Small Distilling Unit Stills

This group of small copper stills is identical, in size, to the smaller decorative pieces but they have been made to be functional, in other words, you can distill with them. Just like with our larger units, solders are totally non-toxic and the vapor chamber, or commonly known as swan neck head is made with a longer concave connection to avoid the escape of vapors. (A rye-putty mixture is still needed to seal off these connections – see sealing technique). These small distilling units created by Al-Ambiq®, come with a wood base and a candle wick burner, an alcohol burner or an electric plate depending on model. Certain models include a rapid locking / unlocking brass connection between the swan neck head and the condensing copper coil recipient, avoiding the use of a sealant in this area.

Sizes range from 0,7 to 2,5. Liters which make them ideal for those who would like to experiment or initiate the art of distillation as well as being an excellent conversation piece. They are very practical due to their very compact size. (Mind you, end results will also be quite reduced.)

Ideal units to distil liquids, such as wines for obtaining an excellent quality Eau-de-Vie.
You may also use them to obtain floral waters (known as hydrosols) by distilling a mixture of water with flower petals or other organic materials. As the final results are reduced, we do not recommend these units for the distillation of essential oils.

Certain models include an internal copper sieve basket. Different fruits, anise, wood, spices, herbs etc, are placed in this basket to add flavorings to the eau-de-vie that is being re-distilled. For example, in the Bavarian region, distillers use juniper berries to flavor their schnapps resulting in a juniper spirit commonly known in the region as "wacholder". Models that come with a candle wick burner may be placed on a stove top as the candle wick burner will not generate sufficient heat to distill. We have also now included a stainless steel thermometer that is perfectly adapted to the size of these models, available now with the product.

Basic information on different distilling processes is included in this site and a list of precautions that should be taken into consideration for any model.