CSP Distillery Operations & Craft 2

Question 1

In a pot still distillation, what is the primary purpose of the 'lyne arm' (lye pipe)?

Accepted Answer

To direct vapor from the still neck to the condenser and influence reflux

Answer

The lyne arm connects the still neck to the condenser and its angle (ascending or descending) governs how much reflux occurs, shaping the spirit's weight and character.

Question 2

What does a descending (downward-angled) lyne arm typically produce compared to an ascending one?

Accepted Answer

A heavier, oilier spirit with less reflux

Answer

A descending lyne arm reduces reflux, allowing heavier congeners to pass through uncondensed back into the still, yielding a fuller, oilier new make spirit.

Question 3

A distiller makes the 'foreshots' cut when the spirit safe reading indicates what?

Accepted Answer

The spirit runs clear and early undesirable compounds have been removed

Answer

Foreshots are diverted to the feints receiver until the distiller judges—by clarity, smell, and strength—that clean middle-cut spirit has begun to flow.

Question 4

What term describes the combined foreshots and feints that are redistilled in the next spirit-still charge?

Accepted Answer

Low wines and feints

Answer

Low wines from the wash still plus feints (and foreshots) from the previous spirit still run are combined and redistilled together in the spirit still.

Question 5

Which condensing method is associated with producing a heavier, more sulfury character that can be a desired house style trait?

Accepted Answer

Worm tub condenser

Answer

Worm tub condensers cool vapor more slowly with less copper contact, retaining more sulfur compounds and producing a heavier, meatier spirit characteristic of distilleries like Mortlach.

(CSP) Certified Scotch Professional Practice Test

(CSP) Certified Scotch Professional Practice Test

CSP Distillery Operations & Craft 2