The Surprising Origin of the Word ‘Cocktail’

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The Surprising Origin of the Word ‘Cocktail’

Whiskey History

There are a lot of people who have recently discovered the joys of bourbon and whiskey. There are also many older fans who know their whiskeys. We write our history articles for everyone. After all, until people understand the whiskey category, they might not really appreciate what Lincoln Henderson started with Angel’s Envy.

The Origin of Bourbon’s Name… Maybe.

We know exactly why whisky is called whisky, which is a bit of a rarity in the spirits world. Whisky…Read More
The Origin of Bourbon’s Name… Maybe.

The Science of Storing Whiskey

At some point, every whiskey fan starts acquiring bottles more quickly than they can consume them, and that’s okay. It’s…Read More
The Science of Storing Whiskey

The Hendersons Go to Washington’s Distillery

In 2003, Lincoln Henderson joined a notable collection of Master Distillers for a truly special occasion—the distilling of the first…Read More
The Hendersons Go to Washington’s Distillery

Whiskey History: World War II and Whiskey

  Following the repeal of prohibition, distilleries gradually began to recover from 13 years of a “dry” United States. But…Read More
Whiskey History: World War II and Whiskey

The Origins of the “Proof”

Alcohol by Volume (or ABV) is a percentage. It’s simple and easy to understand. We learned about percentages in grade…Read More
The Origins of the “Proof”

Bar Etiquette: Why Do People Tap Their Drink on the Bar after Clinking Glasses?

We love questions like this one because they’re endlessly debatable. We often wonder if people imagine that a definitive tome…Read More
Bar Etiquette: Why Do People Tap Their Drink on the Bar after Clinking Glasses?

Accidental Aging and the Birth of Whiskey As We Know It

Distilling is an industry built on history, and we all know that whiskey (particularly whisky) is steeped in tradition, legend…Read More
Accidental Aging and the Birth of Whiskey As We Know It

Louisville History and The Southern Exposition

Have you ever been fired? Thomas Edison got canned once. In 1867, he was fired from his job in Louisville…Read More
Louisville History and The Southern Exposition

Why Charring Barrels Matters

Let’s talk char. After all, aging in a charred oak barrel is one of the legal requirements for bourbon. So…Read More
Why Charring Barrels Matters

Too Tiki for Bourbon?

Our small team has racked up a lot of bar experience over the years. We’ve seen trends come and go.…Read More
Too Tiki for Bourbon?

The Story Behind Bourbon’s Traditional Mash Bill

  ANGEL’S ENVY uses a very traditional mash bill: 72% corn, 18% rye and 10% malted barley. But just how…Read More
The Story Behind Bourbon’s Traditional Mash Bill

How Long Can Whiskey Last?

  A lot of people ask us, “How long can an unopened bottle of whiskey last?” It’s a good question.…Read More
How Long Can Whiskey Last?

Whiskey History: Bootlegging and Stock Car Racing

American spirits have a rich and often colorful history, but it can be tricky separating the actual truth from the…Read More
Whiskey History: Bootlegging and Stock Car Racing

Kentucky’s Climate: The Engine that Drives Bourbon’s Flavor

  There are several all-important contributors to a whiskey’s flavor: mash bill and yeast can certainly make a difference, and…Read More
Kentucky’s Climate: The Engine that Drives Bourbon’s Flavor

Whiskey History: France, Aphids and the Unlikely Triumph of Whisky

  Whiskey’s popularity in America was cemented when the British cut off the trade of rum’s raw ingredients following the…Read More
Whiskey History: France, Aphids and the Unlikely Triumph of Whisky

Women, Whiskey and the Law

   We’ve written several articles about bootlegging during prohibition, because frankly, it’s fascinating. Fewer time periods have been more misrepresented…Read More
Women, Whiskey and the Law

Whiskey History: Abraham Lincoln and Whiskey

  Our 16th president had an interesting relationship with America’s native spirit. It’s partially thanks to whiskey that we call…Read More
Whiskey History: Abraham Lincoln and Whiskey

Whiskey History: George Washington and Whiskey

  Our first president had a bit of a contentious and curious history when it came to whiskey. On the…Read More
Whiskey History: George Washington and Whiskey

Whiskey History: Who Charred the First Barrel?

