Angel's Share Whisky

The Angel's Share Whisky

In the world of whisky, where every drop is cherished like a precious jewel, there is a mysterious phenomenon known as the "Angel's Share" - the angel drink. It refers to the slow evaporation of whisky from barrels and bottles during the maturation period, causing some of its precious moisture to be lost to the air.
 

Why is whisky disappearing?

But what causes this disappearing miracle and how can we prevent it, especially when it comes to preserving a beloved bottle of whisky?

First, let's look at the science behind the Angel's Share. During the maturation process in barrels, such as oak, whisky undergoes a complex interaction with the environment. The porous nature of the wood exposes the drink to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. These variables play a crucial role in accelerating the evaporation process. When the temperature rises, the liquid inside the barrel expands, allowing it to seep through the pores of the wood. At lower temperatures, the liquid shrinks, drawing in air that promotes evaporation.

The result is that year after year, a small percentage of the whisky is lost to the air - an offering to the 'whisky gods', it seems. This evaporation, while inevitable and even desirable for the aging process, can lead to a noticeable loss of volume and flavor in a barrel.

How can you delay Angel's Share

But what if we want to slow down the evaporation process, especially when it comes to storing a bottle of whisky? Fortunately, there are some precautions we can take to keep Angel's Share to a minimum.

Firstly, it is important to store whisky in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and wide temperature fluctuations. This minimizes the expansion and contraction of the liquid inside the bottle, slowing the evaporation process.

Using a tightly sealed cap or cork is also essential. An airtight seal prevents air from entering the bottle and thus helps reduce the evaporation process.

In addition, storing a bottle of whisky in a vertical position rather than horizontally can also help reduce evaporation. When a bottle is stored horizontally, more whisky comes into contact with the cork, which can speed up evaporation. By storing the bottle upright we minimize this contact and reduce the loss of whisky.

While we may not be able to eliminate Angel's Share completely, these simple measures can help us slow the evaporation process and protect our precious whisky. So, the next time you enjoy a glass of whisky, consider the mysterious journey each drop has taken - a journey that began with a sacrifice to the angels.

The Use of Parafilm for the Preservation of Whisky Bottles

Whisky is not just a drink; it is a crafted masterpiece, matured by time and steeped in history and tradition. For the enthusiast, nothing beats opening a new bottle, but once opened, a race against time begins to preserve the quality and taste of the whisky. This is where Parafilm comes in - a simple, yet highly effective solution for preserving the precious contents of whisky bottles.

What is Parafilm

Parafilm is a flexible, waterproof and airtight film originally developed for laboratory use. It is often used to seal bottles, tubes and other containers to protect the contents from contaminants and dehydration. But how can Parafilm come in handy when storing whisky bottles?

Firstly, Parafilm provides an excellent seal for the whisky bottle cork or cap. Even after a bottle has been opened, Parafilm can be used to create a tight, airtight seal around the neck of the bottle. This minimizes exposure to oxygen, which is one of the main factors that can affect the taste and quality of whisky over time.
 

How can Parafilm help

In addition, Parafilm helps prevent leaks and spills, especially in bottles that are frequently moved or stored upright. It can be applied over the cork or cap to provide an extra layer of protection against accidental spills or leaks, minimizing the chance of waste.

Another advantage of Parafilm is its flexibility and adaptability. It can be easily applied and removed without leaving any residue, making it a convenient and non-invasive solution for sealing whisky bottles. Additionally, Parafilm can be easily cut and shaped to fit bottles of different shapes and sizes, making it a versatile option for whisky enthusiasts.

For those who want to keep their whisky bottles longer, Parafilm can be an essential tool to extend the life of the drink. By tightly sealing the bottle with Parafilm and storing it in a cool, dark place, enthusiasts can ensure that their whisky retains its optimal flavor for a longer period of time.

In short, Parafilm offers a simple and effective solution for the preservation of whisky bottles. Whether protecting against oxygen, leakage or spills, Parafilm provides a reliable seal that maintains the quality and flavor of whisky even after the bottle has been opened. For lovers of this refined drink, using Parafilm is a valuable addition to their arsenal of whisky accessories.

If you have any whisky bottles lying around that you would like to sell, please contact us via sell your whisky.