Ep. 80 - Bourbon Slang: The Angel’s Share, The Devil's Cut, Tater's, Legs, and Other Such Things

Me and Derek, our resident bourbon expert, explore more aspects of the bourbon world, including brand loyalty, the cost of collecting bourbon, and the emotional connection people have with their favorite brands. 

We talk about 'taters' (bourbon enthusiasts who wait in line for rare bottles and collect them without opening) as well as some other bourbon slang, such as the 'angel's share' (the alcohol vapor that evaporates from the barrel during aging) and the 'devil's cut' (the bourbon that soaks into the wood of the barrel). 

What about a "fake tan," a reference to distillers adding artificial caramel coloring to bourbon to make it appear like it has aged longer.   We also discuss bourgon related topics like the difference between whiskey and bourbon, the use of flavorings and finishes, the importance of glassware, and the moonshine.

We cover a lot, and I can tell you that it brought up another idea for our next episode: History Lessons from the Bourbon World.    

Takeaways

• The bourbon world is more complex and involved than expected, with a wide range of brands and information to explore.
• Brand loyalty is common among bourbon enthusiasts, who find emotional connections to their favorite brands.
• Collecting bourbon can be costly, especially when seeking rare and limited-edition bottles.
• The 'angel's share' refers to the alcohol vapor that evaporates from the barrel during aging, while the 'devil's cut' is the bourbon that soaks into the wood of the barrel.
• There are discussions about the possibility of distillers adding artificial caramel coloring to bourbon to make it appear aged longer. Bourbon is a type of whiskey that must meet specific legal requirements, including being made in the United States and aged in new charred oak barrels.
• Flavorings can be added to whiskey, but not to bourbon. However, bourbon can be finished in different barrels to add additional flavors.
• The choice of glassware, such as the Glencairn glass, can enhance the tasting experience by concentrating aromas and maintaining the temperature of the whiskey.
• Moonshine refers to illegally distilled spirits, and the term should not be used to describe legally produced grain liquor.
• Personal preference plays a significant role in choosing and enjoying bourbon, and there is no right or wrong way to drink it.

If you need expert advice about something you don’t know much about, and need a little guidance, send me an email at [e-mail] and I’ll do my best to cover it in an upcoming show. 

If you’re “that guy,” (and of course you can be a woman) that people should hear from because you know your sh*t about a certain subject, please reach out to me, and let’s talk about how we can work together.

Music credits: Preacher Man by Miles Neilson and The Rusted Hearts, used with permission. A killer band with original songs that get stuck in your head.  They're awesome.

Listen To Preacher Man on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/7ImcaJKIk0ZVtPzuUVV4vc?si=80581c74a9be4987