5L & 20L Copper Still Distillation Kits
SAFETY TIPS
Distillation can be dangerous if you are inexperienced and do not pay full attention when using the
alembic.
First and foremost, allow yourself enough space to work in. Your distillation area should be well lit,
clean and well ventilated so that the vapours can circulate and will not accumulate.
Before starting the process of heating your still, please ensure that there is nothing obstructing the
pipes which could cause a pressure build-up in the still. The alembic helmet should be placed loosely
on top of the pot, so that it may easily come off should pressure build up occur.
If this is your first time distilling, please make sure you research basic distilling rules.
Be careful not to overfill your alembic. As a general rule do not fill your pot more than ¾ of its
capacity. This will allow enough room for vapours to collect in.
Monitor the temperature at all times. Do not allow the liquid in the alembic to boil uncontrollably.
The heat source should be at a high strength at the beginning of the distillation and reduced when
reaching boiling point. Try to maintain the liquid at a slow boil or simmer and be careful not to let
your still run dry.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
Before using your copper still for the first time, we recommend that you process a distillation of
water to clean away any residue that may have been left behind from the manufacturing process.
It is important to clean your still after each use, so that it lasts you a lifetime.
If you use your still just once a year, please make sure that it is carefully cleaned before putting it
away for next year’s distillation. The cleaning process will eliminate any sulphuric acids or other
harmful substances that have collected on the walls of your still. You can carry out a cleaning
distillation with a mixture of rye flour and water. Simply fill 40% of your pot’s capacity with a water
and 5% rye flour mixture. Complete distillation as you normally would. If you use your still
frequently, you do not have to clean it out with rye flour and water. A single distillation using only
water will be fine.
With regular use and with time, copper oxidizes and will gradually turn a dark shade of red. Should
you wish to polish the exterior, please use an appropriate non-toxic polish, and it is important to
not use abrasive materials. You can also clean your pot with one of two traditional methods: rub
with a cloth dipped in a salt and lemon solution; or use the ashes from the wood fire (if you used
this as your heating source) on a damp cloth.
