In a column still, where are the hearts typically taken from?

In a column still, the hearts are typically drawn from a plate just below the top of the still. This location is critical as the hearts are the distillate that contains the desired ethanol and flavor compounds after the separation process.

The structure of a column still allows for continuous distillation, with vapor rising through various plates or trays. As vapor ascends, it encounters liquid on these plates, where constituents of the mash separate based on their boiling points. At the top of the still, lighter compounds have already been removed, allowing the hearts to be collected just below the top where the distillate is cleaner and has a higher concentration of ethanol.

Collecting from this point ensures that the distillate includes the desirable characteristics of flavor and aroma while minimizing the presence of higher and lower boiling point compounds, which could negatively impact the quality of the spirit. This precise collection is essential for producing spirits with the desired profile, making this understanding vital for anyone working with distillation.