Cut Points
Cut points are important decision moments during the distillation process when distillers separate different parts of the alcohol being made. Think of it like sorting the good, bad, and best parts of the liquid as it comes out of the still. The "heads" come first and are usually discarded because they can be harmful, the "hearts" are the desirable middle portion that becomes the final product, and the "tails" come last and are typically set aside. Making these separations at the right time is crucial for creating safe, high-quality spirits.
Examples in Resumes
Managed Cut Points determination for premium whiskey production
Trained junior distillers in proper Cut Point identification and collection
Developed standard operating procedures for Cut Points in craft gin production
Typical job title: "Distillers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Distillers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine optimal cut points for a new spirit recipe?
Expected Answer: A senior distiller should explain how they analyze smell, taste, and alcohol content, considering the specific characteristics of different ingredients and desired final product quality. They should mention documentation methods and training others.
Q: How would you handle inconsistent cut points across different batches?
Expected Answer: Should discuss troubleshooting methods, including checking equipment calibration, reviewing procedures, analyzing production records, and implementing corrective measures to ensure consistency.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors influence your decision when making cuts during distillation?
Expected Answer: Should mention temperature, alcohol content, smell, taste, and timing, while explaining how these factors help determine the quality of the spirit being produced.
Q: How do you document cut points for different products?
Expected Answer: Should describe record-keeping methods, including time, temperature, alcohol percentage, and sensory notes for each cut, ensuring consistency across batches.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain the basic difference between heads, hearts, and tails?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding that heads are first runnings containing harmful compounds, hearts are the desired middle portion, and tails are the final portion with unwanted flavors.
Q: What safety precautions do you take when collecting cut points?
Expected Answer: Should mention proper protective equipment, ventilation requirements, and safe handling procedures for different fractions of the distillate.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of distillation process
- Ability to identify basic spirits characteristics
- Following established cut point procedures
- Basic safety protocols
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent cut point determination
- Quality control procedures
- Record keeping and documentation
- Equipment troubleshooting
Senior (5+ years)
- Development of new spirit recipes
- Training and supervising other distillers
- Process optimization
- Quality assurance program management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Inability to explain basic distillation concepts
- No knowledge of safety procedures
- Lack of sensory evaluation experience
- Poor documentation habits
- No understanding of quality control measures
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Cutting HR Costs Without Sacrificing Quality: A How-To for Savvy Executives
Automated Scorecards in ATS Systems: Your Secret Weapon for Smarter Hiring Decisions
Resume Optimizations that Candidates Do to Get Past AI Hiring Filters
