Traditional Riveted Alembic Stills

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 way using rivets for joining separate parts together. Any welding 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 used in 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 pictures 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 seal off all vapours (thus the concave shape of the swan neck head). 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.

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 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 Riveted Copper Alembic Stills