Heads
Heads are the first portion of liquid that comes out during the distillation process when making spirits like whiskey, vodka, or gin. Think of it like the first cup of coffee from a pot - it's usually the strongest but not always the best tasting. These initial vapors contain higher amounts of certain chemicals that distillers typically separate and discard to ensure a better-quality final product. The term "heads" is part of what distillers call "cuts," which also includes "hearts" (the good stuff they keep) and "tails" (the last portion). When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it usually relates to someone's experience with the distillation process and their ability to make proper cuts for quality control.
Examples in Resumes
Managed separation of Heads, hearts, and tails during whiskey production
Developed standard operating procedures for Heads removal in craft distillation
Trained junior distillers in identifying Heads cut points for optimal spirit quality
Typical job title: "Distillers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Distillers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the optimal cut points between heads and hearts for a new spirit recipe?
Expected Answer: A senior distiller should explain their systematic approach to testing different cut points, using both sensory evaluation and measurement tools, and how they document and standardize these decisions for consistency.
Q: What factors influence your decisions when managing heads in different spirit categories?
Expected Answer: They should discuss how different base ingredients, still types, and desired final products affect heads management, showing broad experience across multiple spirit categories.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you identify heads during the distillation process?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the characteristic smell and taste of heads, temperature ranges, and proper collection methods, while emphasizing safety considerations.
Q: What do you do with collected heads and why?
Expected Answer: Should explain proper disposal methods or recycling practices, understanding of safety requirements, and reasons why heads are separated from the final product.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Can you explain what heads are in distillation?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding that heads are the first compounds to come off during distillation and why they need to be separated from the final product.
Q: What safety precautions do you take when handling heads?
Expected Answer: Should show awareness of basic safety protocols, proper storage methods, and the importance of ventilation and proper disposal.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of distillation process
- Ability to identify heads under supervision
- Knowledge of safety procedures
- Basic record keeping
Mid (2-5 years)
- Independent operation of still
- Accurate cuts determination
- Quality control procedures
- Recipe following and documentation
Senior (5+ years)
- Recipe development
- Training and supervision of other distillers
- Process optimization
- Quality assurance program management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic safety protocols
- Inability to explain the difference between heads, hearts, and tails
- Lack of experience with proper documentation
- No understanding of quality control procedures
Related Terms
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