Alcohol distillation involves heating a liquid mixture to separate its constituent molecules into separate chemical fractions with different chemical compositions, each collected into separate containers for collection. Almost exclusively performed on a laboratory scale, the device used to perform distillation (commonly referred to as a still) usually comprises three elements – reboiler/pot for heating the source material into vapor state; condenser for cooling down said vapor; and finally receiver to collect concentrated or purified liquid known as distillate – as needed by individual components.
Distillation is most frequently employed for producing alcohol for use in sherry, port wine and spirits such as gin and vodka production. But distillation can also be used to extract essential oils from aromatic plants as well as extract ingredients for food processing or skin care products – it even helps eliminate impurities from certain chemicals!
Grain alcohol or potstill alcohol obtained through distillation is commonly known as “grain alcohol”, though its name can also refer to “potstill alcohol.” Grain and potstill alcohols may be produced organically according to specific criteria or as regular denatured ethanol; when using grain alcohol to create perfumes it must be cosmetic grade denatured ethanol rather than the harsh isopropyl (rubbing) variety commonly sold at drugstores as this could damage skin cells significantly. For optimal perfume creation SD-40b or 190 proof Everclear would be best for this task.
