Copper moonshine stills. Alambik - the oldest moonshine still made of copper Copper alambik

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Alambik Portuguese is one of the most ancient inventions of mankind for the distillation of liquid. Typically, it is made from copper by hand forging. Each Portuguese master tries to make his work exclusive, applying his own ornaments and oriental patterns to the walls of the cube, by which the creator of the masterpiece can be easily identified. By and large, the Portuguese alambik is called that because it is made in Portugal. At the same time, he may be different types and various design features.

Portuguese alambic

Charente alambique is a moonshine still from France, the province of Charente. With its help, the primary distillation of wine is carried out into a product with a strength of 30o, and then the secondary distillation into raw cognac alcohol with a strength of 70o. It is sealed in oak barrels for a period of 3 to 200 years to obtain the wonderful Hennessy cognac, known throughout the world. Design features that distinguish the device.

1. Economizer. It consists of a container of wine through which a coil passes. From its lower part comes a tube for supplying heated wine to alembic.
2. Firebox-stove. Initially it was heated with wood, but now gas is used.
3. Cap and swan neck. In essence and principle of operation, they are an air dephlegmator, which extinguishes foam and increases the concentration of steam.

It is interesting that in Rus' in the 17th century a moonshine still was made, which is like two peas in a pod similar to the Charente Alabama, only the curved tube “swan neck” was called a “goose”.

Charente alambique

Whiskey Alambik is a high-class professional apparatus for the distillation and production of whiskey, as well as other high-proof noble drinks with a strength of up to 70o. Like all previously described alambiks, the whiskey is made of forged copper that absorbs harmful substances and has high thermal conductivity, equipped with a thermometer and a safety valve. Another difference between it and other models is the shape of the cap (helmet) in the form of an onion, rising high vertically.

Alambik whiskey

An alambik with a column is designed for distilling aromatic alcohol. Various organic substances are placed in the column, which release their esters to the distilled product. In addition, the same device can be used to obtain cosmetic hydrosols or essential oils.

Alquitara - distillation apparatus, a type of alambik designed for distilling noble alcohol, flavored and improved, as well as aromatic components of various cosmetics. It would seem that everything is the same, but there is a significant difference - alquitara has a vertical arrangement of nodes, which in turn are connected using silver-based solders with a small (0.05%) lead content. Using an alquitar apparatus, you can obtain a product much stronger (up to 60°) from one distillation than with a conventional alambique. Alquitara operates at a capacity of approximately 3 liters per hour

From antiquity to the present day

The first known copper moonshine still was called an alambik. It was used as a distiller and produced not only strong drinks, but also aromatic oils. Do not think that this device is now forgotten.

Improved alambrics are made and sold online for homemade alcohol, and are also used for industrial production. Hennessy, known to everyone, at least by hearsay, is obtained on an alambique. Many national moonshines, including whiskey and grappa, are distilled using copper stills.

A real alambrik is expensive, but there are other types of devices where various variations This metal is partially used. For example, one of the most common options among moonshiners is a copper pipe. It is quite often used with the device. But it could also be a cap, an evaporator or a cube.

Alambik and its purpose

The alambik has a peculiar design, looking at which you get the feeling that the device is not intended for producing alcohol, but for calling gin. Indeed, the alambik looks like the very same Aladdin’s magic lamp that is written about in fairy tales. But, despite such a strange appearance, the device can be used to distill noble drinks.

Portuguese alambic

Alambik is not entirely suitable for the production of moonshine in the direct sense of the word. Its design features allow you to make whiskey, cognac or wine from mash at home.

Alambic drawings have been known to mankind since the times of Ancient Egypt. But in those days people did not have much love for strong drinks, but preferred to consume liters of wine. Initially, the device was used to obtain ethers. Alambik was in demand among perfumers; they used it to produce perfume products and squeezed essential oils from rose petals and other flowers.

However, Europeans quickly realized that the alambic’s abilities were not limited to this; they began to use it as a device that would help create high-quality alcohol.

