MODULE 07 · 8 MIN
Pot Stills and Batch Distillation
Single Malt Scotch is batch-distilled in copper pot stills. Wash is heated in a wash still, vapour rises and condenses, and the resulting low wines are usually distilled again in a spirit still. Some producers use additional stages, but double distillation is common.
A pot still processes one charge at a time, allowing the distillery to repeat a defined cycle. The still concentrates alcohol and selects volatile compounds; it does not manufacture alcohol from nothing. Fermentation must come first.
Key ideas
Single Malt uses batch pot distillation.
Low wines are commonly redistilled in a spirit still.
Distillation concentrates alcohol already created by fermentation.
Glossary
- Low wines
- The output from the first pot-still distillation.
- Charge
- The measured liquid loaded into a pot still for one run.
Three-question self-check
Pause before moving on.
1. Can you explain: Single Malt uses batch pot distillation.
Single Malt uses batch pot distillation.
2. Can you connect: Low wines are commonly redistilled in a spirit still.
Low wines are commonly redistilled in a spirit still.
3. Can you define “Low wines” in your own words?
Distillation concentrates alcohol already created by fermentation.
Sources & further reading
- SWA — How Scotch Whisky is madeScotch Whisky Association
- The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009UK Legislation
Last reviewed: 2026-08-09