How A Pot Still Works: Complete Guide To Craft Distillation by DEGONG

Introduction

In today’s rapidly growing craft distillation industry, choosing the right still is one of the most critical decisions for any distiller. A well-designed pot still determines not only production efficiency but also aroma, flavor complexity, and overall spirit quality. Whether you are a home distiller, a craft distillery, or a large commercial operation, understanding how a pot still works helps you make smarter equipment decisions.

1. Understanding Distillation Equipment in Modern Distilleries

In the distillation industry, two primary types of stills are commonly used:

• Pot Still (Batch Distillation)

Designed for rich, full-bodied spirits with strong character, such as whisky, brandy, rum, and flavored spirits. Ideal for craft distilleries that focus on traditional flavor expression.

• Column / Reflux Still (Continuous or High-Purity Distillation)

Suitable for large-scale production and producing high-purity spirits such as vodka, gin base, neutral alcohol, or industrial ethanol.

For small and medium-sized distilleries, pot stills remain the most iconic and flavor-oriented option. DEGONG specializes in integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering, offering pot stills that deliver both flavor complexity and production efficiency.

2. What Is a Pot Still and How Does It Work?

A pot still consists of a heated boiler (wash pot), a neck, a lyne arm (vapor arm), and a condenser. It operates on a simple principle — alcohol evaporates at a lower temperature than water.

2.1 Standard Working Process

• Fermented wash (5–20% ABV) is loaded into the pot.

• The pot is heated using steam or electric heating.

• Alcohol vapor rises through the neck and lyne arm.

• Vapor enters the condenser and cools into liquid distillate.

• First-run distillate (“low wines”) typically reaches 25–40% ABV.

• A second distillation increases purity and adjusts flavor profile, often reaching 60–80% ABV depending on cut points.

2.2 Why Pot Stills Produce Richer Flavor

Pot stills preserve more congeners—esters, aldehydes, and aromatic compounds—essential for flavor complexity. The batch process allows distillers to manually control heads, hearts, and tails, shaping a unique product style.

This is why pot stills remain the backbone of whisky, brandy, and rum production worldwide.

3. Material, Structure, and Performance Differences

3.1 Copper vs. Stainless Steel

Copper Pot Stills

• Excellent heat conductivity

• Removes sulfur compounds

• Enhances aroma clarity

• Traditional and widely used in premium spirit production

Stainless Steel Pot Stills

• Lower cost

• High durability

• Easy to clean

• Suitable for commercial distilleries emphasizing efficiency and CIP sanitation

Best practice used by DEGONG:

Stainless steel body + copper vapor path (neck, helmet, condenser)→ Balances cost, flavor performance, and durability.

3.2 Pot Still vs. Column Still Comparison

Feature	Pot Still	Column / Reflux Still
Operation	Batch	Continuous / Batch
Alcohol Concentration	25–40% (1st run), 60–80% (2nd run)	Up to 90%+
Flavor Retention	Strong, heavy, aromatic	Light, clean, neutral
Best Suited For	Whisky, rum, brandy, flavored spirits	Vodka, gin base, neutral spirit, large-scale ethanol

Pot stills are preferred for producing spirits with identity, character, and heritage-driven flavor.

3.3 Structural Design That Affects Spirit Quality

• Shape of the pot

Larger or rounder body → heavier spirit

Taller pot → lighter spirit

• Neck height & diameter

Tall and narrow → more reflux, cleaner spirit

Short and wide → heavier, oilier spirit

• Lyne arm angle

Upward angle → lighter, more refined spirit

Downward angle → heavier, richer character

• Condenser type

Worm condenser: more copper contact, traditional style

Shell-and-tube: efficient, stable, easier to maintain

DEGONG can customize all these structural parameters to match the flavor profile a distillery aims to achieve.

4. Choosing the Right Pot Still for Your Distillery

4.1 Define Your Production Goals

• Volume (small batch / mid-size / large commercial)

• Target alcohol style (heavy, fruity, clean, or neutral)

• Local regulations & safety requirements

• Budget vs. long-term operation cost

4.2 Functional Configuration Recommendations

For craft distilleries focused on flavor:

✔ Copper vapor path

✔ Traditional batch control for precise cuts

✔ Helmet + onion-top structures for complex aroma

For efficiency-focused commercial plants:

✔ Stainless steel body

✔ Steam heating + CIP system

✔ Optional hybrid pot still with column plates

4.3 Why Choose DEGONG Pot Stills?

• Experienced manufacturer with a long history in brewing & distillation equipment

• Custom engineering based on your recipe, flavor style, and production needs

• Premium materials: food-grade stainless steel & high-purity copper

• Professional manufacturing with CE, ISO-certified quality control

• One-stop service including design, fabrication, installation, training, and after-sales support

DEGONG pot stills are designed to deliver stable production, excellent flavor expression, and long service life.

Conclusion: Bring Your Distillation Vision to Life with DEGONG

Whether you are building a new craft distillery, upgrading your equipment, or experimenting with unique spirit styles, a pot still remains a powerful and versatile choice. DEGONG combines traditional distillation principles with modern engineering to help distillers produce spirits with depth, character, and consistency.

Contact DEGONG today for customized pot still designs, production solutions, and professional technical consultation.