Episode 182
Owen Martin – Master Distiller of Kentucky Bourbon brand, Angel’s Envy – joins the podcast.
For centuries, bourbon has been a story of heritage – strict regulations, deep Kentucky roots and an almost sacred reverence for tradition – but at Angel’s Envy, Master Distiller Owen Martin is proving that innovation isn’t just possible, it’s essential.
With a background that spans Scottish whisky and American craft distilling, Martin brings a global perspective to a category long defined by its past. From pioneering new finishing techniques to rethinking the very foundations of bourbon production, his approach challenges industry norms while respecting the craft’s DNA.
The result is a vision for bourbon that blends art and science – precision with creativity and tradition with the future – but just how far can those boundaries be pushed before it stops being bourbon? And as the category evolves, what does this mean for distillers, brands and drinkers alike?
In The Interview
Pioneering Bourbon Finishing
Martin details how Angel’s Envy pioneered bourbon finishing in America, transforming what was once controversial into an industry standard. Today, the challenge lies in finding new ways to innovate in an increasingly crowded space. The distillery’s approach includes experimenting with combination finishes, such as blending Sauternes-finished rye with toasted oak barrel-finished spirits, creating unique flavours that push the category forward.
Engineering and Artistry
With an engineering background and a master’s degree in brewing and distilling, Martin brings a unique technical perspective to bourbon making. His approach combines rigorous scientific methodology with creative flavour development, exemplified in projects like using ex-bourbon barrels to strip unwanted sulfur compounds from wine-finished whiskeys.
Global Influence on American Tradition
Martin’s international experience shapes his innovative approach. He discusses drawing inspiration from cognac’s ‘slow proofing’ technique, where water is added to barrels during aging rather than at bottling. This method, while labour-intensive, represents the kind of cross-category innovation he believes can advance bourbon making.
Accessibility Aim
Despite the industry trend toward high-proof, intense releases targeting enthusiasts, Martin emphasises the importance of creating balanced, approachable whiskeys. He strives to create spirits that appeal broadly, focusing on harmony and integration rather than power alone.
Collaboration and Learning
As part of the Bacardi portfolio, Martin regularly collaborates with master blenders from other prestigious brands – such as Patron and Dewar’s. These interactions facilitate knowledge exchange and innovation, particularly in barrel finishing techniques, creating a two-way flow of expertise between American and European whiskey traditions.
Looking to the Future
Martin envisions a future where grain selection, fermentation and distillation are specifically designed with finishing in mind from day one. This long-term approach to product development, combined with current experiments in novel finishing techniques, suggests exciting developments ahead for the category.
