Last Updated on April 3, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Angel’s Envy started as a father-and-son idea in 2006 and eventually evolved into a full-blown operational urban distillery in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky.
If you’re a fan of the brand’s cask-finished bourbons, you’re in luck — their distillery offers two one-of-a-kind tours focused on varying aspects of the whiskey industry.
We’ll discuss everything there is to know about the Angel’s Envy Tour, so you know what to expect.
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ToggleAbout Angel’s Envy Tour
The Angel’s Envy Tour offers two separate tours with varying experiences, so patrons can decide for themselves which one they’re more interested in. It first opened its doors to the public in 2016.
The Signature Tour is all about touring Angel’s Envy distillery cathedral and bringing visitors to the heart of their operations from start to finish.
This one-hour guided tour starts with sharing the brand’s history and ends in their Finishing Room, where visitors can enjoy Angel’s Envy Bourbon Finished in Port Casks and Angel’s Envy Whiskey Finished in Caribbean Rum Casks.
The Bottle Your Own Tour is for guests who are more interested in a hands-on experience of making bourbon.
Their in-house experts chose select barrels specifically for this exciting activity, with visitors filling, corking, and labeling their own bottle of Angel’s Envy Single Barrel.
This tour is also highly educational, as you’ll learn a lot about the bottling process and how it became the standard in America. They’ll also let you in on their thought process behind their distinctive bottle design.
Read: Popular Bourbon Tours in Kentucky
What’s It About
Location
500 E. Main St. Louisville, Kentucky 40202
502-890-6300
Hours
Signature Tour: Available Daily
- Monday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Tuesday: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
- Wednesday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
- Friday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
- Saturday: 10:00am to 7:00pm
- Sunday: 12:30pm to 4:30pm
Bottle Your Own Tour: Reservation Only
- Offered on select Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (limited to six guests per experience)
Price
Signature Tour: around $25 per person
Bottle Your Own Tour: around $149.99
Meeting & Pickup
Pickup and departure will be at the Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. Visitors will be placed on the next available tour upon arrival.
Read: Popular Places To Stay For the Bourbon Trail
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours of your scheduled tour to get a full refund.
If you request a cancellation for whatever reason less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made, such as changes in schedule made less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour, will not be entertained.
Read: Jim Beam Distillery Tour
What’s Included In The Angel’s Envy Tour?
The Angel’s Envy Tour offers two unique experiences that cater to the visitor’s preference.
The Signature Tour is an hour-long tour of the entire distillery to see the heart of their distilling operation.
This includes access to their Finishing Room, where guests can help themselves to a hand-crafted seasonal cocktail. This also includes a visit to the self-fill experience and in-house retail shop.
The Bottle Your Own Tour is an hour-long activity of bottling your own Angel’s Envy Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Finished Bourbon, with the help of an Angel’s Envy Distillery Guardian. [1] You’ll also get a commemorative box and photo.
Read: Angel’s Envy Bourbon vs Eagle Rare
Other Info On The Angel’s Envy Tour
Closed-toe shoes are required, but if you do decide to wear high heels at the tours, you will be instructed to navigate very carefully, as you will be walking on wood decking.
No firearms or weapons are allowed inside Angel’s Envy Distillery.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography and audio/video recording are strictly prohibited.
Read: What’s the Kentucky Bourbon Festival?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you go to Angels Envy without a tour?
While Angels Envy Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky primarily operates as a tourist destination offering guided tours of its facilities, visitors can still enjoy the ambiance of the distillery without participating in a formal tour. The distillery warmly welcomes guests to explore its visitor center and gift shop, providing an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Angels Envy whiskey. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by knowledgeable staff members who are eager to share insights about the brand and its spirits.
The visitor center at Angels Envy serves as a hub of activity, offering a range of experiences beyond the traditional guided tour. Guests can browse an extensive selection of merchandise, including apparel, glassware, and whiskey-related accessories, providing the perfect opportunity to find a unique souvenir or gift. Additionally, the gift shop often features exclusive releases and limited-edition bottlings, allowing visitors to discover rare and sought-after expressions of Angels Envy whiskey.
For those interested in sampling Angels Envy’s acclaimed spirits, the distillery offers tasting experiences that allow guests to savor a selection of whiskies in a relaxed and inviting setting. Knowledgeable staff members are on hand to guide guests through the tasting process, offering insights into the flavor profiles, production techniques, and heritage of Angels Envy whiskey.
Throughout the visitor center, guests can also explore interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the craftsmanship and innovation behind Angels Envy’s award-winning spirits. From the intricacies of the distillation process to the artistry of barrel aging, these exhibits provide a behind-the-scenes look at what sets Angels Envy apart in the world of whiskey.
