The Alchemy of the Copper Still

For many people, there is an air of romance with certain age-old traditions that continue to endure the test of time. A perfect example is the copper still. Comprised of an oversized pot and long neck, the machine's antique-yet-futuristic aesthetic is greatly appealing to those who share an appreciation for its inherited secrets.


The copper still is a contraption of elegant whimsy in which various organic plants, roots, leaves, and blossoms are gently steamed, their essential oils and waters slowly coaxed into waiting containers. As the aromatic botanicals give so freely of their healing and regenerative powers, artisan distillers give thanks and pay it forward to their buyers.

Copper (Cu) is a fundamental element naturally existing in usable metallic form, displaying that distinctive reddish-orange color. Humans have been using this highly malleable metal since around 8,000 BCE. 4,000 years later, copper was first cast into molds in Mesopotamia, during the birth of metallurgy, the scientific inquiry of metals. Since copper is an excellent conductor of heat, the material has been used for food preparation (among many other things) since bygone millennia.

Taking cues from this timeless wisdom, the simple, yet powerfully transformative process of copper distillation creates a foundation for distillers' collections of artisan products like floral waters, botanical hydrosols, and aromatic essential oils.



Distillers often work closely with local certified organic farmers. Plants and flowers are harvested at the peak of their vitality and then immediately distilled, so that their vibrancy can be preserved, the loveliness passed on to you.
Harvesting Lavender in Sequim, WA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Best Foot Forward

Image
Duo Rêves, captured by Menolly Nelson For some, ballroom dance comes easy, like a second nature. For others, learning new steps can be a bit more of a challenge. Even when we're picking up a new style from one dance to another, it can sometimes feel like our work is cut out for us. In part, this is because we all possess a lifetime's worth of muscle memory that doesn't always correspond with new movement technique. But have no fear. There is a remedy! Ballroom dance lessons come in to save the day. At ballroom dance schools, instructors are dedicated to providing quality education to help you sharpen your skills on and off the dance floor. You may already be taking lessons or classes, or you may be curious about starting. Let's explore some of the ways we can maximize that learning curve for ultimate enjoyment of our dancing. After all, that's what it's all about. Group classes are an excellent choice for those who may lean toward the sociable side...
Read more

Aerial Arts for Fitness: Top Three Perks

Image
For many people, the word  exercise  conjures unpleasant images of long, dull hours spent in a loud and sweaty gym, mindlessly running on a treadmill. But have you ever considered running away to join the circus as an excuse to complete your cardio workout?  Aerial and circus arts are now at an all time high in popularity, with introductory classes available all across the world. From aerial silks to aerial yoga, and so much more in between, the possibilities are endless. Whether your aim is to maintain a certain athletic physique or to entertain the masses with your inner performer, aerial arts are fun and challenging. The notion may seem intimidating at first, but here are the top three reasons to try an aerial arts class near you: You can do it! A good introductory aerial arts instructor will give everyone in class a sense of welcome and inclusiveness. New students can be successful at some type of movement in the air, even if only to take their feet off the groun...
Read more