Thumper vs. Reflux: Which Still Is Right for You?
Two very different paths to great spirit. We break down flavor, proof, and ease of use.
GW
Alchemist G. G. Wilkins
A thumper is essentially a second distillation in one run — vapor bubbles through a chamber of liquid, picking up flavor and proof. It's simple, classic, and beloved for brown spirits.
A reflux still uses a packed column to repeatedly condense and re-vaporize, scrubbing the spirit to high purity. It's the tool for clean vodka and the backbone for gin botanicals.
Rule of thumb: chasing flavor and tradition? Thumper. Chasing clarity and proof? Reflux. Plenty of distillers eventually own both.