Big news out of Louisville.
Owen Martin, Master Distiller at Angel’s Envy, has been named North American (NAM) Craft Distiller of the Year at the 2026 Icons of Whisky Awards, presented annually by The World Whiskies Awards.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Angel’s Envy team also brought home the Production Team Award, recognizing the people behind the barrels who make the magic happen every single day.
A Win for the Finish
At The Bourbon Flight, we’ve long believed that finishing isn’t just a marketing term, when done right, it’s an art form. And this award reinforces what many bourbon fans already know: Angel’s Envy has helped redefine what’s possible beyond the first barrel.
Martin and his team were celebrated for their innovative approach to secondary barrel finishing and for evolving the brand’s signature style while honoring its craftsmanship roots. That balance, respect for tradition paired with fearless exploration, is what separates thoughtful finishing from gimmickry.
Owen joined Angel’s Envy in 2022 with a deep technical background in distillation and maturation. Since stepping into the role, he has expanded the finishing program with a clear philosophy: honor traditional bourbon-making, but always ask what’s possible after the first maturation.
That mindset has translated into:
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Exploration of new and unconventional cask types
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Precision-driven blending techniques
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Extended finishing experiments
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A relentless focus on consistency amid innovation
Releases That Show the Evolution
Recent releases highlight this forward momentum.
The Angel’s Envy 10 Cask Strength, released this past October, demonstrates how extended finishing can unlock deeper layers of complexity, rich texture, amplified spice, and nuanced sweetness that feel intentional rather than overpowering.
Meanwhile, the Distillery Series (released in September) continues to give bourbon enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes look at Angel’s Envy’s creative laboratory. Limited drops and experimental finishes allow the team to push boundaries while staying rooted in craftsmanship.
The Bourbon Flight Take
In an increasingly crowded finishing landscape, awards like this matter. Not because they validate what’s already in the bottle, but because they recognize leadership.
Finishing bourbon isn’t new. Doing it with discipline, balance, and long-term vision is.
Owen Martin’s recognition as Craft Distiller of the Year signals that Angel’s Envy isn’t simply riding the finishing wave, they’re helping shape where it goes next. And with the Production Team Award to back it up, this isn’t a one-person victory. It’s a culture win.
If this trajectory continues, the most exciting chapters of Angel’s Envy’s story may still be aging in a secondary barrel somewhere in Louisville.
