Every whiskey lover knows that their favorite drink undergoes a meticulous and time-consuming production process. From the selection of grains, to the aging process in oak barrels, every step of the way, whiskey production is a true art form. However, there is an elusive, yet crucial aspect of the production process that many might not know about – the Angel’s Share.
In this blog post, we will explore what the Angel’s Share refers to in whiskey production, its significance, and its impact on the quality and flavor of your favorite whiskey.
What is the Angel’s Share?
The Angel’s Share is a term used in the whiskey industry to refer to the amount of whiskey that evaporates during the aging process. Simply put, it is the portion of the whiskey that is lost to the air through the oak barrel as it is maturing.
The term is believed to have originated in Scotland, where the whiskey industry has a long and storied history. It was a reference to the notion that the angels must be taking their share of the whiskey, as there were no visible cracks or holes in the barrels to explain the loss of liquid.
The amount of whiskey lost to the Angel’s Share varies depending on several factors, such as the humidity and temperature of the aging environment, the type of oak barrel used, and the length of the aging process. Typically, the Angel’s Share amounts to around 2-4% of the total volume of whiskey in the barrel per year.
Why is it significant?
The Angel’s Share is an important aspect of whiskey production, as it has a significant impact on the final product’s character, flavor, and aroma. The loss of liquid to the air through the barrel results in a more concentrated, complex whiskey taste profile.
As the whiskey evaporates, it leaves behind a higher concentration of alcohol and flavors in the remaining liquid. This enhances the whiskey’s flavor and aroma, resulting in a more desirable whiskey that is smoother and richer in taste.
Furthermore, the Angel’s Share is an important factor in the aging process, as it affects the rate at which the whiskey matures. The more whiskey that is lost to the air, the faster the remaining whiskey matures, resulting in a more aged and refined taste.
Different types of whiskey will also have different rates of evaporation, depending on the climate in which they are produced. For example, whiskey produced in Scotland will typically have a higher rate of evaporation due to the country’s cooler and more humid climate. Whiskey produced in warmer and drier climates, such as in Kentucky, will experience less evaporation, resulting in a less concentrated final product.
How to reduce the Angel’s Share?
While the Angel’s Share is an important factor in whiskey production, distillers must strike a balance between the amount of liquid lost to the air and the quality of the final product. Therefore, there are several measures that can be taken to reduce the amount of whiskey lost to the Angel’s Share.
One approach is to use smaller barrels, which allows for a higher ratio of whiskey to wood. This results in a tighter grain structure in the wood, which reduces the amount of evaporation.
Another approach is to age the whiskey in a cooler and more humid environment, which slows down the aging process and significantly reduces the Angel’s Share.
Furthermore, the use of barrel coatings or seals, such as paraffin wax or resin, can offer a barrier to prevent air from penetrating the wood.
How to consume whiskey with Angel’s Share
Many whiskey connoisseurs believe that the Angel’s Share is a desirable characteristic in whiskey as it results in a more nuanced and complex flavor profile. Therefore, when drinking whiskey, it is important to appreciate the Angel’s Share and the unique character it lends to each bottle.
However, due to the amount of liquid lost to the air through the aging process, bottles of whiskey that have been aged longer may be in short supply. This has resulted in the rising prices of older whiskeys, which are becoming more and more coveted by collectors and enthusiasts.
What to take away
The Angel’s Share plays a significant role in the production process of whiskey, affecting its flavor, aroma, and aging process. While distillers strive to minimize the amount of whiskey lost to the air, it remains an important component of the final product’s quality and character.
When drinking whiskey, it is important to appreciate the Angel’s Share and the unique flavors it imparts to each bottle. With every sip, we can taste the craftsmanship, expertise, and patience that goes into each and every bottle of whiskey.
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