2in column not tall enough?

[Evil_Dark]

Hi There!
My 5 gallons pot still has a 2in stainless column that is only 12in tall.
I've run my first run of UJSSM with it this past sunday, and the max ABV I've got outta it was 56%, then it lowered slowly.
I think that it is due to the not tall enough column, am I right? It is mounted on tri-clamp so I can easily add a section to it to make it taller.

While not wanting to go reflux with it, I want to have more %ABV out of the first run if possible. And what I understand is when we have a taller column, naturally there is some internal condensation that happens and a bit of "refluxing" is happening.
So a taller section would help? and packing it with SS or Copper mesh?
Your advice?

Regards