From the pics and descriptions, it looks like they are using the pot to cut the volume of wash by 2/3. I imagine due to the size restrictions of the final column still. It looks to be a horizontal coil reflux hybrid. It would be nice to find out if its packed or has bubbler plates.

One thing to consider. He is a commercial distiller, and producing the most volume for the ingredients used. A home type distillation is a completely different concept, in that it is done to only save the very best part of the hearts, and the rest is tossed. In the commercial process say a gallon is collected, of that gallon a private distiller may only keep 3 of the 750 ml bottles. he throws away the rest. now the commercial distiller has a gallon that must be aged on oak to cover up the taste of the toxics that are still in it. A process that takes several years at times. The private distiller may re taste and take two bottles of hearts from the three and toss another.

Now the private distiller has two bottles of the finest that could exist, and merely needs to ....FLAVOR.... with oak to taste and let rest for a month and its ready.

Now we put a bottle of each on the counter and two rows of ten shot glasses. every hour three shots are consumed. by hour three the commercial distiller is sauced and ready to toss his cookies because the stomach doesn't like the toxics even though the barrel aging has covered up the taste. the private distiller is suffering no ill effects and is actualy enjoying himself. Both go home and the commercial distiller wakes with a raging hangover that may last two days. The private distiller wakes feeling normal except a bit dehydrated which he cures with a couple glasses of water and has no ill effects at all. If he had drank large amounts of water before sleep he would not even wake dehydrated.

If your going to make money and stay permited and in business there is a huge compromise in values just to pay the rent.

Yes you can carbon filter, the first bit plugs the carbon and by the time flavor comes through the carbon is no longer serving it purpose unless you are using it to filter particulate matter. If one had saved the two bottles instead of the gallon there is no use in carbon filtering.

The bigger the name the looser the cuts, until they just run it all together and vent the methanol and fores at the top of a continual column. That is closer to the gasoline process than spirits but they can sell it cheap and the buyers are mixing drinks with it. Most chemists that saw a big plant would petition to have it shut down.

Hope that helps bridge the gap. Your new friend has a tough road but if he sticks to his principles, and keeps pricing in line with the tighter cuts he is making he will do well. Very well.