Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: TTB Compliance • Cooper • Chill Filtration

Reflux Still

Term from Spirits Production industry explained for recruiters

A Reflux Still is a specialized piece of equipment used in making spirits and alcohol. Think of it as an advanced type of distillation system that helps create purer, cleaner spirits by repeatedly filtering and refining the alcohol vapor. Unlike basic pot stills, reflux stills have extra sections that help separate different types of alcohol more precisely, leading to a better-quality final product. This equipment is particularly important in craft distilleries and larger spirits manufacturing facilities. It's sometimes also called a "fractioning still" or "column still" because of its tall, column-like shape.

Examples in Resumes

Operated and maintained Reflux Still systems for craft bourbon production

Optimized Column Still operations resulting in 15% increase in spirit purity

Supervised installation and calibration of new Reflux Still equipment

Managed production using both Fractioning Still and traditional pot still methods

Typical job title: "Still Operators"

Also try searching for:

Distiller Still Operator Production Distiller Spirits Production Specialist Craft Distiller Distillation Technician Production Manager

Where to Find Still Operators

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle quality control issues in reflux still operation?

Expected Answer: A senior operator should discuss monitoring procedures, common problems and solutions, safety protocols, and quality assurance methods throughout the distillation process. They should mention documentation and team training aspects.

Q: What factors do you consider when scaling up production with reflux stills?

Expected Answer: Should explain considerations like equipment capacity, safety measures, consistency in product quality, staff training needs, and efficiency optimization while maintaining product standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Explain the difference between a pot still and a reflux still operation.

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain in simple terms how reflux stills provide more refined products through multiple distillation stages, compared to simpler pot still operation.

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

Expected Answer: Should discuss temperature monitoring, pressure control, proper ventilation, emergency shutdown procedures, and basic maintenance checks.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic parts of a reflux still?

Expected Answer: Should identify main components like the column, condenser, boiler, and collection vessel, and have a basic understanding of how they work together.

Q: How do you clean and maintain a reflux still?

Expected Answer: Should describe basic cleaning procedures, regular maintenance checks, and understanding of sanitation importance in spirits production.