Review: Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Rye Vol. 5 – Tequila Barrel (2025)

For the last five years, Angel’s Envy has released its Cellar Collection Series of straight rye whiskeys, which are high-proof special editions of its venerable and well-regarded rye whiskey, each featuring a particular, unique finish. Somehow we have never reviewed any of them — until now.

After annual spins through finishes in sherry, Port, Madeira, and ice cider, we’ve at last reached release #5 — which is finished in tequila barrels. Tequila-finished whiskey is trending right now, especially with rye, a style with which tequila seems to share a natural affinity.

Formally and exhaustingly named Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Series, Vol. 5 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels, this expression is a blend of rye whiskeys aged 7 to 11 years (plus) — all MGP stock — finished in French oak extra anejo barrels sourced from Patron.

We’re excited to finally dive into this series, even though it’s year five. So let’s begin.

Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Series, Vol. 5 Straight Rye Whiskey Finished in French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila Barrels Review

The nose is big and boozy, but not particularly hot with tequila overtones. The use of extra anejo barrels helps temper any overly heavy vegetal qualities, letting the rye spice do most of the talking. With ample time in barrel to mellow things out, the whiskey melds peppery rye notes with notes of chewy nougat, baking spice, and the char you get on a coal-fired pizza crust. Intense and still a bit green, the aromas only get more intense the longer they spend developing in glass.

The palate has all this and more. Again very race, here we find the tequila starting to make a more significant impact, complementing the rye grain well. The collected flavors are complex: Fresh herbs, lots of black pepper, and jalapeno, then soothing notes of brown butter, pastry cream, and vanilla pudding. The raciness endures, leading to a finish that recalls Mexican chocolate in a way I can’t recall getting out of other whiskey. Creamy and seductive on the fade-out — though still ringed with an edge of that pepper and spice — it’s as big and bold an adventure I’ve encountered in the world of rye in recent memory.

104.2 proof.

A / $270

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