Still Parts

A still is a device used to separate components of a liquid mixture through heating and condensation, most commonly in the production of alcoholic spirits. It works by exploiting differences in boiling points between substances. A basic still includes several essential parts, each playing a specific role in the distillation process. Understanding these parts helps in grasping how distillation works effectively and safely.

The first and most crucial part of a still is the boiler or pot, where the liquid mixture (such as a fermented mash) is heated. When heat is applied, the component with the lower boiling point (usually alcohol) turns into vapor first. The material of the boiler—often copper or stainless steel—is chosen for its ability to conduct heat and resist corrosion. The size and shape of the boiler can influence the speed and efficiency of the distillation.

Above the boiler is the column or neck, which may vary in design. In simple pot stills, this is a short, curved pipe called the lyne arm. In more advanced stills like column stills (also known as reflux stills), the column contains plates or packing materials that allow for repeated condensation and vaporization. This increases purity by allowing better separation of alcohol from water and other components.

The condenser is another vital part of the still. After the vapor travels through the column or lyne arm, it enters the condenser, which cools the vapor back into liquid form. Most condensers use a coil or tube surrounded by cold water. As the vapor passes through, it loses heat and becomes liquid again—this is the distilled product. The efficiency of the condenser impacts the quality and clarity of the final distillate.

Lastly, the collection vessel or receiver is where the final liquid is collected. Depending on the design of the still, this container might allow for separation into "cuts"—such as the heads, hearts, and tails—which refer to different phases of the distillate based on volatility and flavor. These cuts are important in alcohol production because they help remove undesirable compounds and retain the best-tasting parts of the spirit. Together, these parts make up the core of any distillation setup, whether used in a small craft distillery or a large industrial plant.