What type of still is primarily used for vodka production?

Column stills, also known as continuous stills or patent stills, are primarily used for vodka production due to their efficiency in producing high-purity spirits. These stills allow for a continuous flow of material and a higher distillation process compared to pot stills. This is particularly advantageous in vodka production, which aims for a clean, neutral flavor profile, minimizing impurities and congeners that can affect taste.

The design of a column still enables multiple distillations in one pass, effectively separating ethanol from water and other components, thus achieving a higher alcohol concentration. This efficiency is crucial in commercial vodka production, where large volumes are processed quickly while maintaining consistent quality.

In contrast, pot stills, while traditionally used for many other spirits, do not achieve the same level of purification and are more labor-intensive, making them less suited for the mass production of vodka. Hybrid stills, which combine elements of both pot and column stills, and batch stills, designed for smaller-scale production, are also not the primary choices for vodka due to the need for high efficiency and purity.