Tails

Tails refer to the final portion of the distillate produced in the distillation process. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain the basics of tails and how to use them properly in home distilling.

What are Tails in Home Distilling?

Tails are the final portion of the distillate that comes out of the still during the distillation process. They contain higher levels of undesirable compounds, such as fusel oils and congeners, which can affect the flavor and quality of the final product.

Using Tails in Air Stills

If you’re using an air still for home distilling, tails can still be collected but may require some additional steps for proper use. One common method is to collect tails in a separate container and wait until a sufficient amount is collected before re-distilling (“doing a tails run”) or blending it back into the final product.