Thames Workshop (North Island, NZ) 17–18 February 2024

$137.77$266.36

Join The Alembics Lab in Thames for a Masterclass with a regional twist. We will be running workshops focused on regionally-sourced botanicals and featuring local producers. With a special appearance by Niva and Yotam Kay of Pakaraka Farm on Saturday.

At Kauaeranga Hall, 437 Kauaeranga Valley Road, Thames

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th February 2024.

Description

Saturday 17th February 10.30-3.30

DAY ONE—USING WATER AS A SOLVENT

  • How to distil local plants (both native and non-native) for hydrosol and essential oil using our traditional copper alembics stills. Includes harvesting, applications, pH, storage, filtering, and closed sterile distillations.
  • How to distill a seasonal essential oil: suitable plant types, harvesting, preparations, distillation technique, separation, storage, and applications.
  • Distil an NZ native in a stainless still (using the SS Explorer)
  • Using NZ honey, we’ll prepare a honey balm infused with local herbs and our essential oil.
  • Make kombucha in a special session with Niva and Yotam Kay of Pakaraka Farm—Thames’s very own centre for regenerative living. Includes talks, demonstrations and tastings.
  • Enjoy a zero ABV botanical martini—made using our distilled hydrosol as the spirit, Niva and Yotam’s kombucha, and a honey citrus herbal-infused, non-alcoholic vermouth.

Lunch is included: Hot country soup and homemade bread (GF options) with locally grown produce, local cheese (vegan option also).

Sunday 18th February 10.30-3.30

DAY TWO—USING ALCOHOL AS A SOLVENT

  • The mighty ethanol molecule—how to distil wine or fruit ferment into a clear spirit.
  • Vapour infusions—we make a botanical gin using classic gin botanicals with a local, regional twist.
  • Enjoy a gin cocktail with the gin we’ve made, and herbal-infused honey elixirs.

Lunch is included: Hot country soup and homemade bread (GF options) with locally grown produce, local cheese (vegan option also).

There will also be a surprise visitor from the region.

You can choose to do just one or both days at the weekend.

Contact us for more information about where to stay, email info@thealembicslab.com