Before using your new copper alembic still for the first time, run it through one cleaning cycle. This removes any residual oils, polishing compounds, flux residue or manufacturing debris left over from the handcrafting process. It’s also a low-stakes way to practise assembling and operating your still before you work with valuable botanicals. Important: discard […]
It’s one of the first questions people ask before purchasing a copper still, and understandably so. The answer is straightforward, but there are a few important distinctions. The short version is: Distilling essential oils and hydrosols is legal in Australia. Distilling alcohol is subject to federal excise laws. Understanding the difference will help you make […]
Your still has arrived. The copper gleams, the craftsmanship is obvious and you’re probably eager to start distilling. Before you load your first harvest of lavender, rosemary or rose petals, taking the time to set your still up properly will make your first distillation smoother, safer and more successful. This guide walks you through the […]
One of the most common questions I get from new distillers is: what should I actually grow? The good news is that if you’re in Australia, you have access to a remarkable range of aromatic and medicinal plants — many of which thrive in our climate far better than they do in the European countries […]
If you’re new to distillation, you’ve probably come across both terms — essential oils and hydrosols — and wondered exactly how they differ. They come from the same distillation process, but they’re very different products with different properties, uses and production requirements. Understanding the distinction will help you decide what you actually want to make […]
So you’ve decided you want to start distilling. Maybe you’re dreaming of harvesting roses from your garden and turning them into fragrant hydrosol. Perhaps you’d like to extract essential oils from lavender or rosemary, create botanical gin infusions, or simply explore one of the oldest crafts in the world. Whatever has brought you here, the […]
