How Distillation Works
How Distillation Works
Distillation is one of humanity's oldest and most fascinating techniques — used for thousands of years to extract essential oils, create floral hydrosols, and purify water.
Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide explains exactly how distillation works with a copper alembic still, step by step.
The Basics of Distillation
At its core, distillation is a process that separates substances based on their different boiling points. When you heat a mixture of water and botanicals, the volatile aromatic compounds evaporate before the water does. These vapors rise, travel through a condenser, and cool back into liquid form.
The collected liquid is called the distillate. Depending on what you are distilling, this can contain concentrated essential oils floating on top of an aromatic hydrosol (also called floral water). The essential oil contains the most potent aromatic and therapeutic compounds from the plant material, while the hydrosol carries gentler water-soluble plant compounds.
This principle has remained unchanged for centuries. What makes a difference is the quality of the still you use — and that is where copper alembic stills truly shine.
Anatomy of a Copper Alembic Still
Understanding the parts of your still helps you understand the distillation process. Every CopperHolic copper alembic still includes these key components:
Pot (Cucurbit)
The base vessel where you place water and botanical material. Hand-hammered from 1.1mm pure copper for excellent heat distribution.
Alembic Head (Dome)
The signature onion-shaped dome captures rising steam and channels it through the lyne arm for efficient vapor concentration.
Lyne Arm
The curved pipe connecting the dome to the condenser. Steam travels through this arm as it begins its journey toward condensation.
Serpentine Condenser
A coiled copper tube submerged in cold water. The serpentine shape maximizes surface area for efficient cooling.
Thermometer
A lab-grade thermometer monitors vapor temperature, helping you maintain optimal conditions for extraction.
Collection Vessel
A glass or copper container catches the finished distillate as it drips from the condenser.
How to Distill Essential Oils
Ready to start distilling? Here is the complete process using a CopperHolic copper alembic still:
- Fill the pot with water — Add clean water to about two-thirds of the pot's capacity. This leaves room for your botanicals and prevents overflow during heating.
- Add your botanicals — Place your plant material into the water. Popular choices include lavender, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
- Assemble the still — Place the alembic dome on top of the pot, ensuring a snug seal. Connect the lyne arm to the serpentine condenser. Our stills are designed for easy, tool-free assembly.
- Fill the condenser bucket — The condenser coil must be fully submerged in cold water. Replace periodically or add ice for best results.
- Apply heat slowly — Use a gas burner, electric hot plate, or induction cooktop. Start with medium heat and increase gradually for the best quality distillate.
- Monitor the temperature — The ideal vapor temperature range is 78-100 degrees C (172-212 degrees F). Essential oils typically begin to appear at 78-85 degrees C.
- Collect the distillate — As steam condenses and drips from the condenser, collect it in your vessel. Essential oil will float on top of the hydrosol.
- Separate the oil — After distillation, let the distillate settle for several hours. Use a separating funnel or pipette the essential oil layer from the top. Both the oil and hydrosol are valuable products.
For detailed instructions specific to your still size, refer to our CopperHolic Still Manual.
What Can You Distill?
Essential Oils
Lavender, rosemary, eucalyptus, peppermint, tea tree, chamomile, lemongrass, and dozens more. Browse our essential oil distillers.
Hydrosols
Rose water, lavender water, chamomile water and other gentle botanical waters. Widely used in skincare and aromatherapy. Explore our hydrosol distillers.
Distilled Water
Pure H2O, free of minerals, chlorine, and contaminants. Perfect for humidifiers, irons, CPAP machines, and more. See our water distillers.
Not sure which still size is right? Our Copper Still Size Guide walks you through choosing the perfect capacity.
Why Copper Makes a Difference
There is a reason artisans have used copper for distillation for centuries. Copper is not just traditional — it is scientifically superior:
Superior Heat Conductivity
Copper conducts heat 25x better than stainless steel. More even distribution prevents scorching and produces a cleaner distillate.
Natural Sulfur Removal
Copper naturally reacts with and removes sulfur compounds, resulting in a purer, smoother distillate.
Antibacterial Properties
Copper's natural antibacterial properties inhibit bacterial growth during distillation. Read more on our Safety & Materials page.
Beautiful Patina
As you use your still, it develops a unique patina that tells the story of every distillation. Natural and harmless.
Ready to Start Distilling?
CopperHolic stills come with everything you need to start on day one. Thermometer, condenser, and detailed manual included.
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