19th Century – 1st half – Alembic or Pot Still
The combatting of off notes was perfected in the 19th century. While the old-style alembic or pot still were still in use, more effective ways of distilling were evolving.
Rather than batch distilling with high fluctuation in quality and strength, new methods of rectifying were introduced. While the Irish initially turned down this new way of distilling, the Scots embraced it through inventions by the Irish excise officer Aeneas Coffee and by Scottish distillers Stein. Not only did the new methods make much cleaner whiskies, but it could also make it so clean and free of flavour that it became practically neutral. And some brands are even named after it. Absolut Rent Bränvin, meaning “absolutely cleaned (or pure) spirit”, became a rather famous vodka brand.