The Angels’ share: a natural phenomenon at the heart of armagnac ageing!

When an Armagnac is aged in oak casks, a small part of its volume slowly evaporates through the wood. This phenomenon, well known in Armagnac, is called the ‘angels’ share’.

It corresponds to the evaporation of part of the eau-de-vie and the ensuing reduction in its’ alcoholic strength.

Every year, around 2 to 3% of the contents of a barrel literally disappear into thin air. This evaporation plays an essential role in the development of Armagnac: it concentrates the aromas and facilitates the development of rounder, silkier textures.

The intensity of this evaporation depends on several factors:

• The temperature and humidity of the cellar: in a dry cellar, more water evaporates, increasing the alcohol concentration. On the other hand, in a humid cellar, more alcohol escapes, softening the Armagnac.
• The type of cask: the capacity, porosity, age of the cask and filling of the armagnac influence the rate of evaporation.

This long, natural ageing process gives rise to exceptional eaux-de-vie. Each bottle we select reflects the passage of time and the expertise of the generations that came before it.