Australia and New Zealand, says that Angel’s Envy will play an important role for the group’s 2030 strategy.

“Brands such as Angel's Envy and St Germain, they are very premium, have great resonance with the marketplace, so have a very sizable profitable role to play,” he said.

Only 23,196 bottles of Angel’s Envy 2024 Cask Strength Bourbon have been released globally, each bottled at an abv of 59.4% and retailing for USD $230 ($350).

Each bottle will feature a sophisticated design with embossed wings, gold foil labels, and an engraved cork metal medallion, making it a memorable choice for both savouring and gifting.