Column still
German: Kolonnenbrennapparat Also known as: Kolonne, Column Still, Patent Still
A tall distillation column for continuous distilling. It produces high-strength, usually lighter and more neutral distillates.
A column still consists of one or more tall columns with plates. The fermented liquid is fed in continuously, vapour rises, and repeated evaporation and condensation takes place on the plates. In this way the column separates alcohol and aromas very precisely.
The process is efficient and runs without interruption, allowing large quantities. The distillate is usually lighter and cleaner in aroma than from a pot still. Columns are used for vodka, grain whisky, bourbon, gin base alcohol and many rums. Aromatic distillates can also be made with a column when separation is less strict.