What is a key characteristic of the hearts collected during distillation?

The hearts collected during distillation are characterized by being high in flavor and aroma. This portion of the distillate is the desirable middle fraction that contains the compounds responsible for the main flavors and aromas of the spirit. During distillation, the wash is heated, and the volatile compounds evaporate. The hearts represent the phase where these compounds are optimally balanced, providing the spirit with its intended character.

In contrast, the heads, which precede the hearts, contain higher concentrations of undesirable volatile compounds, while the tails, which follow, consist of heavier compounds that may dilute the overall flavor profile. The hearts are specifically chosen for bottling because they embody the desired sensory attributes of the final spirit.