Widow sues son over Angel's Envy inheritance

The widow of the late Lincoln Henderson is suing her son over her share from the sale of Angel's Envy to Bacardi in March.. Purchase price for the brand was not disclosed.

In a suit filed June 1 in Jefferson Circuit Court, Cecilia Henderson, 71, alleges that Wesley Henderson "has effectively stolen ... his mother's inheritance."

Wes Henderson had no immediate comment. His spokesman, Bob Gunnell, released this statement: "When Mr. Henderson received word of the complaint filed against him by his mother, Cecilia, he was both surprised and extremely saddened. The complaint includes numerous inaccuracies and misinterpretations all of which are baseless and defamatory.

"These claims all seem to be influenced by outsiders looking to capitalize on the family's recent success. Since the time of his father's passing Wes has been working to ensure that the successes of the company continue well in to the future. Wes has remained committed to resolving any issues with his mother and providing for her future."

According to court documents, Cecilia Henderson inherited a 50 percent share in Spirited Holdings, one of several investors in Angel's Envy, when Lincoln Henderson died in September 2013. When the premium bourbon and rye brand was sold earlier this year, Spirited Holdings owned 8 to 10 percent of Angel's Envy, but she has yet to see the money or know terms of the deal, according to the suit.

The suit does not say how much money is at stake; Cecilia Henderson is asking the court to freeze the assets of Spirited Holdings and allow access to documents related to the sale.

An attorney for Cecilia Henderson did not immediately return a call for comment.

Wes Henderson, of Crestwood, is the brand ambassador for Angel's Envy, which was created in 2006 by Lincoln Henderson, at the behest of his son, according to company statements. The former distiller at Brown-Forman purchased bourbon and rye whiskey and then aged it briefly in barrels that held other spirits. The brand came on the market in 2010 and is building a distillery and tourist attraction in downtown Louisville.

Bacardi has said that Angel's Envy will continue to operate as a standalone company.

This story was originally published June 2, 2015 at 4:41 PM with the headline "Widow sues son over Angel's Envy inheritance."