»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp

A visual illustration is shown in the .

Grain, neutral and some fruit spirits are manufactured by continuous distillation. This method of distillation which uses 'patent' stills is more efficient than the traditional pot still. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp distillation apparatus consists of two columns, the 'analyser' and 'rectifier'. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappse columns are made up of a number of compartments separated by diaphragms or plates. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp plates are perforated with small holes to permit the upward passage of steam in the analyser and spirit vapour in the rectifier. Broadly speaking, the analyser performs the function of the wash still and the rectifier the low wines still.

Wash is introduced near the top of the still and percolates slowly down through the plates. Steam enters from the bottom of the column and rises up through the plates. As the wash proceeds down the column it is heated by the rising steam. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp alcohol and vapour, known as low wines are boiled off. By the time the wash reaches the bottom of the 'analyser' all that remains are solids and water (spent wash).

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp low wines produced in the 'analyser' are fed into the 'rectifier' where they condense and separate out into various factions. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp ethanol faction (spirit) is drawn off and collected in the spirits receiver, the remaining liquid is either returned to the 'analyser' for re-distillation or extracted as 'fuseloil'.

'Fusel oil', a by-product of the distillation process, consists mainly of a mixture of 'higher' alcohols (amyl, butyl, propanol and so on), water and ethanol. Disposal of fusel oil is discussed in SPIR4160.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýapp ethanol produced by continuous distillation is of a higher strength and purer quality than the spirits obtained from pot stills. »Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappre are, however, limits to how pure the spirit produced can be if they are to be used in the manufacture of certain types of drinks. UnderÌýRegulation (EU) 2019/787 which lays down general rules on the definition, description and presentation of spirit drinks:

• whisky must be distilled at a strength less than 94.8% alcohol by volume; and
• fruit spirit must be distilled at a strength less than 86% alcohol by volume,
  Ìý

to retain the aroma and taste derived from the raw materials used.

»Ê¹ÚÌåÓýappre are no limitations placed on the upper strength of neutral spirits.