If we talk about the abilities of an alambic, they are impressive. Due to its unique structure and the material from which it is made, the device helps rid the drink of a large number of harmful impurities. Most often, alambics are made of copper, and silver is used as solder. The device has an interesting structure, including:

1. Like any moonshine still, it has a distillation cube.
2. Coil in the refrigerator.
3. A tube that removes steam.
4. Helmet, what's up appearance resembling an onion.

The design of the device is simple and has minor differences from the classic device that is used for distilling moonshine. But it is these minor differences that make the alambik unique.

However, there are all kinds of devices, they are divided into:

• Devices used for making whiskey. They must have a helmet in the shape of an onion. Such devices are used to produce alcohol with a strength of no higher than 70 degrees.
• And also for those designs in which there is a special capacity. They must be used to distill cognac. This structure helps organize non-stop production.

An ancient distillation cube of original design - a copper alambik, which appeared in Ancient Egypt many centuries ago, is a classic moonshine still. It is rightfully considered the best alcohol distiller in the world. The elegant unit, shimmering with the shine of gold, is widely used in Russia and is used for the production of high-proof alcohol and noble drinks. These include whiskey, Calvados, cognac, plum brandy and others. Natural Portuguese alambics are in high demand for the distillation of elite distillates in Moscow.

Alambik made of copper or moonshine still made of stainless steel: what to buy

According to experienced distillers, the answer to the question of whether to buy a natural copper alambic or a stainless steel one is clear. If funds allow, preference should be given to the first option. Structurally, the alambik resembles a moonshine still:

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1 - distillation cube; 2 - helmet; 3 - tube for steam removal; 4 - drainage fitting; 5 - cooler-condenser; 6 - yield of the finished distillate.

The secret of the popularity of the ancient unit lies in the material of manufacture. The unique properties of copper can truly work wonders, providing:

• unique refined taste distillate, which stainless steel does not provide;
• subtle pronounced aroma;
• absence of hangover, nausea and headache after drinking alcohol.

Due to their exquisite, rich appearance, copper alambiks are often used to decorate the interior of a bar, restaurant, or home. They are often chosen as a gift for managers, business partners, and anniversaries. You can buy an alambik with delivery throughout Moscow from the Samodel online store at a price starting from 2,200 rubles.

If you are interested in our offers, please contact us. Detailed information on the purchase and delivery of alambik can be obtained from a competent specialist by telephone.

Preparation of moonshine and alcohol for personal use
absolutely legal!

After the collapse of the USSR, the new government stopped the fight against moonshine. Criminal liability and fines were abolished, and the article banning the production of alcohol-containing products at home was removed from the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. To this day, there is not a single law that prohibits you and me from engaging in our favorite hobby - preparing alcohol at home. This is evidenced by the Federal Law of July 8, 1999 No. 143-FZ “On the administrative liability of legal entities (organizations) and individual entrepreneurs for offenses in the field of production and circulation of ethyl alcohol, alcoholic and alcohol-containing products” (Collected Legislation of the Russian Federation, 1999, No. 28 , Art. 3476).

Extract from the Federal Law of the Russian Federation:

“The effect of this Federal Law does not apply to the activities of citizens (individuals) producing products containing ethyl alcohol for purposes other than sale.”

Moonshining in other countries:

In Kazakhstan in accordance with the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Administrative Offenses dated January 30, 2001 N 155, the following liability is provided. Thus, according to Article 335 “Manufacture and sale alcoholic drinks home-made” illegal production of moonshine, chacha, mulberry vodka, mash and other alcoholic beverages for the purpose of sale, as well as the sale of these alcoholic beverages, entails a fine in the amount of thirty monthly calculation indices with confiscation of alcoholic beverages, apparatus, raw materials and equipment for their production, and also money and other valuables received from their sale. However, the law does not prohibit the preparation of alcohol for personal use.

