These alembic stills have a graceful design based on old Moorish traditions and are widely used throughout the Iberian Peninsula and Southern Europe.  The copper pot, one of the basic parts of the still, is of a riveted union construction, meaning it has been constructed in the old traditional Al-Ambiq®  way using rivets for joining separate parts together. Any welding/soldering is made with brass or copper, depending on location, thus obtaining a non-lead construction. There is a rapid brass locking/unlocking union between the swan neck lid and the condensing recipient to avoid the escape of vapours. The condensing recipient is equipped with a water inlet tube located at the bottom of the condensing recipient and an outlet tube at the top where the water exits.  In this manner the water circulates in the opposite direction of the descending vapours.
The smaller sizes may be used domestically unlike the larger models which require an adequate distillation area and knowledge by the distiller.  Even though these alembic stills are recommended for experienced distillers, this does not mean that those who wish to start with home distilling should feel apprehensive when acquiring one of these models.
Models may be used for the distillation of alcoholic spirits, as is the case in the Iberian Peninsula, essential oils for preparing medicinal herbal extracts and perfumes, rosewater or whatever your imagination might come up with.
Basic information on different distilling processes is included on this site and a list of precautions that should be taken into consideration for any model. You may also find a short sequence of images and explanatory text of a "Portuguese Experience”  the distillation of “Aguardente” (Grappa) which any newcomer may find helpful.
The separate items that make up a still have been designed and manufactured to fit together perfectly and to seal off all vapours (thus the concave shape of the head attachment). After years of usage some natural slack may occur between these parts and will need to be sealed off to prevent the escape of vapours. This is achieved with a very simple and rudimentary sealing technique.