angel’s share

  1. A term used to describe the amount of alcohol, typically of a wine or distilled spirit, that is lost to evaporation during barrel aging. The amount that is lost will vary depending on the humidity and climate, the duration of the aging, and the types of barrels used. The phrase originated in reference to the evaporated alcohol being enjoyed by “angels.” Interestingly, evaporation of the angel’s share is often associated (particularly in humid climates) with the growth of a darkly colored fungus on nearby buildings, plants, and other surfaces.