Stay "Still" – Traditional Knowledge from Alchemist G.G. Wilkins
By Alchemist G.G. Wilkins of Pittsfield, New Hampshire

Throughout history, copper stills have served many purposes beyond the production of spirits. They have been used to produce distilled water, essential oils, herbal extracts, perfumes, fuels, and countless other products that helped families survive and thrive through difficult times.

Here in Pittsfield, New Hampshire, Alchemist G.G. Wilkins continues the tradition of American copper craftsmanship and self-reliance. Long before modern pharmacies, supermarkets, and convenience stores, people depended on their own skills, tools, and knowledge to provide for themselves and their communities. A well-built copper still was often one of the most valuable tools a household could own.

Historically, distilled alcohol was frequently used as a disinfectant and preservative. Distillation also played an important role in creating herbal tinctures, botanical extracts, and medicinal preparations used throughout New England and beyond. In times when doctors were miles away and supplies were limited, resourceful people relied upon traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.

Pittsfield, incorporated in 1782, has a rich history of innovation, craftsmanship, and hard work. Inspired by that spirit, G.G. Wilkins has dedicated his work to preserving traditional copperworking techniques while continuing to develop new ideas and innovations in distillation equipment. Every copper still represents centuries of accumulated knowledge, from early American settlers to modern craftsmen.

A copper still is more than a vessel—it is a tool of independence. It can be used to create distilled water, produce essential oils from herbs and flowers, recover botanical extracts, and explore countless traditional applications that have been practiced throughout history. During emergencies, natural disasters, or disruptions to modern infrastructure, the ability to produce purified water alone can be an invaluable asset.

Copper has long been favored by distillers and craftsmen because of its durability, beauty, and unique interaction with vapors during the distillation process. For generations, copper stills have been treasured heirlooms, passed down from one family member to another.

Today, Alchemist G.G. Wilkins carries forward that legacy from Pittsfield, New Hampshire. His mission is to preserve traditional American craftsmanship while inspiring a new generation to learn forgotten skills, embrace self-reliance, and appreciate the history behind one of mankind's most versatile tools.

Whether you are interested in history, essential oils, botanical extracts, distilled water, or traditional copper craftsmanship, a well-made copper still remains one of the most fascinating and useful pieces of equipment ever developed.

The past teaches us valuable lessons. The future belongs to those who remember them.

— Alchemist G.G. Wilkins
Pittsfield, New Hampshire