What is a Still Pot
Pot stills are used in the distillation process. They are used primarily for producing low proof spirits. The alcohol content of a pot still is around 40-60%. However, there are other ways to produce higher proof spirits. These include re-running a still or adding additional still components.
A Pot Stills is made from a large spherical main chamber. In some cases, a steam jacket lines the pot walls to heat it. This increases the surface area of the vessel and reduces the oiliness of the spirit. There is also a swan neck that protrudes from the vessel, and a condenser that cools the vapors. Some stills can be made of copper, while others are stainless steel. Traditionally, a direct flame is placed underneath the pot.
When heated, the liquid begins to vaporize the volatile elements. The vapour travels down a lyne arm, which then feeds into a coiled condenser. Copper is a good conductor of heat, and tends to attract sulphurous compounds. As a result, the copper pulls these out of the final spirit. Sulphurous compounds are dangerous and can cause illness if consumed.
What is a Still Pot in Distillation?
To distill a beer, the beer must first be boiled. Steam is then pumped through a cooling coil. This allows the steam to slowly bring the temperature of the beer up to a higher level. It is this temperature that determines the product.
Pot stills can be used to produce whiskey, rum, bourbon, brandy, and scotch. Depending on the size and shape of the pot, the end spirit can vary in flavor and quality. While the size of the pot determines the amount of alcohol that is produced, the shape of the pot also determines the final product. The pot is a large teapot-like vessel. It is the most common type of distillation device.
Stills are a key component of the DNA of a spirit. While the mash is the primary constituent of the final product, the still helps retain the flavor of the mash. Having a high-quality pot still allows you to make a flavored, high-quality spirit.
Historically, the shape of the pot hasn’t changed much. Modern stills are more similar in shape than they were in the past. Today, the stills in large facilities are typically computer controlled. Distillers can also use smartphone apps to control their stills.
The stills at the Midleton Distillery are the world’s largest pot stills. The facility produces a range of Irish brands, including Jameson. At this time, the facility has eight pot stills. Another three are scheduled to be added.
Hybrid pot stills, known as Coffey stills, allow the operator to control the distillation process and allow for the creation of a variety of different spirits. Generally, they use a pot still as the base, and then connect it to one or more columns. One Eight Distilling recently purchased a hybrid pot still from the Koval distillery in Chicago. This new still is able to be fired up remotely.