A pot still produces small-batch, full-flavored spirits like whiskey and rum. A column still (also called a continuous or reflux still) efficiently creates high-purity, neutral spirits like vodka at scale. Both are types of stills—but they serve dramatically different purposes in flavor, efficiency, and production strategy.
If you’re launching a craft distillery or upgrading your setup, choosing between a pot still and a column still may be the most impactful decision you make. It shapes your spirit’s character, operational costs, scalability, and even your brand story.
In this guide, we’ll break down how each still works, what spirits they’re best suited for, and which one aligns with your business vision.
What Is a Still?
A still is any apparatus that separates alcohol from fermented liquid (called “wash” or “mash”) through distillation. The core principle is straightforward:
Heat the wash → alcohol vaporizes (boiling point ~78°C / 173°F, lower than water)
Vapors rise and travel into a condenser
They cool back into liquid → collected as distilled spirit
All distillation systems—whether traditional copper pots or industrial columns—are “stills.” But their design drastically changes the final product.
Now, let’s compare the two most common types used in modern distilling.
What Is a Pot Still?
The pot still is the oldest and most iconic distillation method, with roots stretching back centuries. It remains the heart of traditional whiskey, brandy, and rum production worldwide.
How It Works
Operates in batches: fill, heat, distill, clean, repeat.
Typically consists of a boiler (pot), a swan neck, a lyne arm, and a condenser.
Most are made of copper, which reacts with sulfur compounds to remove off-notes and enhance smoothness.
Because it doesn’t finely separate alcohol fractions, a single run usually yields 60–70% ABV. Many distillers perform double or triple distillation to increase strength and refine character.
Key Features
✅ Rich, complex flavors and mouthfeel
✅ Ideal for terroir-driven or artisanal spirits
❌ Lower efficiency; labor-intensive
❌ Not suitable for high-purity neutral alcohol
Best For:
Single malt Scotch & Irish whiskey
Cognac & Armagnac (brandy)
Jamaican or agricole rum
Craft mezcal and small-batch gin (with post-distillation botanicals)
💡 Did You Know? Over 90% of premium whiskey producers use pot stills—even if they begin with a column still for initial stripping runs.
What Is a Column Still?
Also known as a continuous still or reflux still, the column still revolutionized distilling in the 19th century by enabling mass production of clean, high-proof alcohol.
How It Works
Can run continuously for days or weeks without stopping.
Contains one or more vertical columns packed with plates, mesh, or structured packing.
As vapors rise, they undergo fractional distillation: repeated condensation and re-vaporization, separating ethanol from water and impurities with high precision.
A well-tuned column still can produce up to 95% ABV in a single pass—nearly pure ethanol.
Key Features
✅ High alcohol purity and batch-to-batch consistency
✅ Greater throughput and energy efficiency
✅ Easier to automate and scale
❌ Strips out most congeners (flavor compounds)
Best For:
Vodka and neutral grain spirits (NGS)
Industrial ethanol (for sanitizers, fuel, etc.)
Bourbon and American whiskey (often used for “stripping,” then redistilled in a doubler)
Large-volume gin bases
⚙️ Note: Many modern “hybrid” stills combine a pot base with a rectification column—giving distillers flexibility across multiple spirit styles.
Pot Still vs Column Still: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Alambique | Coluna Ainda |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Mode | Batch only | Batch or continuous |
| Typical ABV Output | 60–70% (per run) | 85–95% (single pass) |
| Flavor Profile | Full-bodied, aromatic, complex | Clean, neutral, consistent |
| Production Speed | Slow (hours per batch) | Fast (continuous flow) |
| Labor Required | High (manual cuts, cleaning) | Low (automated controls) |
| Equipment Cost | Lower upfront (small scale) | Higher initial cost, better ROI at scale |
| Best Spirit Types | Whiskey, rum, brandy, mezcal | Vodka, NGS, bourbon base, fuel ethanol |
Which Still Should You Choose?
Your choice depends on what you want to make—not just what you can afford.
✅ Choose a Pot Still If You:
Focus on craft, heritage, or terroir-driven spirits
Want bold flavors, texture, and complexity
Run a small-to-midsize distillery (<500 liters/batch)
Plan to market “handcrafted” or “small-batch” products
✅ Choose a Column Still If You:
Produce vodka, gin base, or neutral spirits
Need high output with consistent quality
Aim for commercial-scale production (1,000+ L/day)
Prioritize efficiency, automation, and lower labor costs
🔄 Hybrid Option: Many successful distilleries use both—a column still for stripping runs and a pot still (or “doubler”) for final spirit refinement. This balances efficiency with flavor depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you make whiskey in a column still?
- Why are pot stills made of copper?
- How much does a distillation still cost?
- Is a reflux still the same as a column still?
- Final Thoughts: Match Your Still to Your Vision
- The “best” still isn’t about technology—it’s about your product, audience, and business goals.
Want to tell a story of tradition, place, and craftsmanship? Go pot.
Building a high-volume brand focused on purity and consistency? Go column.
Can’t decide? A hybrid system might be your sweet spot.
Pro Tip: Talk to other distillers in your region. Visit equipment demos. And always consult local regulations—some spirits (like Scotch or Cognac) legally require specific still types.
Ready to Build Your Distillery?
Choosing the right still is just the first step. You’ll also need guidance on layout, materials, safety, and compliance.
📥 Download Our Free Guide:
[“Distillation Equipment Buyer’s Checklist]
→ Includes cost breakdowns, material comparisons, and vendor evaluation tips.
Or, schedule a free consultation with our distillery design team to build a system tailored to your recipes, capacity, and budget.
Craft your spirit. Perfect your process. Scale with confidence.