In Ukraine and Belarus things are different. Articles No. 176 and No. 177 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses provide for the imposition of fines in the amount of three to ten tax-free minimum wages for the production and storage of moonshine without the purpose of sale, for the storage of devices* for its production without the purpose of sale.

Article 12.43 repeats this information almost word for word. “Production or acquisition of strong alcoholic beverages (moonshine), semi-finished products for their production (mash), storage of apparatus for their production” in the Code of the Republic of Belarus on Administrative Offenses. Point No. 1 states: “Manufacturing individuals strong alcoholic drinks (moonshine), semi-finished products for their production (mash), as well as storage of devices* used for their production - entail a warning or a fine of up to five basic units with confiscation of these drinks, semi-finished products and devices.”

*Purchase moonshine stills It is still possible for home use, since their second purpose is to distill water and obtain components for natural cosmetics and perfumes.

Comparison table for alambics

Characteristics	Max Capacity, l/h	Obtaining essential oils	Rectification mode	Compound		Distillation seams
Name				Threaded	Telescopic	Soldered	Riveted
Alambik Lux	4	NO	NO	NO	YES	YES	NO
Alambik Premium	4	NO	NO	YES	NO	NO	YES
Alambik Lux Plus	4	NO		YES	NO	YES	NO
Alambik with a column	4	YES	Only with rectification lens	YES	NO	YES	NO
Alambik Whiskey	4	NO	Only with rectification lens	YES	NO	YES	NO
Alambik with distillation column	4 l/h - distillation. 0.8 l/h - rectification.	NO	YES	YES	NO	YES	NO
Alquitara Premium	3	YES	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO
Alquitara Standard	3	NO	NO	NO	NO	YES	NO
Charente alambique	8	NO	NO	YES	NO	YES	NO

Alambik moonshine still. Purpose. Characteristics.

Alambiks are indispensable in the process of preparing high-quality strong alcoholic drinks. An alambik with a column is suitable not only for distilling wine or mash, but also for obtaining essential oils and flavored floral water used in perfumery. Distillers equipped with an element with the funny name “swan neck”. They can be improved by making them a rectifier to produce alcohol with a strength of 90%. Also, on our website, you can buy luxury alambiks, which are distinguished by their reliability. They can produce up to 4 l/hour.

Design features and advantages.

The main material used in manufacturing is copper and other noble materials.

Copper is a unique material and is ideal for moonshine brewing. Its properties have a beneficial effect on the final product.

• Firstly, copper has high thermal conductivity. The raw materials placed in the distillation cube are heated quickly and evenly.
• Secondly, this metal has high absorbent qualities. As a result, the resulting distillate is completely cleared of the unpleasant, specific moonshine odor, fusel oils and harmful impurities.
• Thirdly, copper is not subject to corrosive influences, so you will use the alambik for many years and can even pass it on to inheritance.

These devices are easy to use. After the distillation process, they are easy to clean and very convenient to store. To distill moonshine of excellent quality, you will need a heat source to heat the distillation cube, and this can be a gas or electric stove, or even the flame of a regular fire. Both tap water and water from a nearby reservoir are suitable for cooling the coil.

Portuguese alambics. Technologies and materials.

Alambiks from Portugal are made by hand using technologies that have not changed for many decades. The device consists of 99% copper. All connections are made with silver-based solders, with a slight addition of lead - only 0.05%, which is confirmed by certificates.

Portuguese alambiques will help you make cognac, grappa, absinthe, rum and many other noble alcoholic drinks.

A little history

Alambiki first appeared in Portugal. Made from high-quality food-grade copper, these moonshine stills have been around since the late 15th century, and have remained unchanged in their design and operating principle. Today, these devices are produced by soldering or riveting, reliably sealing all seams and joints. There are many types of distillers, each of them is a professional and high-performance design.

In addition to convenient functionality, copper alambiks are also very beautiful. It is difficult to say what this device resembles in appearance. It simultaneously resembles an ancient amphora, Aladdin’s magic lamp from the fairy tale of the same name, or an alchemist’s device.