Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon vs Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey: Bourbon vs Rye Showdown belongs firmly to the latter school.
Cross-category comparisons are always fun. Today we pit a Bourbon against a Rye: Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon takes on Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey in a battle that transcends regional tradition.
While these two whiskeys come from different worlds, comparing them reveals what makes each style unique and which might suit your palate better.
Specifications at a Glance
| Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon | Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Emeritus at Buffalo Trace Distillery | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Rye |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 90 proof | 114.4 proof |
| Price | N/A | $269.99 |
| Rating | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Nose
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon: Floral, yeasty, fragrant and bready. Mash notes are prominent and dried corn is always evident. Hang with it a spell and you’ll even find cocoa lurking in the background. It’s Eau de Rickhouse in a bottle. Tasting it reveals all the basics of toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, fruity rye and sour mash, followed by bonus licks of pipe tobacco, yeast, fruit, even crème caramel. It treads gingerly on the palate.
Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey: Its like someone took butterscotch and cream and blended them together into one magnificent offering. Apricot and lavender are slightly present as well.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon: Tasting it reveals all the basics of toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, fruity rye and sour mash, followed by bonus licks of pipe tobacco, yeast, fruit, even crème caramel. It treads gingerly on the palate.
Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey: Spicy rye hits the moment you sip, fading into warmer notes of creamy sweet goodness tied to toffee and butterscotch. This plays nicely across the tongue from one end to the other, leaving a pleasant, long finish you hope doesnt go away.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon: The finish delivers a bit more oak and then disappears without a trace down the gullet. It just drinks cleanly, bereft of a warming burn – which I do like in many cases.
Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey: Comments: blend of rye whiskeys selected from Sauternes finishing casks and Toasted Oak finishing barrels; 114.4 proof; 5,500 bottles produced; $269
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey edges ahead in this comparison with a rating of 9/10 versus Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon's 8/10. It offers a more refined experience overall.
However, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon still has plenty to offer, and depending on your taste preferences, it might be the one you reach for more often.
Read the Full Reviews
- Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon – Full Review
- Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey – Full Review
Final Reflections
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon vs Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey: Bourbon vs Rye Showdown is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
