Angel's share意思

"Angel's share" is a term used in the distilling industry, particularly in the production of whiskey and other spirits, to refer to the portion of alcohol that is lost to evaporation during the aging process in oak barrels. The term is often used in a romantic or poetic way to suggest that the lost alcohol is a gift to the angels, hence the name "angel's share."

The evaporation occurs naturally as the spirit is exposed to air in the barrel, and it is a part of the aging process that contributes to the flavor and character of the final product. The rate of evaporation can vary depending on a number of factors, including the climate, the size of the barrel, and the age of the whiskey.

In some regions, particularly in Kentucky where bourbon whiskey is produced, the "angel's share" can be quite significant due to the hot and humid climate. Some distilleries estimate that as much as 5-6% of the whiskey in a barrel can be lost to evaporation each year, which can add up to a significant amount over the course of several years of aging.