Our editors carefully select every product we recommend. We may earn a commission from these links. Learn more

Angel’s Envy Releases a Seven-Year-Old Rye Aged in Ice Cider Casks

It’s difficult not to wax poetic about the beauty of small-batch bourbons. While the boom in the spirits space has bolstered the creativity and breadth of products distillers offer, small batches allow producers to take a more creative approach when crafting their spirits, which often yields fantastic results. As far as small-batch bourbon distillers are concerned, Angel’s Envy is among the most elite. The Louisville standout has developed a stellar reputation for its delicious bourbons, and it’s just announced that it is releasing a new, innovative rye whiskey as part of its Cellar Collection.

As its name suggests, the Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished in Ice Cider Casks employs ice cider casks in the aging process of its rye whiskey. The distiller created this first-of-its-kind spirit by finishing its seven-year-old 95% rye in ice cider casks from Eden Specialty Ciders, a brand based out of Vermont. For those unfamiliar with the drink, ice cider is a dessert-style cider that’s popular in some of the Northern regions of the U.S. and in much of Canada.

The French Oak casks used for this aging process were used to make ice cider from tart, late-season Northern Spy apples, which imparted a crisp fruitiness to the inherently spicy whiskey. On the nose, the Ice Cider Finish presents notes of caramel candy apple and toasted oak, with hints of nuttiness and cinnamon. These aromas give way to a bold, peppery palate that offers strong notes of cinnamon, which harmonizes with subtler notes of vanilla, toffee, butterscotch, and, unsurprisingly, apple. Its spicy palate transitions to a long, satisfying finish, with notes of brown sugar, hints of oak, and even more apples.

Angel’s Envy has raised the creative bar once again, elevating its stellar rye whiskey in a way only it can. The Angel’s Envy Rye Whiskey Finished in Ice Cider Casks is 107-proof, limited to 6,000 bottles, and retails for $250 — though the price may vary by market.

Purchase: $250

Photo: Angel’s Envy