For example, StillDragon can create a custom piping solution that will allow for multiple product condensers, additional vapor infusion hardware, and even a rectifying column by controlling the vapor path with valves.īelow is a classic example of how multiple types of distillation tools can be incorporated together to make the most versatile distilling apparatus. This allows the distiller to utilize either retort as a smaller, primary distilling kettle for smaller batches, if needed. In other words, the operator is not limited to only running the system solely as a double retort.Įach StillDragon retort is also typically equipped with dedicated heat input capability and a conventional column attachment feature. This is helpful if the operator chooses to do a more basic stripping run or to send vapor to a completely separate distilling apparatus. In the StillDragon system, the vapor supply manifold (lyne arm) is equipped with three-way valves at each retort to give the operator the ability to bypass either or both retorts. The StillDragon double thumper (retort) system takes this concept a bit further by providing additional features to allow the operator more flexibility during operation. You could say this type of arrangement adds more “rummyness” into the rum. This is all meant to maintain a more stable ABV collection strength as well as to install more complexity into the finished product. This process facilitates an additional boost in ABV as well as enhances the likelihood of desirable carboxylic acid formation, as previously mentioned. The primary distilling kettle is charged with the rum beer. In this application, one of the retorts is charged with low wines, and the other with high wines. Perhaps the most widely known version of a double thumper (retort) system is the alcohol still used for making traditional Jamaican-style rum. Like the single thumper, the double thumper further adds to the ABV enrichment of the finished product by stabilizing the ABV of the resulting distillate. In addition to a single thumper, a double thumper (or double retort) can be used. Doing so allows the operator to keep the larger, more time-consuming-to-clean, primary distilling kettle from being contaminated with botanical oils. Similarly, the operator can also add botanicals to the thumper for gin production. The operator can choose to “charge” the thumper with water, alcohol, or even an additional flavoring component that may result in the formation of additional carboxylic acids that can add to the complexity of the finished spirit. The noteworthy savings, however, will be man hours needed to render a product that is more desirable for consumption. In addition, since the thumper contains a measure of liquid to facilitate another phase-change cycle, there will be heat exchange occurring within the thumper that may reduce the amount of cooling capacity required to cool the finished distillate.Īgain, these variables would be predicated upon the design and size of the parasitic kettle. Based on the design parameters, the use of a parasitic kettle may require more BTUs to run than a single distilling kettle, but likely not as many BTUs when compared to running two completely separate distillations. Thumper or No Thumper?Ī thumper setup allows for a secondary distillation without having to run the distillate a second time. Evidently, the thumper gets its name from the sound it makes while in operation. The thumper gets heated with the heat already produced to feed the primary kettle. What Is a Thumper?Ī thumper is essentially a parasitic kettle connected to the primary distilling kettle. Namely, more heating, more cooling and, especially, more man hours. Of course, this all adds up to the utilization of more resources to produce the most desirable pot-stilled finished product. For this reason, most operators choose to run the distillate a second time to produce a more desirable finished product. The main limitation is that a pot still can really only render an aggregate ABV of 35% to 45% alcohol from an 8% to 10% beer with a single distillation.įurthermore, because of the pot still’s inherent inefficiency, the resulting distillate from a single distillation can be highly contaminated with high and low boiling-point constituents that can impart an unpleasant quality in the finished distillate. However, the rub here is that pot stills are not really the most efficient tools to use if production speed factors heavily into your planning. After all, pot stills have the oldest pedigrees on the planet, and pot-stilled whiskies, rums, and brandies are some of the most sought-after spirits on the planet. So you have taken up distilling for spirits production and have decided that, since you are a whiskey enthusiast, you’ll be pot stilling to produce the most authentic flavor profile.
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