How long is Angel’s Envy distillery tour?
The duration of the Angels Envy distillery tour typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, providing guests with an immersive and informative experience that highlights the craftsmanship and heritage of Angels Envy whiskey. Led by knowledgeable tour guides, the tour takes guests on a journey through the distillery’s facilities, offering insights into every stage of the whiskey-making process.
The tour begins with an introduction to the history of Angels Envy and its commitment to innovation and quality. Guests then venture into the heart of the distillery, where they witness firsthand the artistry of distillation, fermentation, and barrel aging. Along the way, tour guides share stories and anecdotes that bring to life the passion and dedication of the distillery’s team.
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the aging warehouses, where guests have the opportunity to explore the vast racks of oak barrels that house Angels Envy whiskey as it matures to perfection. Here, visitors can see, smell, and even taste the angel’s share—the portion of whiskey lost to evaporation during aging—a unique and memorable experience.
The tour concludes with a visit to the bottling line, where guests witness the final stages of production and learn about the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every bottle of Angels Envy whiskey. Throughout the tour, guests are encouraged to ask questions, engage with their surroundings, and deepen their understanding of the craftsmanship and tradition that define Angels Envy.
Is Angel’s Envy on whiskey Row?
Yes, Angels Envy Distillery proudly calls Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row home, joining a prestigious lineup of distilleries and bourbon-related attractions along Main Street in downtown Louisville. Whiskey Row is renowned for its rich bourbon heritage and storied past, making it the perfect setting for Angels Envy to share its passion for whiskey with visitors from near and far.
As one of the newest additions to Whiskey Row, Angels Envy Distillery contributes to the area’s revitalization and its reputation as a must-visit destination for whiskey enthusiasts and tourists alike. The distillery’s location on Whiskey Row serves as a fitting tribute to Louisville’s bourbon legacy, while also showcasing Angels Envy’s commitment to honoring tradition while embracing innovation.
Visitors to Angels Envy Distillery can explore the historic surroundings, soak in the ambiance of Whiskey Row, and discover firsthand the artistry and craftsmanship that define Angels Envy whiskey. With its prime location and unparalleled hospitality, Angels Envy Distillery invites guests to experience the spirit of Louisville’s bourbon culture in a truly unforgettable way.
Why is Angel’s Envy so hard to find?
Angel’s Envy Bourbon and other expressions from Angel’s Envy Distillery can be challenging to find at times due to their popularity and limited availability. One reason for this scarcity is the meticulous production process employed by Angel’s Envy, which prioritizes quality over quantity. Each batch of Angel’s Envy whiskey undergoes a meticulous aging process, often finishing in rare and specially selected barrels, such as port wine casks or rum barrels.
This attention to detail results in a distinctive flavor profile that sets Angel’s Envy apart from other bourbons and whiskeys on the market. As a result, demand for Angel’s Envy products frequently outpaces supply, leading to shortages and difficulty in finding bottles at retail locations.
Additionally, the reputation of Angel’s Envy as a premium bourbon with a devoted following contributes to its scarcity. Whiskey enthusiasts and collectors eagerly seek out Angel’s Envy releases, leading to high demand and limited availability, particularly for special editions or limited releases.
While efforts are made to expand production and distribution to meet demand, the artisanal nature of Angel’s Envy whiskey means that it remains a coveted and sought-after spirit among connoisseurs.
What is special about Angels envy?
Several factors contribute to what makes Angel’s Envy bourbon and other expressions so special and highly regarded among whiskey enthusiasts:
Unique Finishing Process: Angel’s Envy is known for its innovative finishing process, where the whiskey is aged in rare and carefully selected barrels, such as port wine casks or rum barrels, during the final stage of maturation. This finishing process imparts unique flavors and aromas to the whiskey, resulting in a distinctively rich and complex flavor profile.
Attention to Detail: Every aspect of Angel’s Envy production, from sourcing the finest ingredients to the meticulous blending and aging process, is conducted with the utmost care and attention to detail. The dedication of the distillery team to quality craftsmanship shines through in every bottle of Angel’s Envy whiskey.
Smooth and Balanced: Angel’s Envy is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth and balanced taste, with a harmonious interplay of flavors and a velvety texture that delights the palate. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, Angel’s Envy offers a sophisticated drinking experience that appeals to both seasoned whiskey connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts.
Commitment to Sustainability: Angel’s Envy is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, utilizing recycled materials for packaging and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout the production process. This commitment to sustainability resonates with consumers who value environmentally responsible brands.
