Whiskey is a type of alcoholic beverage that has gained quite a reputation worldwide, especially in the West. The beverage has a unique and distinct history that is tied to the traditions and cultural practices of different communities. One aspect that often piques interest when it comes to whiskey is its “Angel’s Share.” This phenomenon has made whiskey even more intriguing to lovers of the beverage, as it holds a certain sense of mystery and romance. But what is the story behind the whiskey’s Angel’s Share?
Before delving into the Angel’s Share, it is essential to understand what Whiskey is and what makes it distinct from other alcoholic beverages. Essentially, Whiskey is a spirit that is derived from the fermentation of malted grains, which include barley, wheat, and rye. It can also be obtained from the fermentation of sugar, which produces rum. The malted grains are mashed to extract a sugary liquid, which is then fermented using yeast to produce alcohol. The whiskey is then distilled to remove unwanted impurities, and the resulting spirit is then aged in barrels to enhance its flavor profile.
Whiskey is a type of alcoholic beverage that is further classified into different types depending on the grains used, the location of production, and the distillation process. Some popular whiskey variants include Irish whiskey, Scotch, rye whiskey, Bourbon, and Canadian whiskey. Each of these whiskey variants has its unique characteristics that set it apart from others, making them popular among different communities.
Now, let’s dive into the fascinating story behind the whiskey’s “Angel’s Share.” But first, let’s define what the term means.
What is the Angel’s Share?
The Angel’s Share is an industry term used to refer to the amount of whiskey that evaporates from barrels during the aging process. It is an essential aspect of whiskey production that contributes to the unique flavors and aroma characteristic of aged whiskey. The name “Angel’s Share” is derived from the belief that angels in heaven take their share of the evaporated whiskey as it ages in barrels.
It might seem like a lot of whiskey evaporates to be considered significant, but the Angel’s Share indeed accounts for a significant proportion of the overall whiskey production. According to industry estimates, around 2% to 4% of the whiskey evaporates annually while it is aging, which translates to millions of gallons of whiskey lost each year. The amount of whiskey that evaporates largely depends on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and the size and type of the barrel used in the aging process.
The History of the Angel’s Share
The history of the Angel’s Share is steeped in lore and legend, with many stories relating to how it came to be a part of whiskey production. One theory of how the Angel’s Share came to be is rooted in religion, dating back to the Middle Ages. Some say that the whiskey’s scent was so potent that it traveled through the air and attracted the beaks of the angels, who descended down to taste it. Over time, the legend evolved, and the amount of whiskey that was lost due to evaporation became known as the Angel’s Share.
Another theory of the origins of the Angel’s Share comes from the Scottish distilleries in the 1800s. During this time, distilleries experienced significant losses due to evaporation, and there were no ways to prevent this loss of whiskey. As a result, the distillery owners came up with the term, “Angel’s Share,” as a way of attributing the loss to something out of their control. This term has since become a prevalent industry term, recognized worldwide and steeped in whiskey culture.
Is the Angel’s Share a Waste of Whiskey?
Some people view the Angel’s Share as a considerable waste of whiskey. Given the volume of whiskey that evaporates from barrels each year that could have been sold, it’s understandable. For example, the whiskey that evaporates from barrels during one year is enough to produce about 11 million bottles of whiskey. However, the Angel’s Share is an intrinsic part of whiskey production and plays a significant role in the overall flavor and aroma of aged whiskey.
The Angel’s Share creates a vacuum in the barrel that allows air to circulate, resulting in a transformative interaction between the whiskey and the wood barrel. The spirit reacts to the oak in the barrel, producing a distinct taste, aroma, and color, which are all characteristic of aged whiskey. This interaction and resulting loss is what gives the whiskey its unique profile, and thus the Angel’s Share becomes a crucial part of the whiskey making process.
Conclusion
Whiskey is a popular spirit enjoyed worldwide, and the Angel’s Share is an important aspect of its unique creation and final profile. With a history steeped in religion and Scottish distilleries in the 1800s, the Angel’s Share has become an industry term recognized by whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. Although it might seem like a vast amount of whiskey is wasted due to evaporation, the Angel’s Share is still an integral part of whiskey production that contributes to the final product’s unique flavor and aroma.
So, the next time you enjoy a glass of your favorite aged whiskey, remember to toast to the angels who took their share, leaving behind a unique and treasured taste that could not be replicated otherwise. Whether you prefer Scotch or Bourbon, know that the Angel’s Share plays a vital role in the creation and final taste of your preferred tipple.
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