Distillation equipment

What is Distillation?

Distillation is a process used to separate one substance from another. The basic principle behind it lies in the different boiling points of the two substances. To carry out this process, a tool called a still (alembic) was developed.

Like all tools, stills have gone through an evolution to reach the current level of technology. The earliest distillers were made of glass and relatively small, with a boiler composed of a cucurbit topped by a dome sealed with clay putty (the dome being what we now refer to as the pre-condensation chamber).

Originally, there was no real cooling system, so damp cloths were used. The next development was the addition of a wooden side container into which a tube from the alembic dome discharged—this was the first version of the condenser coil.

Eventually, in addition to the improvement in shape, more suitable materials were introduced—most notably, copper.

Why Are Stills Made of Copper?

There are several reasons why copper has become the material of choice for crafting the most common and popular stills. The first is its “filtering” property. Although not a true filter, copper chemically binds with sulfur compounds leftover from the fermentation process, preventing them from ending up in the final distillate and allowing their expulsion with the extraction waste.

The second reason is copper’s excellent thermal conductivity. This material handles high temperatures well and resists thermal shocks, distributing heat evenly within the boiler and supporting the achievement of boiling points for the contents.

Its ease of shaping also makes it ideal for handcrafted work, allowing the formation of the unique curves typical of traditional stills.

Finally, copper’s resistance to alcoholic vapors makes it immune to corrosion, and it is fully recyclable.

The Difference Between Stills for Spirits and for Essential Oils

There are different types of stills designed for specific uses. The first distinction lies between those used for producing alcoholic spirits (e.g., grappa, brandy, whisky) and those intended for extracting essential oils.

The best models for producing spirits are the classic immersion stills. In these, the raw material is placed directly in the boiler in contact with water (which should cover the pomace). As the water heats, it produces vapors carrying the alcohol and aromatic properties of the pomace or grains, which are then condensed through a cooling system.

On the other hand, essential oil extractors are designed to distill herbs and aromatic plants. These stills are similar in structure but include a central filter column. This column enables steam distillation, where the plant material does not touch the water directly.

The essential oil still is composed of a boiler, filter column, and cooling pre-chamber. Water is placed in the boiler, while herbs are arranged above the copper mesh in the filter column. The steam rises, passes through the copper fibers, extracts the active elements of the plants, and finally reaches the condensation chamber.

Cooling Systems

Stills can also be distinguished by their cooling systems. There are Mushroom-Head Copper Stills and Coil Condenser Stills.

Mushroom-head models feature a direct cooling dome with a dedicated cooling chamber equipped with inlet and outlet for water circulation, ensuring efficient condensation.

Coil Condenser Stills are the most common. They are equipped with a lateral coil. Vapors rise from the boiler, pass through a pre-chamber with a spout and a small pipe that feeds into the copper coil placed in a cooling container filled with water.

Neither model is superior—however, in many cases, the coil version allows slightly higher production volumes.

Oak Barrels and Accessories for Spirits

Enthusiasts of homemade grappa, rum, and other spirits often seek a distinctive taste. One of the key factors that affect the flavor is the aging container.

That’s why we offer a range of new oak barrels (up to 20 liters) and refurbished barrels (from 30 liters and up). Oak wood is ideal for aging and storing liquors, enriching them with the golden hue typical of aged spirits like grappa barricata.

Among the accessories, you'll find items such as the alcoholmeter (with or without thermometer), used to measure the alcohol content; gas burners for heating; replacement parts; and the essential oil separator funnel—especially recommended after distillation, when a mixture of hydrosol and essential oil is obtained and needs to be separated.

If you need more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.