Water Sealing Copper Alembic Still Systems

This model was developed from a beer fermentation unit we designed by Al-Ambiq® on request some years ago. We then applied this design to our stills, crafting a unique alembic using a practical water sealing technique to facilitate the distiller's task. This modern unit maintains the sensual and graceful curves of the more traditional stills. What is unique about this still is that it uses water to seal off vapours from the interior, thus having no need to use any other sealing technique as in other models. The pot is built with two separate walls on the top side creating a chamber or corridor where the water is placed.

The inner wall is higher than the exterior one, and this is one of the essential elements of the water sealing system, as this wall must touch the lid to aid in sealing off all vapours. The complete system, independent of its size must be mounted on a perfectly level surface to avoid water spilling from the water corridor when in use.

This alembic still comes equipped with an interior copper sieve tray and a copper refining lentil with a brass locking system to facilitate mounting and dismounting. Larger sizes, 50 litres up come with a metal support and axle to facilitate the discarding of the used batch. There is also an extension pipe which must be used when using the copper refining or rectifying lentil.

The two parts that make up the copper pot (bottom and walls) are welded together, and the thickness of the copper used in these alembics is also greater. Any soldered unions may be of either brass, copper or tin - at its highest purity (99,7%), depending on its location, thus obtaining a non-lead unit.commonly know as soldered union construction and it guarantees perfect impermeability. Thicker copper sheeting is employed in manufacturing these alembics. All connecting parts between the swan neck and the condensing recipient come equipped with rapid brass locking unions to avoid the escape of 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. These 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 pictures and explanatory text of a "Portuguese Experience" - the distillation of Grappa which will also help any newcomer even though this experience does not use the water sealing still.

These products are made with thicker copper sheetings and therefore we are only able to manufacture them with our Premium line.