Unveiling the Mystery Behind Angel's Share; Barrel Size and Evaporation

In the world of spirits aging, where time is the alchemist, barrels are the crucible wherein magic happens. Whiskey, brandy, rum, and other fine spirits undergo a transformative journey as they mature in wooden barrels. A significant portion of this journey is an often frustrating phenomenon known as the Angel's Share. This part of the process, where a portion of the spirit evaporates during aging, is influenced by various factors- one of the most intriguing being the size of the aging barrel.

The Angel's Share is a poetic term used to describe the portion of the spirit that is lost to evaporation during aging. As spirits mature in wooden barrels, they interact with the surrounding environment. This interaction leads to evaporation through the barrel's pores, allowing some of the spirit to escape into the atmosphere. While this may seem like a loss, it is an essential part of the aging process, contributing to the concentration of flavors and the development of complex aromas in the remaining spirit.

The size of the aging barrel plays a crucial role in determining the rate at which the Angel's Share occurs. Larger barrels, such as those used in the production of whiskey and wine, generally result in a lower rate of evaporation compared to smaller barrels. This is due to the smaller surface area-to-volume ratio of larger barrels, which reduces the exposure of the spirit to the surrounding air.

In contrast, smaller barrels, often used in the aging of spirits like brandy and some specialty whiskeys, have a higher surface area-to-volume ratio. This increased surface area allows for greater interaction between the spirit and the surrounding environment, leading to a higher rate of evaporation and consequently a more significant Angel's Share over time.

Furthermore, the type of wood used in the construction of the barrel also influences the rate of evaporation. Oak, commonly used in barrel making, is porous and allows for the gradual exchange of air between the inside and outside of the barrel. Different species of oak and varying levels of toasting or charring can further affect the rate of evaporation and the character of the aged spirit.

The relationship between barrel size and the Angel's Share is a delicate balance between the desire to achieve a certain flavor profile and the practical considerations of production and aging costs. While larger barrels may result in a slower rate of evaporation and a lower Angel's Share, they also require more time for the spirit to reach its desired maturity. On the other hand, smaller barrels offer a faster aging process but may impart more intense oak flavors due to increased surface contact.

Producers carefully select the size and type of barrels based on their desired outcome for the aged spirit. Whether aiming for a long, slow aging process or a more rapid maturation, understanding the relationship between barrel size and the Angel's Share is essential for crafting spirits of exceptional quality and character.

In conclusion, the size of the barrel used for aging spirits significantly influences the rate of the Angel's Share that occurs over time. Larger barrels generally result in a slower rate of evaporation, while smaller barrels lead to a more significant Angel's Share. By carefully considering the interplay between barrel size, wood type, and aging conditions, distillers can create spirits that capture the essence of time and nature's hand in the aging process.

At Bare Wood Spirits, we are no stranger to this phenomenon. However, even we are surprised from time to time when checking in on our long-term stored bottles. Bottles that were once filled up to the neck are now filled just to the shoulders after about 6 months! Despite the initial sadness that comes with having less of a spirit, we remember that this is an unavoidable part of the process and we rest assured knowing that this means our spirits are aging genuinely right in their bottles. Our technique never fails to impress everyone when they take that first sip and marvel at the exquisite smoothness and superb flavors of our spirits, and it's all thanks to the aging. So let's not be upset when the angels take their share, and instead thank God for our spirits! Cheers!