The world of whiskey has long been a landscape dominated by legacy brands, steeped in history and tradition, with distillers crafting spirits that follow the rules of the past. However, the modern whiskey scene has also opened its doors to innovators who are pushing boundaries and creating new experiences for a growing market of enthusiasts. Wes Henderson, founder of Angel’s Envy and a pivotal figure in modern American whiskey, has once again stepped into the spotlight with the launch of his new whiskey brand, “True Story”.

Henderson’s reputation precedes him. Having co-founded Angel’s Envy alongside his father, the legendary Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, Wes revolutionized American whiskey by pioneering the practice of finishing bourbon in secondary barrels, a technique typically associated with Scotch whisky. Angel’s Envy’s port cask-finished bourbon quickly garnered a cult following and set the stage for other distillers to experiment with similar techniques. Now, with True Story Whiskey, Henderson is bringing that same spirit of innovation to an entirely new brand. As expected, the first two offerings from True Story will be cask finished, showcasing Henderson’s expertise in this area and his belief that whiskey has untapped potential for complexity and nuance.

The Birth of True Story Whiskey: A Personal Journey

The launch of True Story Whiskey is deeply personal for Wes Henderson. After stepping away from Angel’s Envy in 2022 to focus on new ventures, Henderson began reflecting on his own journey through the world of whiskey, one that spans more than three decades. The name “True Story” reflects Henderson’s desire to create whiskey that tells an authentic, personal narrative—one rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and a passion for innovation.

In interviews surrounding the launch of True Story, Henderson has emphasized that this new brand is not about reinventing whiskey as much as it is about continuing to explore and push the boundaries of what whiskey can be. “At the end of the day, whiskey should tell a story,” Henderson said. “It should take you on a journey, and I want every bottle of True Story to offer something unique and memorable to the person drinking it.”

This philosophy is apparent in True Story’s inaugural releases, which stay true to Henderson’s penchant for cask finishing while also introducing new elements that set the brand apart from Angel’s Envy. Whereas Angel’s Envy focused on port and rum cask finishes, True Story’s first offerings explore other cask influences, showcasing Henderson’s desire to broaden the flavor profile of American whiskey.

The First Two Offerings: Cask-Finished Excellence

The first two releases from True Story Whiskey are cask-finished bourbons, each finished in different types of barrels to highlight the versatility of the whiskey and the wide range of flavors that can be achieved through this process. The use of cask finishing adds layers of complexity to the whiskey, infusing the spirit with subtle notes that traditional aging alone cannot achieve.

True Story Whiskey: Madeira Cask Finish

One of the most exciting aspects of True Story’s debut is the decision to finish their first bourbon in Madeira casks. Madeira, a fortified wine from Portugal, is known for its rich, fruity flavors and subtle sweetness, and these qualities are beautifully translated into the whiskey. By finishing the bourbon in barrels that previously held Madeira wine, True Story has created a whiskey that offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and complexity.

The base bourbon used for the Madeira cask finish is a high-rye bourbon, aged for a minimum of six years in new charred oak barrels before being transferred to the Madeira casks for an additional six months. The high rye content gives the whiskey a bold, spicy character, while the Madeira cask finish softens the edges with layers of dried fruit, toffee, and a hint of almond nuttiness.

Tasting notes for the Madeira cask finish reveal a whiskey that is both rich and approachable. On the nose, there are aromas of ripe figs, dark chocolate, and a touch of oak spice. The palate is equally complex, with flavors of honeyed apricots, cinnamon, and a rich, velvety texture that leads to a long, warm finish. The Madeira cask adds a subtle sweetness that complements the natural spice of the rye, creating a whiskey that is well-rounded and full of depth.

True Story Whiskey: Cognac Cask Finish

The second release from True Story is a bourbon finished in Cognac casks, a pairing that feels both luxurious and adventurous. Cognac, a French brandy, is known for its opulence and complexity, often featuring flavors of dried fruit, vanilla, and floral notes. The decision to finish bourbon in Cognac casks reflects Henderson’s desire to push the boundaries of what American whiskey can be, introducing a European influence that adds elegance and finesse to the spirit.

