Frequently Asked Questions

What is a copper alembic still?

A copper alembic still is a traditional distillation device with three parts: a pot (cucurbit) where you heat your material, a dome (alembic head) that captures rising steam, and a condenser (serpentine coil) that cools the steam back into liquid. The design has been in continuous use for around 1,200 years and remains the gold standard for producing essential oils, hydrosols, and distilled water.

What can I make with a copper alembic still?

Why is copper better than stainless steel for distillation?

Three reasons:

Do I need any experience to use a copper still?

No. Our stills are beginner-friendly. If you can boil water, you can distill. Every CopperHolic still comes with a setup guide, and our recipe blog has step-by-step instructions for your first distillation run. Most customers complete their first batch within an hour of unboxing.

What heat source do I need?

Any heat source works, gas stove, electric burner, induction cooktop (with an adapter disk), propane burner, or even a campfire. The 5-litre still fits on any standard kitchen stovetop. Larger stills (5-gallon, 10-gallon) work best with a propane burner or large electric burner. No electricity required for gas/propane setups, perfect for off-grid use. One note on induction: pure copper is not magnetic, so an induction cooktop will only detect the still with a flat steel induction adapter disk (about $20 online) placed under the pot.

What's included with my CopperHolic still?

Every still ships as a complete distillation kit: copper pot (cucurbit), alembic dome head, condensing coil (serpentine), and thermometer. No additional parts needed. Just add a heat source, water, and your botanical material.

Is it legal to own a copper still in the United States?

Can I legally distill alcohol at home?

Distilling alcohol at home for personal consumption is illegal under federal law (27 CFR Part 19) regardless of which state you live in, unless you hold a federal Distilled Spirits Plant permit. A Fuel Alcohol Permit only covers ethanol for fuel, never spirits you can drink. Some states have additional restrictions. CopperHolic stills are sold for legal uses: essential oils, hydrosols, distilled water, and botanical extraction. Read our full legal guide here.

Do I need a license to make essential oils or hydrosols?

No federal licence is required. Distilling essential oils, hydrosols, floral waters and water does not need the federal permit that alcohol does, for personal or commercial use. A small number of US states restrict owning a still at all, so check your own state before buying. You can sell your essential oils and hydrosols commercially, just follow standard labeling and cosmetic regulations if used in skincare products.

Can I use a copper alembic still to make moonshine?

The equipment is capable, but the legality depends on your permits. Copper alembic stills are the traditional tool used to produce moonshine, whiskey, rum, brandy, gin, and all pot-distilled spirits. Copper is preferred because it removes sulfur compounds, producing a smoother, cleaner spirit.

Why do moonshiners and craft distillers prefer copper stills?

Copper has been the material of choice for spirit production for centuries. Here's why:

What spirits can be made with a copper alembic still?

A pot-style copper alembic still can produce any pot-distilled spirit (with proper permits):

What's the difference between a pot still and a reflux still?

What size still do I need for making spirits?

For spirit distillation (with proper permits), bigger is generally better since you'll want to process larger batches of fermented wash:

Browse our moonshine stills collection to find the right size.

What are heads, hearts, and tails in distillation?

When distilling spirits, the output comes in three fractions:

How do I get a federal distilled spirits permit?

You apply through the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) at ttb.gov. There are two relevant permits: the Distilled Spirits Permit (DSP) for producing drinkable spirits, and the Fuel Alcohol Permit for producing ethanol fuel only (free and easier to obtain, but never a route to drinkable spirits). Processing time is typically 60-90 days. Many craft distillers started with a fuel permit while building their business plan for a full DSP.

What size copper still do I need?

Need help choosing? Read our detailed size guide.

How much essential oil does each size produce?

Figures are worked from lavender at a published 0.8 to 1.5% of fresh weight (Lawrence 1993-2014; ISO 3515). Yields vary enormously by species. Eucalyptus yields more. Rose and chamomile yield less oil but produce valuable hydrosol.

How long does a typical distillation run take?

60-90 minutes for most runs. Setup takes 10 minutes, heating to boiling takes 15-20 minutes, and distillation runs 40-60 minutes depending on batch size. Essential oil runs may take 2-3 hours for maximum yield. Distilled water runs are typically faster at 60-70 minutes.

What essential oils can I make with a copper still?

Any plant that contains volatile aromatic compounds. The most popular for beginners:

What's the difference between hydro distillation and steam distillation?

Can I sell the essential oils I make?

Yes. There are no licensing requirements for producing and selling essential oils in the US. Many CopperHolic customers run small essential oil businesses from home. If you sell essential oils as skincare or cosmetic products, follow FDA labeling guidelines. For pure essential oils sold as-is, standard business licensing applies.

What is a hydrosol?

A hydrosol (also called floral water) is the aromatic water produced during steam or hydro distillation. When steam passes through plant material, it carries volatile compounds. After condensing, the essential oil floats on top and the hydrosol is the water underneath. Hydrosols contain water-soluble plant compounds and have a gentle aroma, think of them as a milder, water-based version of essential oils.

How long do hydrosols last?

6-12 months when stored properly in sealed glass bottles in a cool, dark place. Rose water and lavender hydrosol tend to last longest. Adding a small amount of grain alcohol (1-2%) as a natural preservative can extend shelf life. Refrigeration also helps. Discard if you notice cloudiness or off-odors.

