What range of ABV can a pot still distill to?

The correct answer is that a pot still can typically distill to a range of 55-70% ABV. Pot stills are traditional distillation apparatus used primarily for producing spirits such as whiskey, rum, and some types of gin.

The design of a pot still allows for a relatively low degree of rectification, meaning it separates the volatile components in a way that preserves more flavor and character from the raw materials used in fermentation. This results in a spirit that has a higher ABV than what is achieved through a single distillation, but it generally stays below 70% ABV. Distilling beyond this point would require a greater degree of rectification, which is more characteristic of column stills, rather than pot stills.

For many pot still processes, the distillation typically results in spirits in the 55-70% ABV range, allowing for a balance of flavor and alcohol content. This range showcases the unique and complex flavors derived from the ingredients used, as pot stills are favored for maintaining those flavors during the distillation process.