production
Pot still
Defined in law
A batch still consisting of a heated pot, a swan neck and a lyne arm, in which each charge is distilled once and then emptied; its shape and operation determine reflux and hence spirit character.
Where it is defined
Required for Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (SI 2009/2890), reg. 3(2)) and for Pot Still and Malt Irish Whiskey (Irish Whiskey Technical File §4.2.1–4.2.2)
Worth knowing
Mandatory for Scotch single malt — so a malted-barley whisky from one Scottish distillery made on a column still cannot be single malt. The US standards impose no still-type requirement at all, only proof limits.
Related terms
Last reviewed 2026-07-30 · All glossary terms