Evaporation = concentration

As mentioned earlier, a portion of the volume of the eaux-de-vie evaporates during ageing.

Alcohol and water, as the main components of eaux-de-vie, are lost in the highest quantity. Other volatile compounds evaporate in greater or lesser proportion. The least volatile compounds become more concentrated.

Evaporation represents about 2% of total inventory, or the equivalent of 22 million bottles per year

This alcohol evaporation is poetically referred to as “the angels’ share” (“la part des anges”).

It represents about 2% of total inventory, or the equivalent of about 22 million bottles per year that disappear into thin air: a heavy price that the producers are happy to pay to reach perfection.

Torula compniacensis feeds on the alcohol vapours

Torula compniacensis feeds on the alcohol vapours.