So You Want to Distill?

How to Start off When Distilling Essential Oils and Hydrosols

I love distilling, I was hooked the first time I saw a distillation of roses. Needless to say, I was hooked from the start! I have now been distilling hydrosols for nearly 30 years. The journey has taken me to many places, and I have learned much along the way. I have distilled on different styles and sizes of stills, different metals and glass, I have even distilled on a clay replica of an ancient still. Each has its own distinct nature. So how does one choose?

Let’s start at the beginning. The following is a list of questions to ask yourself before you purchase a still.

• Why do I want to distill? Is it for essential oil, hydrosol or perhaps a combination?

• How will I use the product? Is it for personal and family use or do I want to make value added products and/or sell the essential oil or hydrosol?

• What access do I have to plants? Do you plan on growing your own, wildcrafting or purchasing?

• Do I want to specialize in one botanical or distill many different plants?