Wes Henderson - Co-founder Of Angel’s Envy Starts New Chapter in Crafting Premium American Spirits

Wes Henderson, a Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee and co-founder of the renowned Angel’s Envy brand, has returned to the whiskey world with a new venture: True Story. After his retirement in 2022, Henderson couldn’t stay away from the industry he helped shape, and now he’s launching True Story under his new company, Saga Spirits Group. True Story is more than just another whiskey brand—it’s the next chapter in Henderson’s legacy, one that embraces both tradition and innovation.

The Birth of True Story Whiskey

True Story is Wes Henderson’s latest foray into premium American whiskey. It’s the first brand to come out of Saga Spirits Group, a company Henderson founded in 2023. The aim of Saga Spirits is to create high-quality whiskey and offer a comprehensive visitor experience at a planned distillery in Versailles, Kentucky. Although the distillery is still under development, the whiskey has already hit the market. Henderson's new brand launched on October 10 with two unique offerings: True Story Finished Bourbon and True Story Finished Rye.

A Family Tradition

Wes Henderson has deep roots in the whiskey industry. His father, Lincoln Henderson, was a key figure in American spirits and helped co-create Angel’s Envy. Now, Wes is joined by his six sons, making True Story a family affair. Together, they aim to blend the rich heritage of Kentucky whiskey with innovative techniques, continuing the family legacy.

“True Story is about more than just whiskey,” Wes Henderson explains. “It’s a way for people to come together, share their stories, and connect over a drink. Every bottle of whiskey we produce is a reflection of that connection and the history behind it.”

The True Story Whiskeys

True Story launched with two main products, each offering a unique take on cask-finished whiskey—a method that Henderson and his family helped pioneer with Angel’s Envy.

1. True Story Finished Bourbon The first release is a 90-proof bourbon aged five to six years in new charred oak barrels before being finished in white Moscatel wine casks for six months. This finishing process adds subtle floral notes and sweetness to the bourbon, giving it a unique flavor profile. Described as having hints of white exotic fruits, the bourbon offers a smooth yet complex experience.

2. True Story Finished Rye The second release, True Story Finished Rye, is a 100-proof blend of straight rye whiskeys aged five to eight years. What sets this rye apart is its intricate finishing process. It spends two to twelve months in a combination of casks, including Pedro Ximénez (PX) and Oloroso sherry casks, as well as Brazilian amburana wood. These barrels contribute layers of spice, raisin, dried fruit, and even a touch of cinnamon to the rye, creating a balanced yet robust flavor profile.

The amburana wood is particularly interesting, as it’s not commonly used in whiskey production. However, this unusual addition has a significant impact on the rye’s taste, giving it a distinct edge over traditional rye whiskeys.

Building on the Legacy of Angel’s Envy

True Story may be a new brand, but it carries the DNA of Angel’s Envy, a brand known for its use of cask finishes. Henderson and his family are continuing to explore this technique with True Story, crafting whiskeys that are sophisticated and full of flavor. “The family pioneered the finished American whiskey category with Angel’s Envy, and the initial True Story products are our way of building upon that craft and legacy,” said Kyle Henderson, director of operations at True Story and one of Wes’s sons.

While both True Story whiskeys are cask-finished, Kyle hinted that future releases might not follow the same pattern, leaving the door open for more experimentation and diversification in the brand’s portfolio.

A Distinct Packaging Design

In addition to the quality of the whiskey itself, True Story is also making waves with its sleek packaging. The bourbon comes in a black matte hexagonal bottle, while the rye is housed in a white matte hexagonal bottle. The minimalist design allows the whiskey to stand out on any bar shelf, focusing attention on the liquid inside. This modern packaging reflects the brand’s philosophy of combining tradition with contemporary innovation.

A New Destination for Whiskey Lovers

Although the True Story whiskeys are currently being sourced from multiple distilleries in Kentucky and Indiana, Henderson has big plans for the future. Saga Spirits Group is building a distillery in Versailles, Kentucky, that will not only produce whiskey but also offer an immersive visitor experience. Once completed, this distillery is expected to be a major attraction in the region, drawing whiskey enthusiasts from all over the country. Henderson’s vision for the distillery goes beyond just making great whiskey; he wants it to be a place where people can come together and share in the story of American whiskey.

Availability and Pricing

Both True Story Finished Bourbon and True Story Finished Rye are available for purchase in Kentucky and Tennessee as well as online through the True Story website. The bourbon is priced at $60 per bottle, while the rye sells for $70. These prices reflect the premium nature of the whiskey, which is crafted with care and attention to detail.

A Promising Future

True Story is more than just a new whiskey brand—it’s a continuation of the Henderson family’s legacy in the American whiskey industry. With its focus on quality, innovation, and storytelling, True Story is poised to make a significant impact on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of bourbon and rye, True Story offers something special: a chance to connect, reflect, and savor a drink that’s been carefully crafted with both tradition and modern techniques.

In the words of Wes Henderson, “Every bottle holds a unique story waiting to be told.” And with True Story, it seems like Henderson’s next chapter is just beginning.