Last Updated on September 22, 2019 by Candy Wafford

Want to learn how to drink bourbon but aren’t sure where to begin? Angel’s Envy Bourbon Distillery is one of the nearly forty distilleries that make up The Kentucky Bourbon Trail. I recently had the opportunity to take a tour of Angel’s Envy to see how and where the magic happens. Read on to see why this tour is a great option for bourbon aficionados and anyone interested in learning about and tasting some truly stellar bourbon.

It’s no secret that I’m a proud Kentuckian and consider myself incredibly lucky to live in such a unique place. Did you know that 95% of bourbon is made in Kentucky? Our rich history in producing bourbon is one of the many things that makes Kentucky a wonderful place to visit.

I’ve visited several bourbon distilleries along the bourbon trail but Angel’s Envy is unique due to its urban location. Located in downtown Louisville, the distillery manages the delicate balance between respecting history and embracing modernity.

Angel’s Envy Distillery Tour

The brand is steeped in a rich family tradition of making bourbon. Angel’s Envy’s creator, Lincoln Henderson, worked for Brown Foreman and created the world-famous Woodford Reserve. Years later, his son Wes wanted to start a family ran bourbon brand and Angel’s Envy was born.

How is Angel’s Envy bourbon different than other bourbons? It’s finished in Port barrels. And that gorgeous amber color comes from the time spent in these barrels.

Technically, Angel’s Envy is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels. Straight bourbon must be aged for a minimum of two years. But bourbon made by Angel’s Envy is aged for four to six years and then blended to the perfect flavor profile. Not satisfied with being ordinary, the Henderson family takes the process a step further and ages their bourbon for up to an additional six months in Port barrels from Portugal. It’s this step that gives their whiskey its rich, distinct flavor.

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As you go through the tour, you will learn all of the steps in distilling bourbon including fermentation, mashing, and finishing. Wanna taste? There are opportunities to taste whiskey during various stages of the distilling process. You’ll be surprised when you taste fruity flavors including banana!

Jimmy James was our tour guide and he is a character straight out of a book.  His deep husky voice and sense of humor make him the perfect tour guide. I could have listened to him talk all afternoon.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon Tasting

While I’m a Kentucky girl through and through, I normally only enjoy bourbon if it is watered down and sweetened up.  But Jimmy James told us how to taste a bourbon so we could truly enjoy it.  I followed his steps, and guess what?  I was able to get past the burn and taste the bourbon!

Your glass of Angel’s Envy bourbon comes with a placement that outlines the palate and finishes you might taste. I could smell the maple syrup and taste the vanilla during my tasting.

The bar next to the Finishing Room makes amazing cocktails with super fun names like the Bluegrass Chihuahua and the Naughty Angel. Make sure you visit the bar and try some more bourbon before you leave. But drink responsibly!

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Other Experiences

Angel’s Envy offers classes and other experiences including a Bottle Your Own Experience and cocktail classes.  Doesn’t a cocktail class sound like a great date night or girls night out?

The Finishing Room is a beautiful event space available at Angel’s Envy. Angel’s Envy graciously hosted our group of bloggers and we used this lovely space to sample cheese from Harvey’s Cheese and get to know each other better.  Check out this grazing board that Harvey’s Cheese made just for us! 

Buy Angel’s Envy Bourbon

You’ll want to buy something before you leave. Visit the Retail Shop and pick up some bourbon to take home for your own private tasting.

Tour Details and Suggestions

• Tours are $20 a person and last for an hour.
• This is a working distillery and many areas are not climate controlled. It can be hot and humid during the tour for up to 30-40 minutes. It was a record 100 degrees during our visit and it was hot in the distillery! 
• Do not wear high heels or open-toe shoes.
• The distillery provides water to take on your tour. I suggest taking a bottle before the tour starts in case you need a swig after one of the tasting opportunities on the tour. Unfinished bourbon is strong!
• Angel’s Envy is closed on Sundays.
• Tour Hours and Retail Hours can be found here.
• It’s a good idea to book your tour in advance. Book your Angel’s Envy tour by clicking here.
• Check out other activities in downtown Louisville including a visit to the Waterfront Park, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and several interesting museums. Hungry? Grab a bite at one of the many restaurants nearby.

“Angel’s Envy graciously provided free entrance to me and my group. However, all ideas and opinions are my own.”

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