Angel’s Envy Rum Finished Rye
My Price: $89.99
Country/Area: United States, Kentucky
Distillery: Louisville Distilling Company
Proof/ABV: 100 Proof 50% ABV
Mash Bill: 95% Rye 5% Malted Barley
Age: 6-7 years in oak and up to 18 Months in Plantation Rum Barrels
Barrel: New Oak and Used Rum Barrels
Nose: Black Licorice, Raisins, Carme
Taste: Brown Sugar, Black Licorice, Molasses Cookies,
Bags were packed on Saturday night and my alarm was set for 4:30am. I would be packing not only the whiskey but some backpacking chairs and a stove so we could make some fresh coffee and enjoy the sunrise as it made it was through the crystal-clear skies of the Gorge. I picked Mike up and we began our trek east to the trailhead. When we arrived at 5:30am we were a bit surprised to see 3 other cars in the parking lot already. This being a bit of a rare clear fall morning I guess they were hoping to catch an epic sunrise just like we were. I have hiked Angel’s Rest probably a dozen times. It is short but difficult with its elevation and offers amazing views from Portland east toward the Bonneville Dam. The trail had been closed for nearly two years since the Eagle Creek Fire of 2017 and this was not only my first time hiking it in quite some time but my first-time hiking anything in a few months (thanks Covid-19).
With headlamps illuminated we began our hike seemingly straight upward. The 20lb pack on my back was doing me no favors and the stops to stretch my calf and catch my breath were many. The winds began to pick up as we began to hike through breaks in the trees as we neared the top. Mike had out-paced me fairly early on and as I came around the last switchback and saw him perched on a rock awaiting me and my bag full of jackets, I was relieved that we were almost to the top. The final push to the top of Angel’s Rest involves about 8’ of climbing rock. Typically, this was the most “dangerous” part of the hike but this time was different. As we climbed to the mostly exposed top of Angel’s Rest we were nearly blown over by the high winds. I had brought tripods and gimbals to help capture the sunrise on my phone but the wind was nearly knocking Mike and I off of our feet so there was no way I would trust my phone perched on a rock.
The extremely high winds (30-40mph continuous with gusts up to 60mph) there would be no using the chairs or heating up some water for coffee. Whiskey would still be had however. We quickly unpacked our jackets along with the bottle of Angel’s Envy Rye. We poured a dram into our titanium mugs and sipped its deliciously sweet contents. Mike remarked that this was probably his favorite rye he had tried. I agreed but told him to hold off judgment until we were sipping it at home rather than atop Angel’s Rest during a beautiful sunrise that we were able to snap a few pictures of. I can say with confidence as I write this weeks later with a Glencairn of Angel’s Rest Rye next to me, it is still my favorite rye as well. Rum is a close second spirit to whiskey for my palate, so the marriage of the spicy rye notes with the sweet raisin and brown sugar notes of the rum were right up my alley.
The Angel’s Envy Rye now holds a permanent spot on my bar. This bottle not only completed the Angel’s Envy collection (at least what I can find in the NW) but it may be my favorite of the 3 bottles I have. It is so unique and friendly despite being 100 proof that I feel anyone who claims to “not like rye whiskey” would likely find this good if not great if they gave it a taste. I highly recommend, if you can, that you buy a bottle of this delicious brown liquor.
My Rating:
Stock It! There are very few ryes on the market that are unique and delicious as this one. If you ever happen to visit my home feel free to ask me for a pour of this as there should always be a bottle on my shelf.
Rating scale:
-Spit: Don’t bother with this one. If a friend gives you a dram of it, are they even your friend?
-Shoot: Good enough to get you drunk.
-Sip: Tasty enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks.
-Stock: I’d recommend keeping a bottle on hand.
May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.
Cheers!
