On the making of scented water and EO

[Mark the Box Guy]

Like good whisky, making floral water and EO is done by distillation and requires a still. Given that soapers want distilled water, infused water, and organic EO, and pay mightily for them, an examination into copper alembic stills is in order. Distillation is a simple process that involves heating water to a vapour and then cooling that vapour, creating pure water without the impurities left behind. But scents survive the process (something that us Whisky drinkers appreciate,) and that same same steam can be used to extract the essential oil from whatever flower or plant you place in the still. Stills, themselves aren't complicated, but are traditionally made of copper (with lead-free solder or with rivets) and come various shapes and designs. They all accomplish he same thing though: distillation.

I've looked at these stills for years, and this one Copper Alembic Still is the one I'd pick up. It will make Whisky, essential oils, and scented water. It can also be used to reduce and intensify the scented water.

Here are some instructions for making essential oils.