Feints
Feints (also called tails) are the later, heavier fraction of a distillation run, rich in fusel oils and heavier compounds. They are cut away from the hearts and often redistilled with the next batch.
In short: Feints (also called tails) are the later, heavier fraction of a distillation run, rich in fusel oils and heavier compounds. They are cut away from the hearts and often redistilled with the next batch.
Feints carry oily, heavy flavors that would muddy the final spirit if kept. Many distilleries collect heads and feints and add them back into a later run to recover the alcohol they still contain, which improves overall yield without sacrificing the hearts.
What are feints?
Feints, or tails, are the low-proof end of the spirit run, heavy with fusel oils and water. Most operations collect them and redistill them with the next run's low wines rather than discarding the alcohol they still contain.
How do feints affect yield accounting?
Because feints recycle into future runs, a batch's true yield is only clean if the feints added and removed are recorded. Otherwise proof gallons appear and disappear between batches and the production account drifts.
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