Basic Distillation 101

[perfection]

So why use pot stills at all...Theoretically, could one not use short rectifier columned continuous stills (with a low-level spirit condenser chamber) to make whiskey or brandy?

[OldRanch]

So why use pot stills at all...Theoretically, could one not use short rectifier columned continuous stills (with a low-level spirit condenser chamber) to make whiskey or brandy?

Cost for one. Pot stills are a fraction of the cost to put together. Also some people have no interest in learning how to drive a column. Personally making great vodka was a higher priority than flavorful spirits so I went to a column pretty quick.

In saying that, I've made plenty of whiskey with a de tuned column. And, no matter how well you de tuned the column, it's still a much lighter spirit compared to my pot still using the same mash.

So a detuned column =\= pot still. Not a 1-1 comparison at all.