  Short answer: no one really knows, but there are some very interesting theories about the origins. Well-regarded whiskey historians…Read More
Whiskey History: Who Charred the First Barrel?

Whiskey History: The Origin of Barrels

It shouldn’t need to be said, but we love our barrels. If not for oak barrels, we wouldn’t have bourbon.…Read More
Whiskey History: The Origin of Barrels

First-Foot and Scotland’s New Year’s Whiskey Tradition

  New Years is a time for traditions. We watch the ball drop, we kiss at midnight, sing Auld Lang…Read More
First-Foot and Scotland’s New Year’s Whiskey Tradition

Whiskey History: What is Wheated Bourbon?

  This one’s pretty easy. If you guessed “contains wheat,” you’ve almost got it. Bourbon’s mash bill, by law, requires…Read More
Whiskey History: What is Wheated Bourbon?

Whiskey History: The Whiskey Rebellion

  Can you name the only president to actively lead troops into battle? If you guessed George Washington, you’d be…Read More
Whiskey History: The Whiskey Rebellion

Whiskey History: What Is Straight Bourbon?

   Angel’s Envy® is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon that’s finished in port wine barrels, and while we spend a lot…Read More
Whiskey History: What Is Straight Bourbon?

Whiskey History: What is White Dog?

  White dog goes by a few different names: white lightning, light whiskey, white whiskey. No matter what you call…Read More
Whiskey History: What is White Dog?

Rye History and the Difference Between Bourbon

  Bourbon and rye might both be whiskey, but there’s one key difference between them. Want to guess? Yeah, it’s…Read More
Rye History and the Difference Between Bourbon

The Life of a Barrel

  By law, bourbon wouldn’t be bourbon without being aged in a new, charred oak barrel. It’s the source of…Read More
The Life of a Barrel

Fact or Fiction: Bootleggers Ruled Prohibition-Era America

  It’s a criminal legacy that Americans love to revisit: bootleggers racing cars loaded up with illegal hooch, trying to…Read More
Fact or Fiction: Bootleggers Ruled Prohibition-Era America

Whiskey History: The Story of Japanese Whisky

  Photo courtesy of Tedd When you think about Japan, whisky isn’t usually the first thing to come to mind.…Read More
Whiskey History: The Story of Japanese Whisky

Whiskey History: The Difference between Scotch and Bourbon

  Scotch whisky has a long, proud heritage that likely stretches back long before its first recorded reference in 1495.…Read More
Whiskey History: The Difference between Scotch and Bourbon

The Birth of Bottling

In the early stages of Angel’s Envy, we put a lot of thought into the shape of our bottle. We…Read More
The Birth of Bottling

Whiskey History: How Canadian Whisky Differs from Bourbon

  We’ve talked about the differences between bourbon and Irish whiskey, but what about our friendly neighbors to the north?…Read More
Whiskey History: How Canadian Whisky Differs from Bourbon

Why 53 Gallons?

There are a lot of legal requirements for a whiskey to be a considered a bourbon. It has to be…Read More
Why 53 Gallons?

Are You an American Whiskey Fan? Thank England

There was a great deal of distilling happening in the early days of the American colonies. This wasn’t always a…Read More
Are You an American Whiskey Fan? Thank England

Whiskey History | How Irish Whiskey Differs from Bourbon

With Saint Patrick’s Day right around the corner, we thought it would be interesting to take a look at the…Read More
Whiskey History | How Irish Whiskey Differs from Bourbon

The Best Whiskey Deserves the Best Ice

There are a lot of different ways to enjoy your whiskey. While many of us prefer ours neat, there’s something…Read More
The Best Whiskey Deserves the Best Ice

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