Ohhhhh, Shiny… By now, anyone who has read this blog before should know that I am often drawn to pretty boxes. So here we are again, reviewing a bottle that I bought because of a beautiful packing scheme in hopes that the actually rye whishey inside is some what good. I will say that for the most part, except one, I have enjoyed all of the past Cellar Collection releases, so I am hopeful for this one as well. Today’s review comes from the Louisville Distilling Company and is the 2025 Angel’s Envy Cellar Collection Vol. 5.

Bottle Information

From the Angel’s Envy website: Inspired by tequila’s distinct production process, our Master Distiller set out to innovate beyond fortified wine and explore barrels from a new continent and spirit category. What he discovered was an extraordinary find—Patrón French Oak Extra Añejo Tequila barrels that had held agave distillate for four years. Exceedingly rare for both their French Oak construction and extended aging, these barrels lend a rich, spiced finish to our Straight Rye Whiskey.

Boldly innovative with novel finishing techniques, our Straight Rye Whiskey is aged up to 7 years before being finished for up to 12 months in French Oak Extra Añejo barrels. The final touch—a blend with an 11-year-old rye—resulting in a refined, rich whiskey full of exceptional depth and new discoveries.

• Distiller: Distilled in Indiana, Bottled by Louisville Distilling Company
• Mash Bill: Undisclosed
• Proof: 104.2
• Age: 7 and 11
• Year: 2025
• MSRP: $249
• 2025 National Average: $350
• Official Website

Anyone who has been a bourbon enthusiast for the last four years or longer has now seen a full cycle of product availability. What I mean by this, is I believe we are now on the downward cycle of the bourbon and whiskey boom, so those more allocated or highly sought after products of the past can be found sitting on shelves more regualarly. This bottle is a great example of this, where in the past it was nearly impossible to find limited releases from Angel’s Envy, especially the Cellar Collection, in the NoCo area.

As of writing this review, there is still at least one if not two of these bottles sitting on the shelves of most all the liquor stores I visit on a regular basis. Overall, this was a very unique experience as this is only the second time I have experienced tequila finished rye whiskey. With typical notes of rye spice and vanilla, I believe the finish also brought in interesting elements of agave honey and strawberry. To be quite honest, I am becoming a huge fan of tequila finished rye whiskey.

With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Honey, Herbal/Floral Tea, Red Fruit, Rye Spice, and Vanilla
• Palate: Baking and Rye Spice, Vanilla, Strawberry, Slight Toasted Oak, and Agave Honey
• Finish: Medium to Long with Notes of Rye Spice, Sweet Vanilla, and Honey Agave
• My Rating: Drink It! (I’m starting to become a fan of tequila finished Rye Whiskey)

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman®