What is a disadvantage of a hybrid still?

A hybrid still combines features of both pot stills and column stills, aiming to enhance the distillation process by utilizing the strengths of both types of stills. However, one potential disadvantage of a hybrid still is that it may offer lower distillation efficiency compared to specialized stills tailored to specific processes.

In this context, distillation efficiency is crucial because it impacts how much of the desired spirit can be extracted from a mash or wash during the distillation process. While hybrid stills can produce a wide range of spirits and may operate effectively across various functions, they often do not attain the same level of purity or separation that dedicated column stills offer, particularly for high-proof spirits.

The design of a hybrid still may introduce complexities that could lead to less effective separation of alcohol from congeners, potentially resulting in lower overall yield and requiring more passes through the still to achieve the desired result. Thus, while they provide versatility, this can come at the cost of efficiency when compared to more specialized distillation equipment.