Cuts (Heads, Hearts, and Tails)
Cuts are the points during distillation where the distiller separates the run into heads (early, volatile, harsh), hearts (the clean spirit kept), and tails (late, heavy, oily). The cut decision defines quality and yield.
Making the cut is the central craft decision of a distillation run. Heads carry acetone and other volatiles, hearts are the desirable spirit, and tails bring heavier fusel oils. Where the distiller draws each line shapes flavor and how many proof gallons are kept, so recording cut points and the hearts volume and proof per run feeds both consistency and yield.
What is the difference between heads, hearts, and tails?
Heads come off first and are high in volatile, harsh compounds; hearts are the clean middle fraction the distiller keeps; tails come last and carry heavier, oily fusel oils. Heads and tails are often redistilled rather than discarded.
Why do cuts matter for yield and cost?
A tight cut protects flavor but keeps fewer proof gallons; a wider cut keeps more volume but risks quality. Because the hearts fraction is what becomes saleable spirit, the cut directly drives both your yield and your cost per proof gallon.
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