The Art of Distillation Workshop - Waiheke Island

Join The Alembics Lab's founder Jill Mulvaney on the beautiful Waiheke Island, and immerse yourself in the art and science of distillation. This full-day workshop will teach you the three main techniques of aromatic distilling—hydro, steam and alcohol distillation—and show you how achievable it is to distil on a small-scale, sustainable basis.

These are small-group workshops (usually 5-6 people) held in our own Lab, where you will get hands-on distilling and blending experience.

Designed for beginners, this workshop is a fantastic introduction to distillation and aromatics. It covers the basic processes for distilling hydrosol, essential oils, and spirits, and features three different live distillations (below).

You Will Learn:

- Hydro Distilling: How to distil a seasonal hydrosol. A practical, hands-on distillation of hydrosol in a copper cask hood still. Includes plant selection and harvesting, how to pack your still, when to stop, yields, pH, filtering and safe storage.

- Steam Distilling: How to distil essential oil. A practical, hands-on steam distillation of a seasonal essential oil in a copper column alembic still. Includes plant selection and preparation, packing the column, yields, collection, separation, bottling and storage.

- Distilling Alcohol: How to prepare alcohol from wine to use as a base for herbal tincture or fruit liqueurs). A practical, hands-on distillation of eau de vie using a 5L copper alquitar.

During these interactive demonstrations, you will gain hands-on distilling experience and learn through touch, taste, and smell. We’ll show you how to turn your favourite plants and botanicals into aromatic products using traditional copper stills, and you’ll come away with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to start distilling yourself.

Whether you are looking to start a small business, set up your own artisan distillery or you're just curious to learn new skills, the Art of Distillation is the perfect way to begin your distillation journey. You'll find detailed information on the full day's programme and how to get here in the ticket link.

We look forward to seeing you on our beautiful motu!

Getting Here
Ferry’s depart from downtown Auckland, and take approximately 45 minutes. If you are not staying on the Island, we recommend an 8am ferry to arrive in plenty of time. You can easily bus to the venue—public buses depart from the ferry terminal at Matiatia. All three buses A, B and 502) will get you here—just ask your friendly driver which stop to get off at to get you to Moa Ave.

Lunch
The Lab is an easy 10 minute walk from the shops and cafés of Oneroa Village.