Overall, Angel’s Envy stands out as a premium bourbon brand that combines innovation, craftsmanship, and a dedication to quality, making it a favorite among whiskey aficionados worldwide.
Why is it called Angels Envy?
The name “Angel’s Envy” is derived from a term commonly used in the whiskey industry to describe the portion of whiskey lost to evaporation during the aging process. This phenomenon, known as the “angel’s share,” occurs as whiskey ages in oak barrels, with a small percentage of the liquid evaporating into the air each year.
While this loss of whiskey to the angels is an unavoidable part of the aging process, it is also seen as a sign of quality and craftsmanship, as it allows the remaining whiskey to develop rich and complex flavors over time.
The name “Angel’s Envy” pays homage to this tradition while also capturing the essence of the brand’s philosophy: to create exceptional whiskies that are worthy of envy, both by angels and by whiskey enthusiasts. It reflects the distillery’s commitment to producing high-quality spirits that inspire admiration and appreciation among those who have the privilege of enjoying them.
Who is Angel’s Envy owned by?
Angel’s Envy is owned by Louisville Distilling Company, LLC, which was founded by industry veteran Lincoln Henderson and his sons Wes and Kyle Henderson. The Henderson family launched Angel’s Envy in 2010 with the vision of creating a premium bourbon that pushed the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making techniques.
Today, Angel’s Envy is recognized as one of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, known for its innovative approach to bourbon production and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Is Angel’s Envy a true bourbon?
Yes, Angel’s Envy is indeed a true bourbon. To be considered bourbon, a whiskey must meet specific legal requirements established by the U.S. government. These requirements include being made in the United States, containing a mash bill of at least 51% corn, and aging in new charred oak barrels.
Additionally, bourbon must be distilled to no more than 160 proof and entered into the barrel for aging at no more than 125 proof. Finally, bourbon must be bottled at a minimum of 80 proof.
Angel’s Envy bourbon adheres to these criteria and is crafted using traditional bourbon-making methods, including the use of a mash bill that includes corn, malted barley, and rye.
The whiskey is aged in new charred oak barrels, where it develops its rich flavor and character over time. While Angel’s Envy is known for its unique finishing process, where the whiskey undergoes additional aging in port wine casks or rum barrels, it still meets all the requirements to be classified as bourbon.
Who owns Angel’s Envy?
Angel’s Envy is owned by Louisville Distilling Company, LLC, a family-owned and operated craft distillery based in Louisville, Kentucky. The company was founded by industry veteran Lincoln Henderson and his sons Wes and Kyle Henderson, who shared a passion for bourbon and a desire to create a whiskey that pushed the boundaries of traditional whiskey-making techniques.
Today, Angel’s Envy is recognized as one of the premier craft distilleries in the United States, celebrated for its innovative approach to bourbon production and commitment to quality craftsmanship.
Is Angels Envy owned by Bacardi?
No, Angel’s Envy is not owned by Bacardi. Angel’s Envy is owned by Louisville Distilling Company, LLC, a family-owned and operated craft distillery based in Louisville, Kentucky.
The brand was founded by industry veteran Lincoln Henderson and his sons Wes and Kyle Henderson in 2010. While Bacardi is a major player in the spirits industry, particularly known for its rum, it does not own Angel’s Envy.
Can you drink Angel’s Envy straight?
Absolutely, Angel’s Envy bourbon is best savored neat. Its intricate flavor profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, is showcased beautifully when enjoyed straight. Many whiskey enthusiasts appreciate the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the complex layers of flavor and aroma that Angel’s Envy offers without any dilution or alteration.
Sipping Angel’s Envy neat allows for a true appreciation of the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into creating this exceptional bourbon.
Additionally, the smooth and balanced nature of Angel’s Envy makes it highly enjoyable when sipped neat. The whiskey’s velvety texture and well-integrated flavors provide a luxurious drinking experience that is both satisfying and memorable.
Whether enjoyed as a moment of quiet contemplation or shared among friends, Angel’s Envy straight is sure to delight the palate and leave a lasting impression.
Final Verdict: Angel’s Envy Tour
The Angel’s Envy Distillery offers two highly educational tours to cater to your interest in the bourbon industry.
The Signature Tour is a better fit for guests who are fans of Angel’s Envy Bourbon and would love to learn more about the brand. This hour-long tour takes them to the heart of the distillery and their entire production method, from start to finish.
On the other hand, the Bottle Your Own Tour is for those who want the hands-on experience of filling, corking, and labeling their own Angel’s Envy Single Barrel.
Both tours end with a tasting in their Finishing Room, where guests can sample hand-crafted cocktails, or Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels and Angel’s Envy Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Finished in Port Barrels.
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