Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Phenols • Congeners • Proof Gallon

Column Still

Term from Distilleries industry explained for recruiters

A Column Still, also known as a Continuous Still or Patent Still, is a type of equipment used in modern distilleries to make spirits like vodka, gin, and some types of whiskey. Unlike traditional pot stills, it can run continuously without stopping, making it more efficient for large-scale production. Think of it like an assembly line for making spirits, compared to the batch-by-batch process of older methods. It's a tall column with multiple levels that helps separate and purify alcohol more efficiently than traditional methods. When this term appears in resumes, it usually indicates experience with industrial-scale spirits production and modern distilling technology.

Examples in Resumes

Managed production using Column Still and Continuous Still systems for vodka manufacturing

Optimized Column Still operations resulting in 15% increase in production efficiency

Trained staff on safety protocols for Patent Still and Column Still operations

Typical job title: "Distillers"

Also try searching for:

Distiller Still Operator Production Distiller Spirits Production Manager Distillery Operations Manager Master Distiller Production Supervisor

Where to Find Distillers

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you troubleshoot efficiency issues in a column still operation?

Expected Answer: A senior distiller should discuss monitoring key parameters like temperature, pressure, and flow rates, analyzing product quality metrics, and implementing corrective measures while maintaining safety standards.

Q: What factors would you consider when scaling up production using column stills?

Expected Answer: Should mention production capacity planning, energy efficiency, quality control measures, staff training requirements, and maintaining consistency in the final product.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Explain the main differences between pot stills and column stills.

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that column stills run continuously and are more efficient for large-scale production, while pot stills work in batches and are typically used for craft spirits.

Q: What safety procedures are essential when operating a column still?

Expected Answer: Should discuss temperature monitoring, pressure control, emergency shutdown procedures, and proper cleaning and maintenance protocols.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of a column still?

Expected Answer: Should identify main parts like the column, condenser, plates/trays, and basic control systems, showing understanding of how they work together.

Q: What regular maintenance does a column still require?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic cleaning procedures, regular inspections, and common maintenance tasks needed to keep the still running safely and efficiently.