Handcrafted in the Iberian Peninsula by Al-Ambik, makers of fine distilling instruments since 1853, this Copper Alembic Perfume Distiller ($350) 
is reminiscent of those used for over 1,200 years to extract essential oils from plants for use in perfumes. It was invented around 775 A.D. by Jabir Ibn Haiyan (Geber), renowned as the Father of Chemistry. Simply place water and fragrant plant leaves (such as lavender, peppermint, or thyme) into the 2 2/3-quart cucurbit, light the oil lamp and place it under the cucurbit. As the water boils, steam extracts essential oils from the plant and fills the vessel with oil vapor. The oil vapor passes from the cucurbit through the swan-neck tube and, once it reaches the water-filled condensing pot, it is cooled and converted into a concentrated liquid. The aromatic oil is deposited into a copper cooling cup for use in perfumes.
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January 8th, 2008 | Adam Gunderson | 
5 Responses to “The Copper Alembic Perfume Distiller”
I bought one of these at a antique shop a long time ago but never knew what it was. I thought it looked interesting. I’m glad I finally know!
You can use this for more than distilling perfume! Moonshine FTW!
My mom has been fractionally distilling iso hash yay!
Hey does anyone know hoe you light the oil lamp? do you actually put oil in it i have no idea how to work this…
my email is jazzabell_mymuse@hotmail.co.uk if you could help me
Ide probably use something like sterno to power this bad boy. You know those cans of purple jelly they use in buffets to keep food warm?