Heads

Heads refers to the initial portion of the distillation run that typically contains high levels of low boiling alcohols and other impurities. Below is a comprehensive glossary for the term “heads” in home distilling:

Definition

Heads are the first-produced alcohol that comes out of a distillation run. It contains higher levels of impurities that can affect the taste and quality of the final product.

Composition

The composition of “heads” varies depending on many factors, including the type of alcohol being distilled, the equipment used, and the specific distillation process.

Separation

As “heads” contain higher levels of impurities, they need to be separated from the rest of the distillate. Usually, this is done by diverting the initial output of the distillation process into a separate vessel before mixing it with the rest of the distillate.

Discard

After the separation of “heads” from the rest of the distillate, they are typically discarded or used in other applications. The reason for this is due to the high levels of impurities, which can leave an unpleasant flavor or aroma in the final product.

“Heads” are an integral part of the distillation process during home alcohol distillation – but you don’t want to drink them. As they contain high levels of impurities, it’s important to separate them from the rest of the distillate to ensure a high-quality and great-tasting final product.