What is the primary distinction of pot stills compared to column stills?

Pot stills are known for their ability to produce spirits with greater flavor complexity compared to column stills. This is primarily due to their design and the method of distillation. In a pot still, the liquid is distilled in batches, allowing for a more gradual and thorough extraction of flavors from the raw materials. The pot still retains many of the congeners and esters that contribute to the spirit's character and aromatic profile, resulting in a final product that is rich in taste and often considered more artisanal.

In contrast, column stills, which operate continuously and can achieve higher alcohol concentrations, typically produce cleaner spirits with fewer flavor compounds due to their efficient separation processes. This is advantageous for brands aiming for a neutral spirit, like vodka or gin, but might sacrifice some of the depth and richness achievable with pot stills.

Thus, the ability of pot stills to retain and amplify the flavors from the base ingredients is what distinctly characterizes them, leading to not only a more robust sensory experience but also a broader diversity of flavor profiles in spirits crafted through this method.