What Makes Angels Envy Bourbon Different
If you’ve walked into a liquor store in Colorado Springs looking for something distinctive, you’ve probably noticed Angels Envy bourbon sitting on the shelf at a higher price point than standard bourbons. The reason isn’t marketing hype—it’s a genuinely different production method that fundamentally changes how the whiskey tastes and feels.
Angels Envy bourbon finishes in port wine barrels rather than the standard new charred American oak barrels that most bourbons use. This finishing step, which takes place after the initial bourbon maturation, gives the whiskey a noticeably smoother character and introduces subtle fruit notes that you won’t find in typical bourbons. The process takes time and adds cost, which explains why you’ll pay more for this bottle than you would for a standard bourbon of similar age.
The bourbon itself is produced at a Kentucky distillery and follows traditional bourbon-making standards—it’s aged in new charred oak barrels and bottled at 100 proof, which is standard for most premium bourbons. What makes it special is that final finishing step in port barrels, which creates a bridge between straight bourbon and something approaching an after-dinner spirit.
Tasting Profile and What to Expect
When you open a bottle of Angels Envy, you’re immediately greeted by a sweeter aroma than many bourbons. You’ll notice dried fruit notes, hints of vanilla, and a subtle oak character. These aromas hint at what’s coming in the glass.
The first sip reveals why many Colorado Springs drinkers reach for this bottle when they want something smooth and approachable. The initial taste is sweet—you’ll pick up caramel, vanilla, and those dried fruit notes from the port barrel finish. The texture is notably smooth and creamy, lacking the harsh alcohol burn that can accompany less refined bourbons. The finish is where the port influence really shines through; it’s relatively short but leaves a pleasant sweetness on your palate rather than a spicy kick.
This flavor profile makes Angels Envy a great choice if you’re serving bourbon to people who might typically reach for sweeter drinks, or if you simply prefer a more refined, less aggressive whiskey experience. It works equally well neat, on the rocks, or even as the base spirit in certain cocktails—though many whiskey enthusiasts argue that it’s best enjoyed straight or with a single ice cube to let those subtle flavors develop.
Price, Value, and Where to Find It Locally
Angels Envy typically retails between $45 and $55 per 750ml bottle in Colorado Springs. This puts it firmly in the premium category but not in the ultra-luxury tier where you’d spend over $100. For the quality and distinctiveness you’re getting, most whiskey drinkers feel this is reasonable pricing.
If you’re shopping on the northeast side of Colorado Springs, you have several solid options for finding Angels Envy. The larger liquor retailers tend to stock it regularly because it’s a well-known and consistently produced bourbon. Smaller specialty shops may carry it as well, though availability can vary by week. If you’re shopping for a gift or planning a special occasion and want to guarantee availability, calling ahead is always a smart move.
Comparing value, Angels Envy sits above standard-issue bourbons like Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark, which typically cost $25-$35, but below super-premium bourbons that cost $70 and above. If you’re willing to spend mid-premium prices and want something noticeably different from mainstream bourbon, Angels Envy delivers on value.
Best Occasions and Serving Suggestions
Angels Envy works well in several drinking contexts. If you enjoy bourbon neat or on the rocks, this is a bottle that rewards that approach—the smoothness and fruit notes are best appreciated without dilution or mixing. Pour a couple of fingers into a rocks glass, add one large ice cube or a few smaller ones if you prefer, and take your time with it.
This bourbon also makes sense as a gift for someone who enjoys whiskey but might find standard bourbons too aggressive. The approachable nature and sophisticated finish make it feel like a premium gift without requiring the recipient to be a hardcore whiskey enthusiast.
For cocktails, Angels Envy can work in spirit-forward drinks like an Old Fashioned or Sazerac, though mixing it feels slightly wasteful given the care that went into creating those finishing flavors. If you do mix with it, keep the drink simple—bourbon, bitters, sugar, and minimal garnish—so the base spirit still shines through.
Quality and Consistency You Can Count On
One thing Colorado Springs drinkers appreciate about Angels Envy is consistency. Each bottle tastes very similar to the last one, which matters if you find a bourbon you love and want to repurchase it. The distillery has dialed in their process, and you know what you’re getting when you buy this bottle.
The bourbon is bottled at 100 proof, which is a standard strength that gives you enough character without being overly intense. Unlike some craft or small-batch bourbons that vary significantly from batch to batch, Angels Envy maintains a reliable profile that makes it an easy recommendation.
If you’ve been curious about Angels Envy bourbon while shopping in Colorado Springs, the tasting profile and quality genuinely justify the price premium. It’s a bourbon that tastes like care went into every step, from production through that final port barrel finishing.
Ready to Try It?
Stop by your local Colorado Springs liquor retailer and ask to see Angels Envy bourbon. If you’re on the northeast side of the city, check your regular shops first—larger retailers stock it consistently. Take a bottle home, pour it neat or over ice, and experience why this bourbon has built such a solid following among people who care about quality spirits. Whether you end up making it a regular purchase or trying it once to see what the port barrel finish is all about, it’s a bottle worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Angels Envy bourbon actually worth the premium price compared to standard bourbons?
Yes, if you value smoothness and distinctive flavor. The port barrel finishing process genuinely changes the bourbon’s character—it’s noticeably smoother and fruitier than bourbons that skip this step. At $45-$55 per bottle, you’re paying for a real difference in production method and taste. If you prefer bold, spicy bourbon, standard options might appeal more. If you appreciate refined, approachable spirits, Angels Envy justifies its price.
Should I drink Angels Envy neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails?
Neat or with a single large ice cube is the best way to experience it. The port barrel finish creates subtle fruit and vanilla notes that shine through when you drink it straight. Adding ice gradually opens up the flavors as it melts. While it technically works in cocktails, mixing it feels wasteful given the finishing process. Save Angels Envy for situations where you can focus on the spirit itself rather than masking it in a mixed drink.
Where can I reliably find Angels Envy bourbon in Colorado Springs?
Larger liquor retailers in Colorado Springs stock it regularly because it’s a well-established bourbon with consistent distribution. If you’re on the northeast side of the city, check your neighborhood’s bigger shops first. Availability is generally good, but if you’re buying for a specific occasion, calling ahead ensures they have it in stock. Smaller specialty shops may carry it inconsistently, so phone first if you’re driving specifically to find it.
Sources & Further Reading
Visit 3 Thirsty Goats at 4150 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs. Browse our premium bourbon selection and see why we are the best liquor store in northeast Colorado Springs. Near King Soopers, Lazy Dog Restaurant, and Wells Fargo. www.3thirstygoats.com