Summer is for many distillers the most captivating time for distillation, both for the fruits that the season brings and for the long, sunny days. The warmer months, however, require extra care - both with the distillation process and with the preservation of the final products.
In this Coppercrafts summer guide, we've put together the main precautions you should take with your alembic during the hot weather. Shall we?
- 1. avoid distilling during the hottest hours
Distilling outdoors in full sun can be dangerous: the heat outside can speed up the process too much, alter the pressure and even affect the quality of the distillate. Prefer early morning or late afternoon hours.
- 2. Garanta boa ventilação
If you are in an enclosed space, keep the windows open or use forced ventilation. Copper heats up quickly, and ventilation helps to control the ambient temperature and prevent overheating.
- 3. Never leave the alembic unattended
It's tempting to leave it “running” while you do other chores, but it's a risk. Constant vigilance prevents accidents, blockages or excessive water evaporation.
- 4. Check gaskets, caps and valves
With heat, the seals can expand or contract. Make sure everything is fitted properly before you start.
- 5. Hydrate yourself... and your system!
It's not just distillate that needs water. Drink plenty of liquid while distilling, and make sure there's always enough water in the cauldron so that the bottom doesn't dry out and cause damage.
And in the months of extreme heat?
When the thermometer rises above 35 °C, you have to think about whether it's worth distilling that day. The risk of process failures and even accidents is higher. Here are some more specific guidelines for these periods:
- Reducing the boiler loadAvoid filling the still completely. Working with smaller quantities allows for easier control of pressure and temperature, as well as reducing the total distillation time.
- Ensure good ventilationIf you are in an enclosed space, keep the windows open or use forced ventilation. Copper heats up quickly, and ventilation helps to control the ambient temperature and prevent overheating.
- Use cold water in the condenser: If you use a cooling system with water circulation, make sure the water is fresh. You can even add ice to the recirculation tank to maintain the efficiency of the condenser.
- Avoid plants that are too dryOn hot, dry days, plants that have already been dehydrated can result in hydrosols that are poor in aroma. Give preference to freshly harvested, fresh and hydrated plants.
- Store distillate more carefully: High temperatures also affect the preservation of spirits.
Conclusion
Summer doesn't have to be a break from distilling - it can be an opportunity to distil with more awareness, respect for the rhythms of nature and attention to safety.
In the CoppercraftsDepuis plus de 40 ans, nous travaillons avec ceux qui distillent par passion, tradition ou profession. Nos alambics artisanaux et nos accessoires techniques sont conçus pour accompagner chaque étape du processus avec fiabilité et excellence, en toutes saisons.
Good distillations - with safety, freshness and knowledge!
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