How a double-distillation pot still works: basics

Today I'm posting a video of me explaining the basics of how our antique cognac still works. Later on we'll add videos explaining the details of the still and of how we operate it. The video was shot at the original Germain-Robin distillery up in the hills west of Ukiah, in Mendocino County, the one we built in 1982.

[@bashcoder]

That still has created the finest brandies I have ever tasted in my life. Legendary work!

[@nothinghere1996]

Nice setup.

[@SylvainSlyHache]

Gotta love this guy!

[@glenncol]

Awesome, love that still

[@TellersandTales]

Do you get any forshots?? Is it removed on the first run? Or the second??

[@kingdomoffaithfulandtrue]

Awesome words - Thanks

[@charliewecker]

That is just beautiful.

[@karolyorban]

you forgot to mention the pre warmer, which is pretty important when you distill cognac; you fill the wine in there, you warm it up, then you let it flow into the pot on the right

[@aljay2580]

Can you explain double, triple distillation and how it is done please?

[@merlyntownley6230]

What's the tank in the middle for? What does it do?

[@ChromeCapsule]

Merlyn Townley ...That's for the wash.

[@sudycz]

I'm wondering about the kettle in the middle....what's is its use?

[@mikemassino]

I was also wondering about that. That was not explained.

[@kanishkmair2920]

It's a Condenser and is used for reflux. It allows part of the vapour to reenter the still

[@priestofpartagas]

Its actually a pre-heater, not a condenser. The condenser is all the way on the left.

[@ralphb.3802]

Do they make cuts? And when do they do it?

[@williamnashjayrua7720]

Thanks

[@billastell3753]

Enough talk. Crank that baby up and let's see it rumble!

[@jamescampbell6326]

Can i borrow that 300 gal,??,,👀, 😁😁