Some whiskeys announce themselves with fanfare; others prefer a quieter entrance. Four Roses 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: Four Roses 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
| Four Roses Bourbon | Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Rye |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 80 proof | 114.4 proof |
| Price | $20.00 | $269.99 |
| Rating | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Nose
Four Roses Bourbon: It smells like bourbon. I know, this is not saying a lot but I get to taste a lot of bourbon. Some smell more like bourbon than others. That doesn’t mean it’s alcohol-ey, it means it smells like good bourbon. Rich, a browned butter, and the warm pleasantness that surrounds you when you’re well into a glass sitting with someone you like while sitting by a fire. It smells, quite frankly, like comfort. (Also, apples.)
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
Four Roses Bourbon: I’ve tried a bunch of Four Roses concoctions, and they never disappoint. This one is easy-drinking and light, and yet with enough substance to do well on its own, neat, or on the rocks. It has a light syrup mouthfeel but not syrupy sweetness. It’s a little chewy. Also, apples. Again. It tastes like its smells, which is to say good bourbon, not surprising or amazing, but a solid, easy-drinking beverage. It tastes like a more expensive bottle.
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
Four Roses Bourbon: A long, syrupy finish with brown sugar, caramel, and vanilla. Classic.
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
When it comes to value for money, Four Roses Bourbon offers significantly more bang for your buck at $20.00 compared to Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey's $269.99.
The significant price gap between these two makes value an especially important factor in this comparison.
The Verdict
Angel’s Envy 2023 Cask Strength Rye Whiskey edges ahead in this comparison with a rating of 9/10 versus Four Roses Bourbon's 8/10. It offers a more refined experience overall.
However, Four Roses 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
Final Reflections
Four Roses 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.
