Understanding the Heads, Hearts, and Tails of Distillation
Distillation is where the magic happens, but not every drop of liquid you collect is created equal. Distillers use a technique called “making cuts” to separate the heads, hearts, and tails of the distillate. Each of these fractions contains different compounds, some desirable and some not. The art of distilling is knowing when to make these cuts to get the best flavor and quality from your still.
Let’s break down the heads, hearts, and tails, so you understand exactly what’s going on in the still and why it matters for the quality of your spirit.
1. What Are the Heads, Hearts, and Tails?
When you distill, the wash (fermented mash) is heated, and alcohol vapor rises through the still. As the temperature increases, the vapor separates into fractions with different boiling points. The heads, hearts, and tails refer to these different parts of the distillate, each with its own unique properties.
Heads: This is the first fraction that comes out of the still. The heads contain volatile compounds like methanol, acetone, and other undesirable chemicals. These need to be discarded because they can cause harsh flavors and are potentially toxic.
Hearts: The hearts are the sweet spot, the part of the distillate you want to keep. This is where the cleanest, most flavorful alcohol comes from. The hearts contain the ethanol that gives your spirit its smoothness and complexity.
Tails: The tails are the final fraction that comes out of the still. They contain heavier compounds like fusel oils, which can cause off-flavors and a harsh, oily mouthfeel. Many distillers choose to discard the tails, but some use them in future distillations for added flavor complexity.
2. Why Are the Cuts Important?
The cuts you make between the heads, hearts, and tails are crucial for the final quality of your spirit. If you don’t separate them properly, you’ll end up with a distillate that’s either too harsh, too weak, or off-flavored. The art of distilling is knowing when to make the cuts to get the smoothest, most refined product.
Taste and Aroma: The heads contain undesirable aromas and flavors. The hearts, however, contain the clean, flavorful alcohol that you want. The tails can sometimes have a funky or oily texture that negatively impacts your spirit.
Purity: Making the right cuts ensures that you’re capturing only the purest, best alcohol. By discarding the heads and tails, you’re left with a clean, high-quality distillate that’s ready for aging or bottling.
3. How to Make the Cuts
Making the cuts is a skill that comes with experience. While it’s possible to rely on temperature alone, the most skilled distillers also use their sense of taste and smell to make the cuts.
Heads: The heads will come off first and should be discarded. You’ll notice a sharp, sometimes acrid smell. If you're using temperature as a guide, heads typically come off at the lowest boiling point of ethanol, around 173°F (78°C).
Hearts: Once you reach the right temperature and the undesirable compounds are gone, you’ll enter the hearts phase. This is the clean and flavorful portion that you’ll collect. The heart phase usually starts around 175°F (80°C).
Tails: The tails are the final part of the distillation. They start to come off after the ethanol concentration drops. You’ll notice a heavier, oily texture in the tails, and it’s best to discard them or save them for future runs.
4. Why Proper Cuts Make a Big Difference
Getting your cuts right is what makes your distillation process shine. If you don’t remove the heads and tails, you risk ruining your entire batch. By honing the skill of making perfect cuts, you can ensure a smoother, cleaner, and more flavorful spirit that’s consistent every time.
Conclusion
Mastering the heads, hearts, and tails of distillation is essential for crafting high-quality spirits. Understanding how to separate the fractions and when to make the cuts will elevate your product and ensure that every batch is top-notch. So, get to know your still, trust your instincts, and make the right cuts to create the best spirits you can.
Cheers!