50+ Years in the industry
Brewing beer spirits before man landed on the moon.
Still Spirits Vortex Alembic Pot Still Kit - Air Cooled Condenser (Dome & Boiler Sold Separately)
The Vortex Alembic Kit is the condenser side of a pot still with no cooling water: one Vortex module plus the Create+ elbows, thermometer, collection cup and clamps to hang it off a Create+ alembic dome. Dome and boiler sold separately.
Normally shipped from our Melbourne warehouse within 2 business days (longer in peak periods). Shipping calculated at checkout by weight and postcode.
Dispatch. Orders normally ship from our Melbourne warehouse within 2 business days, longer during peak periods, fully tracked by Australia Post or one of our couriers. We email the tracking the moment it leaves.
Cost. Shipping is calculated at checkout from the parcel weight and your postcode, so you see the exact figure before you pay.
Changed your mind? Return it within 30 days of delivery, unused and in its original packaging, for an exchange or refund. Contact us first so we can arrange it. Original delivery and return postage are not refunded.
Arrived damaged or missing parts? Tell us as soon as it lands and we will replace or fix it and cover your return postage.
Warranty. Every product carries its manufacturer warranty, backed by Australian Consumer Law. Full refund policy
The details
The pot still condenser side, with no cooling water. One Vortex air cooled module does the condensing, and the Create+ 2-inch elbows, thermowell, alarm thermometer, collection cup, clamps and gaskets connect it to your dome. A dial on the module sets the cooling.
Connect it to the Still Spirits Create+ alembic copper dome on the Create+ 25L boiler (both sold separately, or get the kit with dome and boiler). Built for whisky, rum, brandy, gin and botanical runs, where you want the character to come through.
What's in the box
- Vortex air cooled condenser module
- Universal power supply
- Instruction booklet
- Create+ 90 degree thermowell elbow
- Create+ 90 degree elbow
- Create+ 45 degree elbow
- Create+ vented collection cup
- Create+ beeping alarm thermometer
- 6 x 2-inch silicone gaskets
- 5 x 2-inch tri-clamps
- Ceramic boil enhancers
- 0.5 m silicone tubing
Already have a Create+ alembic?
You may only need the condenser. The Vortex module with clamps and gaskets replaces the water-cooled condenser directly and keeps everything else you own.
Our verdict
The water was never the hard part of distilling, it was just the annoying part. The hose to the laundry, the flow that creeps when someone runs a shower, the shed with no tap. The Vortex takes that off the list and leaves the parts that matter: a clean wash, a steady boil and good cuts. It is a condenser, not a shortcut.
Not sure which setup suits your boiler? Call us on 03 9575 3900 and we will talk it through.
Distilling spirits in Australia requires an excise manufacturer licence from the ATO. We sell the equipment; check the rules before you run it.
What's In The Box
- Vortex air cooled condenser module
- Universal power supply
- Instruction booklet
- Create+ 90 degree thermowell elbow
- Create+ 90 degree elbow
- Create+ 45 degree elbow
- Create+ vented collection cup
- Create+ beeping alarm thermometer
- 6 x 2-inch silicone gaskets
- 5 x 2-inch tri-clamps
- Ceramic boil enhancers
- 0.5 m silicone tubing
Who it's for
For the pot still distiller who wants flavour, not neutral, and wants the hose gone. Suits anyone building an alembic on a Create+ dome and boiler.
Works With
Still Spirits Create+ alembic copper dome and Create+ 25L boiler (sold separately), or any 2-inch tri-clamp dome.
Specifications
- Still type: alembic (pot), air cooled product condenser
- Cooling water: none
- Connection: 2-inch tri-clamp; fits the Create+ alembic copper dome
- Materials: 304 stainless Create+ components and product tubes, 1060 aluminium fins, food-grade silicone gaskets
- Suits: whisky, rum, brandy, gin and botanical runs
- Kit dimensions: H 37 cm x W 22 cm x D 61 cm
- Kit weight: 7.2 kg
Buying from us
Quick answers
Questions about this product, shipping and orders. See the FAQ page for more topics.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Does the Vortex really need no cooling water?
Yes. Three fans push air over a finned stainless core and a dial sets how hard they work. The reflux kit and the alembic kit run with no cooling water at all. A single module in an existing water-cooled setup replaces one condenser or dephlegmator, so that part of the run goes water-free.
Will it fit my boiler?
It connects to any 2-inch tri-clamp setup. That covers the Still Spirits Create+ 25L boiler and the Create+ range of columns, domes and fittings. If your still is not 2-inch tri-clamp, call us before you buy and we will check.
Is it slower or does it make less?
Still Spirits rates the Vortex at the same speed, output and quality as a water-cooled T500 or alembic setup. The reflux kit distils at up to 93% ABV and Still Spirits quotes about 8 litres at 40% from a 25 litre wash made with 6 kg of sugar.
Does it need power?
Yes, mains power. Each module comes with its own plug pack (Australian plug fitted). If there is a power point, you can run it. Still Spirits has not published the wattage of the fans.
I have a Create+ alembic. Can I swap just the condenser?
Yes. The alembic condenser is a separate 2-inch tri-clamp part, so a Vortex module with two tri-clamps and two gaskets replaces it directly. Your copper dome and boiler stay as they are.
How do I clean it?
Vacuum dust off the fan grill and the fins with a household vacuum. To clean the inside of the product path, run a distillation of equal parts white vinegar and drinking water through it. The metal fins have sharp edges, so handle the module by its body.
Customer support:
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST.We normally get back to you within a day—often sooner.