How to Optimize Copper Contact in Distillation

How to Optimize Copper Contact in Distillation

Amidst the bustle and chatter of Chiaradia’s bustling workshop lies an old copper alambic that hasn’t been working in some time and requires attention before its next distillation season commences.

Copper has an affinity for sulfur, and enjoys binding it up into copper sulfides for later removal during distillation. Too much sulfur, however, may produce mercaptans with an unpleasant rotten vegetable aroma – not ideal!

As such, it’s imperative that spirits contain minimal amounts of sulfur. This can be accomplished by optimizing several factors, including length of vapor path (the number of condensation/re-volatilisation cycles that take place prior to distillation product leaving your still) and condenser temperature.

One easy way to reduce sulfur is to use copper alloy inner surfaces in stills and condensers, where native copper absorbs unwanted sulphur compounds to lower levels of dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) produced from fermenting methionine during fermentation; on the other hand, corrosion promotes its formation.

As stainless steel remains the go-to material for distillation, copper remains an indispensable element in its distillation process. Copper can be added to a stainless steel still as part of its vapor path to enhance its ability to offload sulfides and induce desirable esterification reactions. Central Wire Industries Tech-Mesh provides this option and is an excellent way for distillers looking to integrate copper into their equipment.