How to Optimize Copper Contact in Distillation

Copper is an adaptable metal with many useful properties that help create quality spirits. It is highly conductive, providing for precise temperature control during distillation processes. Furthermore, copper features natural antimicrobial properties which recent studies have proven can significantly reduce germ spread – this explains why ancient Egypt and Rome copper artifacts remain so well preserved today! Additionally, its corrosion-resistance has allowed it to be used in unique still designs such as alembics.

Distillation involves an extremely brief interaction between liquid and copper that allows flavor reactions such as reduction of sulphur compounds and esterification to take place. Maximising these benefits by optimizing still design features is crucial in order to maximize their benefits and achieve optimal distillation results.

Copper’s most notable advantages in spirit production are its abilities to remove sulphur compounds and its role in esterification, creating flavor compounds through esterification. Sulphur compounds formed during fermentation by acetobacter bacteria are converted by contact with copper into more flavorsome substances through decarboxylation, while esterification between ethanol and fatty acids like acetyl alcohol produces aroma compounds known as aldehydes which can be reduced using either a copper metal treater within the wash still or by packing columns with knitted mesh material containing knitted copper mesh material.