Traditional Alquitar Distiller Stills

The Alquitar is different from the regular alembics in regards to its design. It occupies less space since its bodies fit into a pyramid shape and its helmet has double function – it has in its interior a vapour chamber and at the top the condensation area. This way, the space needed to run a distillation is considerably less. 

The Premium Alquitars with three bodies allows the user to run a vapour distillation. The ones with only two bodies allows for a simple distillation. The use of a removable sieve in the pot's interior allows the separation of mash and water and facilitates the passage of the vapour. Because the mash and the water is separated, the user can expel the mash and run a new distillation without the water ceasing to boil and there is no need for repeating the entire distillation process again.

The user can choose if he wants to run a vapour distillation or a simple distillation with the three bodied Premium Alquitars– to do that he only needs to remove the movable sieve from the interior of the pot.

The Alquitar is favored in certain areas of Portugal and Spain for producing excellent alcoholic beverages (Grappa, calvados etc) that many distillers attribute to the longer distillation period that is required with this distilling apparatus (considered similar to the Charentais in terms of results). For this reason many distillers would not replace their Alquitar with any other pot still.

The bowl shaped Alquitar head has a semi-spherical interior chamber where vapours gather. This bowl is filled with cold water and when the vapours come in contact with the cold surface they liquify and exit through a spout, commonly known as "Biqueira" in Portugal. Depending on the model and/or size the bowl may have two spouts (in addition to the spout where the alcohol exits), one at the bottom where the cold water enters and cools the condensing chamber and the other on top of the bowl where warm water exits.
Alquitars are of a soldered union construction, meaning they are constructed in the old traditional way, a tradition that has been passed on from generation to generation. Any soldered unions are welded with brass or copper depending on location, thus obtaining a non-lead construction.

The smaller sizes may be used domestically unlike the larger models which require an adequate distillation area and a good knowledge by the distiller. Even though these alquitar 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. 

These Al-Ambiq® 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 available 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 Grappa which will also help any newcomer even though this distillation does not use the alquitar still.

The separate items that make up a still have been designed and manufactured to fit together perfectly and 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 rudimentarysealing technique.

Iberian Coppers Lda is proud of our standard line of products; a range of products that can compete with market values, without compromising on quality or safety.

Our standard products are high quality and completely hand made and unique. Many similar models can be found in the markets but we stand out because all our materials are tested and 100% lead free.

The guarantee time on our standard line is 2 years though our products are known to last for decades if taken care of properly. This line is perfect for the distiller who wishes to start experimenting with plants or alcohol spirits, and wants to find a good solution that's great value for money without having to opt between quality / value/ security. 

We pride ourselves on improving our products and we have taken this to a whole new level with our premium products. Read below for more information on our Premium line. 

Iberian Coppers has always lead the way when it comes to improving our products, coming up with new and better solutions that are built to last for generations to come. Striving to be better is what drove us to certify our products, and now these products are a testament to our improved standard in manufacturing and the safe materials that are used in each unique Premium copper alembic. Our customers can now be assured that what they are purchasing is high quality copper products, tested and manufactured in total safety with 100 % lead free soldering and these products are now CE certified.

We still have our standard competitive priced models which are completely safe and 100% lead free but our Premium line has achieved excellence with details such as:

* CE certification
* Thicker copper sheets that require more manual labour and as a result become hand crafted master pieces,
* The alembic set comes complete with brass joints and couplings
* The Alquitars come with 3 parts, allowing for both steam and simple distillations
* The condenser has a water inlet as well as a water outlet and more serpentine coils
* Brass solders are used instead of copper or phosphorous alloy solders.

These equipments, if treated well, can last an entire lifetime. 

Click to watch a 2D animation of Traditional Soldered Copper Alquitar Stills