The Cognac cask finish begins with the same high-rye bourbon base, aged for six years in new American oak. However, this time the whiskey is finished in ex-Cognac barrels for an extended period of eight months, allowing the rich, fruity notes of the Cognac to fully integrate with the bourbon.

On the nose, the Cognac cask-finished bourbon offers aromas of pear, vanilla bean, and baking spices, with just a hint of floral elegance. The palate is incredibly smooth, with layers of caramel, dried apricot, and toasted oak giving way to a subtle spice on the finish. There’s a silky mouthfeel to this whiskey, a hallmark of the Cognac influence, and the marriage of flavors is seamless. The sweetness of the Cognac pairs beautifully with the spice of the rye, creating a whiskey that is luxurious yet balanced, perfect for sipping neat or in a classic Old Fashioned.

A Masterclass in Cask Finishing

Cask finishing is where Wes Henderson has always excelled, and True Story’s first two releases are a testament to his mastery of the technique. The practice of transferring whiskey into secondary barrels after its initial aging period is not new, but it is an art form that requires a deep understanding of how different casks can influence the final product.

With True Story, Henderson is once again demonstrating that cask finishing is about more than just adding flavor—it’s about enhancing the whiskey’s natural characteristics while introducing new layers of complexity. The Madeira and Cognac cask finishes are not just marketing gimmicks; they are carefully chosen to complement the bourbon, creating a nuanced and sophisticated drinking experience. This attention to detail is what sets True Story apart from other brands attempting similar finishes.

One of the challenges with cask finishing is ensuring that the influence of the secondary barrel does not overpower the whiskey. In the case of True Story, the balance is impeccable. Both the Madeira and Cognac finishes enhance the whiskey without dominating it, allowing the bourbon’s natural flavors to shine through while adding subtle, complementary notes. This delicate balance is the result of Henderson’s decades of experience in the whiskey industry and his commitment to creating whiskey that tells a story.

Craftsmanship and Innovation: The Hallmarks of True Story

At its core, True Story is a reflection of Wes Henderson’s journey through the world of whiskey. It is a brand that is deeply personal, crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that made Angel’s Envy a success. Yet, True Story also represents a new chapter for Henderson—a chance to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what whiskey can be.

True Story is not just about creating unique cask-finished bourbons; it’s about telling a story through each bottle. The name itself is a nod to the authenticity and craftsmanship behind each release, and Henderson has made it clear that True Story will continue to evolve, with plans to experiment with other cask finishes and even new mash bills in the future.

Henderson has emphasized that True Story is a brand that values creativity and innovation, but without losing sight of tradition. “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel,” Henderson said in a recent interview. “We’re just trying to make the best whiskey we can, using techniques that we’ve learned over the years and applying them in new and exciting ways.”

This philosophy is evident in every aspect of True Story, from the meticulously sourced barrels to the thoughtful approach to blending and finishing. True Story is a brand that respects the past while embracing the future, and for whiskey lovers, it’s an exciting addition to the ever-evolving world of American whiskey.

Looking Ahead: The Future of True Story Whiskey

With the successful launch of True Story’s first two releases, the future looks bright for Wes Henderson’s new brand. As the whiskey market continues to grow, True Story is well-positioned to stand out among the crowd, offering a unique combination of craftsmanship, innovation, and authenticity.

Henderson has hinted that there are more exciting things to come from True Story, including the possibility of limited-edition releases and collaborations with other distillers and brands. There’s also the potential for expanding beyond bourbon, with plans to explore other types of whiskey, including rye and perhaps even single malt.

For now, whiskey enthusiasts can enjoy the Madeira and Cognac cask-finished bourbons, both of which are sure to become favorites among those who appreciate the art of cask finishing. True Story is more than just a whiskey brand—it’s a continuation of Wes Henderson’s legacy, and for fans of his work, it’s a story worth following.

In an industry where tradition often reigns supreme, True Story represents a fresh perspective on what whiskey can be. By blending the old with the new, Wes Henderson has created a brand that not only respects the craft of whiskey-making but also pushes it forward into uncharted territory. For those who love whiskey with depth, complexity, and a story to tell, True Story is a brand that will undoubtedly make its mark on the whiskey world for years to come.

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