The Devil’s Share of Whiskey Aging

Devil's Share is a term used in the world of to refer to the amount of that is lost during the aging process. As the bourbon ages in the barrel, a portion of the liquid is lost to evaporation, which is known as the “Angel's Share.” However, there is another loss that occurs during the aging process, which is the loss of distillate that is absorbed by the wood of the casks. This is known as the “Devil's Cut.”

Unlike the Angel's Share, which affects the content of the product, the Devil's Cut has no impact on the alcohol content. The amount of whiskey that is lost to the Devil's Cut depends solely on the porosity of the wood used in the casks. This loss can vary from barrel to barrel, and even within the same barrel, as the whiskey penetrates the wood at differnt depths.

Devil's Share is a term that has been adopted by the Cutwater distillery, which uses only the heart of each small batch of bourbon and ages it in virgin, heavily charred American oak . This results in exceptionally refined spirits that are rich with aromas of cinnamon, tobacco, oak, and vanilla.

The Devil's Share is a natural part of the aging process for bourbon, and it is one that is embraced by many distillers. The loss of distillate to the wood of the casks adds a unique complexity to the flavor profile of the bourbon, as the whiskey takes on the flavors and aromas of the wood.

Cutwater Spirits, which originated in San Diego in 2008, has become a major player in the world of craft spirits. Their use of the Devil's Share in their bourbon results in a robust, earthy flavor with hints of caramel and vanilla cream and a lingering spicy finish.

The Devil's Share is an important part of the aging process for bourbon. It is a natural loss of distillate that occurs as the whiskey is aged in wooden casks. While it may seem like a loss, the Devil's Share adds a unique complexity to the flavor profile of the bourbon, making it a cherished component for many distillers. Cutwater Spirits has embraced the Devil's Share in their bourbon, resulting in an exceptionally refined spirit that is rich with flavor and aroma.

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Understanding the Concept of the Devil's Share

The term “devil's share” is commonly used in the whiskey-making industry to refer to the portion of the whiskey that is lost during the aging process due to evaporation. This evaporation occurs as the whiskey is aged in oak barrels, whereby a portion of the liquid evaporates into the air through the porous wood. This lost portion is also knon as the “angel's share,” while the remaining whiskey that is left in the barrel is known as the “devil's share.” The percentage of the devil's share can vary depending on various factors such as the type of barrel used and the length of aging time, but it is typically around 2-4% per year of aging.

The Difference Between The Devil's Cut and Angel's Share

The devil's cut and angel's share are two terms used in the bourbon industry to describe the amount of whiskey lost durng the aging process. The angel's share refers to the portion of the liquid that is lost to evaporation as the bourbon ages in the barrel. This can vary depending on the climate and humidity of the storage location, but in general, it's estimated that about 2-4% of the liquid is lost each year. This loss of liquid is thought to contribute to the unique flavor profile of aged bourbon.

On the other hand, the devil's cut refers to the whiskey that remains trapped within the wood of the barrel after the aging process is complete. This can be a significant amount, as the wood can absorb and retain a portion of the liquid. To extract the devil's cut, the barrel is typically broken apart and the wood is shaved or charred to release the trapped whiskey. This process is not always used, as some distillers prefer to leave the devil's cut in the barrel to contribute to the flavor of future batches of bourbon.

The angel's share and devil's cut are two different aspects of the aging process for bourbon. The angel's share refers to the loss of liquid due to evaporation, while the devil's cut refers to the whiskey that remains trapped within the wood of the barrel.

The Alcohol Devil's Share: An Explanation

Devil's Share is a small batch bourbon that is carefully crafted by selecting only the heart of each batch, whih is then aged in virgin, heavily charred American oak barrels. This aging process results in a refined and robust spirit that is characterized by its rich aromas of cinnamon, tobacco, oak, and vanilla. The bourbon has a complex and earthy flavor profile that features hints of caramel and vanilla cream, followed by a lingering spicy finish. Devil's Share is a premium quality bourbon that is well-suited for sipping and enjoying on its own or as a key ingredient in a variety of .

The Maker of Devils Share Whiskey

Devil's Share whiskey is made by Cutwater Spirits, an independent distillery based in San Diego, California. Cutwater Spirits was established in 2008 and has since become a well-known and respected producer of high-quality spirits. Devil's Share whiskey is one of their most popular products, known for its rich and complex flavor profile. The whiskey is aged in charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years, giving it a deep, smoky taste with notes of vanilla and caramel. Cutwater Spirits takes great pride in their craft, using only the finest ingredients and traditional distilling methods to create their award-winning spirits.

Conclusion

Devil's Share is a high-quality bourbon that undergoes a meticulous aging process in virgin, heavily charred American oak barrels. The term “devil's cut” refers to the amount of whiskey that is left trapped within the wood of every barrel ater aging, resulting in a loss of distillate. However, this does not affect the alcohol content of the product, but rather the porosity of the wood used. Devil's Share selects only the heart of each small batch, resulting in a robust and earthy flavor with hints of caramel, vanilla cream, and a lingering spicy finish. As one of the leading brands from Cutwater Spirits, Devil's Share stands out for its exceptional refinement and rich aroma, making it a must-try for any bourbon enthusiast.

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Thomas Ashford

Thomas Ashford is a highly educated brewer with years of experience in the industry. He has a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and a Master Degree in Brewing Science. He is also BJCP Certified Beer Judge. Tom has worked hard to become one of the most experienced brewers in the industry. He has experience monitoring brewhouse and cellaring operations, coordinating brewhouse projects, and optimizing brewery operations for maximum efficiency. He is also familiar mixology and an experienced sommelier. Tom is an expert organizer of beer festivals, wine tastings, and brewery tours.