What is the typical ABV of the low wines produced during the first distillation in pot still distillation?

The typical ABV (alcohol by volume) of the low wines produced during the first distillation in pot still distillation falls within the range of 25-30%. During the pot still distillation process, the wash (fermented liquid) is distilled to separate alcohol and concentrate its flavor.

In this initial stage, the alcohol content of the low wines is achieved through the distillation of the wash, which has a lower ABV due to the fermentation of sugars into alcohol. The first distillation captures the alcohol along with other volatile compounds, resulting in low wines with a higher concentration of alcohol compared to the original wash but lower than the final distillate, known as the high wines after the second distillation.

This range is industry-standard, as it adequately balances the concentration necessary for further distillation while still retaining enough congeners and flavors from the wash to develop into a quality spirit in the subsequent distillation.