Whisky: It's not just for drinking, it's for sharing with angels too!
The "angel's share" is the portion of whisky that evaporates from barrels during aging, contributing to the final flavour and character of the drink.
The angel's share is a term used in the whisky making industry to refer to the amount of whisky that evaporates from the barrel during the aging process. It is estimated that as much as 2% of the volume of the whisky in a barrel can be lost to evaporation each year. This means that if a barrel contains 200 litres of whisky, as much as 4 litres of it could be lost to the angel's share over the course of a year.
Tradition and lore
The concept of the angel's share is steeped in tradition and lore. It is said that the angels take their share of the whisky, hence the name. While the term may have a whimsical connotation, the angel's share is a very real and significant factor in the whisky making process.
The angel's share is an accepted part of the process and is often considered to be a key factor in the development of the final flavour of the whisky. The evaporation of the whisky from the barrel allows for the remaining liquid to interact more closely with the wood of the barrel, which can add depth and complexity to the flavour of the whisky.
The angels share comes at a price
In addition to the flavour development, the angel's share also plays a role in the overall yield of a batch of whisky. The loss of the whisky to evaporation can result in a lower yield, which can impact the cost of production and ultimately the price of the finished product.
While the angel's share may seem like a small and insignificant part of the whisky making process, it is actually a crucial element that contributes to the final flavour and character of the whisky. So the next time you enjoy a glass of whisky, take a moment to appreciate the role that the angel's share has played in its creation.
Remember not only to share with the angels, also share your tasting experience with your friends using the SavourTasting App!