Angel’s Share

Definition:

That sneaky cut of your whiskey, rum, or cognac that vanishes into thin air during barrel aging. The distillers call it evaporation; the angels call it happy hour.

Why it Matters:

The angel’s share isn’t just a charming piece of booze folklore; it’s a reminder that aging spirits isn’t an exact science. Every barrel loses a bit of liquid to the heavens, and that loss concentrates what’s left behind, giving us deeper flavors and smoother sips. In other words, your whiskey tastes divine because some celestial freeloaders took their portion first.

For bartenders, the term is also a wink to the romance of spirits; because nothing says “drink me” quite like a story about angels sneaking into the rickhouse for a nip. It’s marketing gold, cocktail lore, and real science all in one neat pour.