Review: Angel’s Envy Triple Oak Bourbon

In 2024, American whiskey enthusiasts often take for granted the existence of whiskey featuring a secondary maturation, as such offerings are extremely common. Dating back to 2006, Angel’s Envy served as a pioneer that got the ball rolling on the secondary maturation front, with its bourbon finished in Port wine casks. October 2024 brings Angel’s Envy’s first addition to their Signature Series line since their rum cask rye was launched in 2013. Angel’s Envy Triple Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon takes the Port and rum cask offerings to a new level by finishing its bourbon in three different types of oak: Hungarian, Chinkapin from Kentucky, and French.

Triple Oak’s base is a Kentucky bourbon matured for 4 to 6 years in toasted American white oak barrels featuring a #3 char. After initial maturation, Angel’s Envy adds a secondary maturation with each of the oak varietals. Owen Martin has artfully blended the finished product, with Triple Oak bottled at 92 proof.

Martin’s newest bourbon opens with juicy peaches and vanilla on the nose. Following the initial aroma, honey quickly emanates from the glass to join toasted coconut and clove. The nose is extremely pleasant as the peach note stands out a bit above the others. Moving to the palate, creme brulee and black cherry are the first to be discovered. As the experience transitions to the midpalate, the sweetness is met with the slightest note of sweet tobacco and croissant before sliding into a mild cinnamon note. The mouthfeel is a medium viscosity. While the initial palate is mostly sweet, the finish takes a bit of a detour to notes of burnt brown sugar and eucalyptus, and it harbors familiar notes in the form of orange zest and black pepper. It’s a long finish with a low, slow simmer.

Angel’s Envy’s original flagship bourbon is bottled at 86.6 proof and leaves something to be desired for many enthusiasts, despite its role in the secondary maturation revolution. For consumers who may have lost interest in the the flagship offering, Triple Oak makes it worth looking in the direction of Angel’s Envy again. The slight increase in proof is a welcomed change and the price of $75 seems quite fair. While I can’t recall that last time I reached for my bottle of the standard Port-finished bourbon, Triple Oak just hits differently. Owen Martin did an excellent job with the blending, providing consumers with a fresh take for the Signature Series.

92 proof.

A- / $75 / angelsenvy.com

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