Reflux still vs pot still (DIY) for beginners

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ByThe Brew Mechanic
Discussing the differences between reflux still vs pot still.

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The operation of the two stills is totally different. It all depends on the type of method of madness that you are going to do… This is in between mash or wash (sugar wash). With this being stated finding out whether reflux still vs pot still is best for you becomes debatable who you chat to. We will mention one way as we are more guided by the beginner distiller who wants to start out. 

With that in mind, finding the right still can be hard. The easy answer, if you are that new brewer looking for the best decision, well in our opinion it is reflux distilling. But let us show you why. 

Difference Between a Sugar Wash and a Mash

The most important factor here is the level of experience you have in the fermentation field. This is the deciding factor in choosing reflux still vs pot still. 

Sugar Wash 

The simplest wash to start with is a sugar wash. It is simply white sugar, water, nutrients and yeast. Once the sugar wash has fermented you distil it and make a high-proof pure alcohol (vodka) that you can infuse to make a variety of spirits.

Sounds easy but there is a lot to learn with fermentation. Going this route you will build up a very good background in fermentation that will help you should you decide to make a Whisky product that comes from making a mash using various ingredients.

This is the go-to method for reflux still

Mash

To make a mash you must be more skilled in the fermenting processes as you get the sugar from natural sources such as fruits, barley, wheat and grains. Lots of homework here for pot distilling. Whisky fermentation comes from barley, wheat, and corn mixed with yeast. 

The other art is getting the sugars that the yeast needs from sugar cane to make rum.

This is a pot still method to make moonshine & whiskey 

What Is a Pot Still?

The making of the mash is complex but the distillation process side is simple to operate.

A pot still consists of a boiler pot, a short dome outlet pipe linked to a condenser normally made from copper. 

The pot still does not strip (no internals) flavours and aromas out from the mash but enhances them. 

A pot still produces a low alcohol ABV, starting at 30 to 40% and increasing to 75 to 80% proof only after the alcohol has been redistilled 5 to 10 times. 

You must still remove the foreshots, heads, hearts and tails. Here you must also be good at making cuts.

During each redistilling, you lose alcohol. 

Advantages of Using a Pot Still

Produces a better flavoured alcohol than a reflux still. Copper removes sulphides which a stainless steel reflux column can’t do naturally. This can be overcome by installing copper internals that can be removed for cleaning

Disadvantages of a Pot Still

Batch distillation is slower (DIY), and efficiency is lower as it requires more energy compared to a column still. This results in multiple distillations. The distillate produced is lower in yields and max 75 to 80% proof, 40% ABV compared to a reflux still.

What Is a Reflux Still?

Making a sugar wash is simple, but the operation of the reflux still is more complex due to the number of control parameters. 

This type of still also known as a column still, operates as a fractionator (with internals) separating the various products by their boiling points. 

Reflux still is designed to make a greater purity, high proof with little or no flavour (neutral spirit). The ABV ranges from 90 to 95%.  You must remove the Foreshots, heads, hearts and tails sections of the distillate.

You must remove the Foreshots, heads, hearts and tails sections of the distillate. This type of still operated correctly will produce a high quality product. 

The cuts here are much easier to separate due to the purity of the distillate.  

advantages of Using a Reflux Still

A reflux still is effective in creating a flavourless and odourless product with high purity and proof. This high neutral-proof Ethanol can be made into Vodka.

This neutral ethanol can also be blended (infused) into lots of flavoured (essences) alcohol drinks. See Top Shelf, and Still Spirits are a few to mention. 

The bonus here is you have double and tripled distilled the product inside of the reflux column by internal reflux to achieve a higher ABV and purity.

As a Beginner Why Choose a Reflux Still vs Pot Still?

Which method of distillation you choose is your choice. It all starts with the fermentation steps. If you make a good ferment (wash or mash) the alcohol yields and conversion will be good.

The mash fermentation is more complex but the pot still is simple to operate and not complex. 

The only reason to start with a sugar wash is for the newbie to learn all the ground rules, there are lots. 

 To make a mash you must be an experienced brewer with making the mash and cuts to get flavoured spirits. 

Sugar wash does not make methanol (wood alcohol).

Mash, one of the by-products is methanol which must be separated by an experienced brewer when making cuts.

Our recommendation for a Beginner

For a beginner, I would personally suggest reflux still vs pot still as you start with a sugar wash and become proficient at it. A lot to learn here – you can start here. 

 A sugar wash fermentation done correctly, followed by reflux still distillation distillate will not have any of the products in it that can cause concern like a mash.

Making a mash is a lot more complex as you must look at congeners, methanol and fusil oils during the fermentation and distillation stages. Involving cuts of the product. 

Should you run a sugar wash distillation and fermentation incorrectly and not follow the guidelines for separation of the boiling points you will make a product that will lead to contamination of the distillate.

Last Updated on Nov 17, 2023 by The Brew Mechanic

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With 35 years of knowledge of being a chemical engineer in alcohol manufacturing plants, my mission is to teach the next generation of home distilling alcohol brewers at a supernatural speed.

My reviews are based on real-life experiences with reflux stills, sugar wash, troubleshooting and mystical chemical reactions.

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