A pot still is a traditional type of distillation apparatus used to produce spirits like whiskey and rum. It consists of a large, usually copper, vessel where the fermented liquid, or mash, is heated. The alcohol vapor rises and is collected in a condenser, where it cools and turns back into liquid form. This method is known for producing rich and flavorful spirits. Pot stills are often used in small-scale distilleries, allowing for greater control over the distillation process. Unlike continuous column stills, pot stills typically require multiple distillations to achieve higher alcohol content. This contributes to the unique character of spirits such as Scotch whisky and Irish whiskey.