What is a still in distillation?

What is a still in distillation?

A still is an apparatus used to distill liquid mixtures by heating to selectively boil and then cooling to condense the vapor. A still uses the same concepts as a basic distillation apparatus, but on a much larger scale.

Why is it called a still?

Stills get their name from the word distillation. Distillation is the process of boiling and cooling a liquid to purify it. Stills are most often used to create alcohol, but they can also be used with any liquid. Some examples are medicines and perfumes.

Who invented the still?

The first documented scientific studies on distillation date back to the Middle Ages, to around the year 800 and the alchemist Jabir ibn Hayyan (Geber). It was he, too, who invented the alembic, which has been used ever since to distil alcoholic drinks.

Why is it called a moonshine still?

The term “moonshine” comes from the fact that illegal spirits were made under the light of the moon. In every part of America, early moonshiners worked their stills at night to avoid detection from authorities.Jul 30, 2014

Why is it called patent still?

English name for a continuous distillation appliance for whisky manufacturing. Also called Coffey Still because of the patented name Aeneas Coffey, Scottish employee of the tax office.

What is considered a still?

A still is an apparatus used to distill liquid mixtures by heating to selectively boil and then cooling to condense the vapor. A still uses the same concepts as a basic distillation apparatus, but on a much larger scale.

What is a still in whiskey?

A pot still is a type of distillation apparatus or still used to distill liquors such as whisky or brandy.

What does still mean in alcohol?

Spirits have to be distilled (separation of alcohol from water in the fermented liquid) to get alcohol with the desired flavours and aromas. This is done through an apparatus called the still.

What kind of still is used for bourbon?

Bourbon is most often first distilled in a column-still and then distilled in a doubler or thumper, essentially an attached continuous pot-still. Traditional pot stills can be, and are used. Woodford Reserve uses a pot still for part of its makeup.

What is a still made of?

Technically, stills can be made of many materials including aluminum, iron, brass, stainless steel or copper. Most are copper or stainless steel. Depending on who you ask, the short answer to the question, “Why are stills made of copper?” is taste.Apr 22, 2015

Does a still have to be copper?

Without copper, the distillate will smell and taste sharp and unpleasant. However, the still doesn't need to be made of copper. There is nothing particularly magical about the pot or column itself being made of copper. As long as copper metal is present somewhere in the still, the beneficial reactions can occur.