When they make Jim Beam, the distillers pour the Bourbon (which at this point is clear and has no colour) into empty, charred oak barrels and store them in what is called a rackhouse (which is something like a barn full of barrels).
Inside the rackhouse convection causes the warm air to rise (just like it does everywhere else in the world), so that the temperature is warmer on the top floors of the rackhouse compared to the lower floors. The barrels expand & contract according to the temperature, allowing bourbon to seep into the barrel. It is this natural process that makes the liquid evaporate (some of it also seeps into the barrel): the higher the barrels are stored – the more liquid will evaporate.
Scan from one of my old B/W photos.
The end result of this beautiful process is that the barrels that are stored on top, produce the most flavourful & smooth Bourbon, and the approximately 30 percent of alcohol that is lost due to the evaporation during the aging process is called the ‘The Angel’s Share’.
My dream is to some day be able to visit an American Bourbon Distillery.
WEEKLY PHOTO CHALLENGE – CELEBRATION
Cardinal Guzman 
Those lucky angels.
Lucky bastards!
Who would have thought? Angel’s share. I’ll have to remember that. Margie
I think the name suits the process perfectly.
Cool entry. Thanks for the pingback CG, I appreciate it. Happy Holidays 🙂
Thank you aRVee! Happy holidays to your & yours as well!
Nice entry 🙂 .
Takk
Takk is one of the fewest Norwegian words that I know what it means. 😀
Thanks fot the pingback!
I’m glad that you knew this word.
maybe the angels are drinking all day long Jim Beam?
If I was an angel I know I would! 😀
Great Entry my Friend 🙂
Takk Jake
Thank you for the pingback my friend 🙂
I like the picture. Nice one. 🙂
And thank you for the pingback. 🙂
Don’t mention it, no problem.
How kind. Thank you for the pingback and I love the picture. There’s something about a black and white photograph.
Yes that’s true: B/W photography is something else.
Thank you for visting my blog and for the pingback 🙂 I have not visited a distillery but I saw a program on TV about it.
I’ve never been to a destillery either, but I saw a documentary and that’s where I first heard about the Angel’s Share. Maybe we saw the same program?
wonderful post
Shukrya Amar.
Cool take on the challenge 🙂
Thanks WildBlack
Now I’m jealous
Maybe you can ask Mr Santa to bring you a bottle for christmas 😉
Interesting post and a very nice photo! Thanks for the pingback as well 🙂
No problem Queen of Zoom
Makes me wish to be an angel! Well, perhaps some time in the future… Thank you for sharing your photo with us 🙂
Greetings from Switzerland,
– Pierre
You can always have some of what’s left after the Angel’s had their share – no need to be an angel for that 😉
As soon as you remember that drinking with moderation is the best way of celebrating 🙂
Here is my set…
http://jibsphotography.wordpress.com/2011/12/15/weekly-photo-challenge-celebration/
Byee
Usually I drink with moderation. Except for a bender with friends on very rare occasions.
Excellent shot 😉