Angels share - What does it mean?

(Ulrik is explaning the term 'Angels share' in this video. It is in danish)

Angel's Share:
Angel's Share is a term used in Scotland to describe the evaporation that happens to the whisky as it sits in the cask and ages. In other words, a cask breathes: air enters the cask and spirits leave the room. And as the years go by, more and more of this spirit evaporates. We are talking about an evaporation rate of 1-2% per year, which means that a very old whisky, for example, will evaporate slowly and when it is ready for bottling after 40 years, there are very few bottles left in the cask, which affects the price.

This is the term for Angels Share.

"Angel's Share" is a term used in the whisky industry to describe the amount of spirits that evaporates during the maturation process. When whisky is aged in oak barrels over a period of years, a certain percentage of the alcoholic liquid can evaporate through the barrel and into the air. This evaporated quantity is referred to as the "Angel's Share," as it symbolizes a sort of offering or portion shared with the "angels" or the surrounding atmosphere.

There are several factors that influence the amount of the "Angel's Share" in whisky, including:

• Age: The longer a whisky is aged, the more time the alcohol has to evaporate, potentially resulting in a larger portion of the "Angel's Share."
• Environmental Conditions: The climate in the area where the whisky is stored affects how quickly the alcohol evaporates. Regions with hot and dry climates can lead to greater losses.
• Barrel Type: Different types of barrels (such as bourbon barrels or sherry barrels) have varying porous properties that can affect evaporation.

Although the "Angel's Share" represents a lost portion of the whisky, it's considered a natural part of the maturation process that contributes to the development of the whisky's flavor profile. During aging, the whisky can interact with the barrel, extracting flavors from the wood and developing complex aromas and tasting notes.

While the "Angel's Share" can vary, it's often estimated to be around 2-3% of the alcohol per year under typical aging conditions. However, this proportion can vary significantly depending on various factors. The term "Angel's Share" is a romantic and poetic way to describe the natural loss that occurs during the maturation and aging of whisky.