During the distillation process, essential oils will stick to the walls of the pot and copper coil, and
will start to form a sticky crust. You should always clean your still with warm to hot water to
eliminate any grease that sticks to the alembic.
Please note that alembics used to produce essential oils should not be used for alcoholic spirits as
well. Oils will naturally impregnate into the copper and can influence the spirits which may become
improper for human consumption.
SEALING METHOD
The copper stills are handcrafted and therefore always unique with no two ever made identical. Each
lid is made to fit into each pot, but there might be a little slack between the separate parts. To
prevent any vapours from escaping, a very simple technique can be used to seal the alembic. Mix rye
flour with some water to make a soft dough in a small recipient. Then using your fingers, rub the
mixture into the joints of all parts where leaking could occur. Should a leak occur when vapours
start to rise, simply add some dough to that particular area.
Another method is to use silicon tape, or any other sealing tape that will sustain high temperatures.
Careful not to tape the alembic joints excessively as the idea is to seal off escaping vapours while still
allowing the alembic helmet to pop off if an obstruction in the piping causes excessive pressure to
build up.
NHR ORGANIC OILS
2 4 CHATHAM PLACE, BRIGHTON, BN1 3TN, UK