Is it better to distill fresh or dried botanicals?

Fresh is better for hydrosols. Fresh flowers and herbs produce more aromatic, complex hydrosols. For essential oils, either works, dried botanicals are more concentrated but fresh gives a truer aroma. If using dried, rehydrate slightly before distilling. Avoid botanicals that have been dried at high temperatures, which destroys volatile compounds.

Can I make distilled water with a copper alembic still?

Yes, it's one of the best uses for your still. Simply fill the pot with tap water, heat it, and collect the condensed output. No botanical material needed. A 5-litre still produces 3-4 litres of pure distilled water per run in about 60 minutes. Read our full distilled water guide.

Is distilled water safe for baby formula?

It is one of the accepted options. Pediatric guidance and most formula makers accept distilled or purified water for mixing powdered infant formula, because it is free of dissolved minerals, lead and nitrates and carries no added fluoride. Distillation does not remove every volatile chemical, and the condenser coil must be kept clean, so run the still clean, use the water fresh, and follow your pediatrician's and the formula maker's instructions.

Can I drink distilled water every day?

Yes. Distilled water is safe for daily drinking. The myth that it "leaches minerals from your body" has been debunked, you get 95%+ of your minerals from food, not water. Many people prefer distilled water because it has no chlorine taste and no microplastics.

Does distillation remove fluoride, lead, and microplastics?

Yes to all three. Fluoride, lead, mercury, arsenic, nitrates and microplastics cannot travel with steam, so they stay in the pot, and boiling kills bacteria and parasites. Distillation is not absolute: chemicals that boil near or below water, such as some solvents and chlorine by-products, can carry over unless they are vented, and a dirty condenser coil can reintroduce microbes. Keep the still clean, and for drinking, infant-feeding or medical use follow public-health guidance for your source water.

How do I clean my copper still?

Simple routine after every use:

1. Let the still cool completely before handling
2. Rinse all parts with warm water, pot, dome, and condenser
3. Use a soft cloth or brush for any residue, never abrasive scrubbers
4. Air dry completely before storing

Deep clean every 5-10 uses: Fill the pot with a 50/50 mix of water and white vinegar. Run a short distillation (20 minutes). Discard the output. Rinse with plain water. This removes any mineral buildup and keeps your copper performing at its best.

My copper still is turning green/dark, is that normal?

Yes, completely normal. Copper naturally develops a patina over time. This is a sign of authenticity, not damage. The patina does not affect distillation quality. If you prefer a shiny appearance, polish with a paste of lemon juice and salt, or use a commercial copper cleaner. Many owners embrace the patina as part of the still's character.

How should I store my copper still?

Store in a dry place with all parts disassembled. Ensure everything is completely dry before storage to prevent water spots. Keep the dome slightly separated from the pot to allow air circulation. Avoid storing in humid environments. A cloth wrap protects the finish if you're concerned about scratching.

Do I need to do a "seasoning" run before first use?

Yes, one cleaning run. Before your first real distillation, run a batch with plain water (or 50/50 water and vinegar). Discard the output. This removes any residual manufacturing oils or dust from the copper surfaces. Takes about 30 minutes and only needs to be done once.

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes, free shipping on every order within the United States. No minimum purchase required. Orders ship from US stock within 1-2 business days and typically arrive 2-5 business days after that.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, to the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand by tracked courier. Shipping for the 5L is $199 to the UK, $259 to Canada, $269 to Australia and $299 to New Zealand. The 5 gallon is $319 to the UK, $419 to Canada and $389 to New Zealand (it does not ship to Australia, and the 10 gallon ships within the US only). Delivery usually takes 2–3 weeks. Import VAT/GST and a courier fee are paid by you on delivery in the UK and Canada; no import tax is expected in Australia or New Zealand on a single still. International orders are final sale. Full details in our shipping policy.

What is your return policy?

You have a 30-day return window from delivery. The still must be unused: never heated, with nothing run through it, and returned with all original components and inner packaging. Opening the shipping carton to inspect your order is fine and does not affect your return. Change-of-mind returns carry a 15% restocking fee and return shipping is paid by you. Damaged or defective items are returned free with a full refund or replacement. Digital products are non-refundable once access is granted. International orders are final sale (no returns or exchanges), though transit damage is still covered. Full terms on our Return Policy page.

What does the lifetime craftsmanship guarantee cover?

Every CopperHolic still is covered by our lifetime craftsmanship guarantee. This covers defects in materials and workmanship, cracked joints, faulty seals, structural issues, for the life of the product. Normal wear, patina, and cosmetic changes are not defects. If something fails due to craftsmanship, we replace it.

Are your stills food-safe and lead-free?

Yes. Every CopperHolic still is made from pure copper and joined with lead-free silver alloy solder, with no lead and no toxic materials. Completely food-safe for water distillation, hydrosol production, and any contact with consumable products.

How are your stills made?

Every CopperHolic still is hand-hammered by multigenerational master coppersmiths. Each still requires 37+ hours of skilled craftsmanship. The copper is shaped, hammered, and riveted by hand, no machine stamping, no mass production. This traditional method produces stronger joints and better heat distribution than factory-made alternatives.