The Complete Distiller / Containing, I. The method of performing the various processes of distillation, with descriptions of the several instruments: the whole doctrine of fermentation: the manner of drawing spirits from malt, raisins, molasses, sugar, &c. and of rectifying them: with instructions for imitating, to the greatest perfection, both the colour and flavour of French brandies. II. The manner of distilling all kinds of simple waters from plants, flowers, &c. III. The method of making all the compound waters and rich cordials so largely imported from France and Italy; as likewise all those now made in Great Britain. To which are added, accurate descriptions of the several drugs, plants, flowers, fruits, &c. used by distillers, and instructions for chusing the best of each kind...

Chapter 121: CHAP. XXVII. Of compound Baum Water, commonly called Eau de Carmes.

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About This Book

The treatise delivers a practical, step‑by‑step manual for producing spirits, simple floral waters, and compound cordials, combining methods of fermentation, brewing, distillation apparatus, and rectification. It describes how to draw alcohol from malt, fruits, molasses, and sugars, offers techniques for imitating continental brandy colours and flavours, and gives recipes adapted to both commercial distillers and domestic practitioners. Supplementary sections explain selection and preparation of botanical ingredients, the virtues and uses of preparations, and principles behind processes so readers can refine technique and scale recipes for small batches.

CHAP. XXVII.
Of compound Baum Water, commonly called Eau de Carmes.

This has its Name (Eau de Carmes) from the Carmelite Friars who were the Inventors of it. The great Profit accruing to these Fathers, from the Sale of this Cordial, induced them to keep the Method of making it a Secret; but notwithstanding all their Care the Secret has at last been discovered, and the following is the Method by which they prepare it.

Recipe for two Gallons of Eau de Carmes.

Take of the fresh Leaves of Baum four Pounds; of the yellow Peel, or Rind of Lemons, two Pounds; of Nutmegs and Coriander-seeds of each one Pound; of Cloves, Cinnamon, and Angelica-root, of each Half a Pound. Pound the Leaves, bruise the other Ingredients, and put them with two Gallons of fine Proof Spirit into a large Glass Alembic (the Figure of which with its Head is represented on the Plate, Fig. 7.) stop the Mouth, and place it in a Bath-Heat to digest two or three Days. Then open the Mouth of the Alembic, and add a Gallon of Baum Water, and shake the whole well together. After this place the Alembic in Balneum Mariæ, and distil till the Ingredients are almost dry; and preserve the Water thus obtained in Bottles well stopped.

This Water has been long famous both at London and Paris, and carried thence to most Parts of Europe. It is a very elegant Cordial, and very extraordinary Virtues are attributed to it; for it is esteemed very efficacious not only in Lowness of Spirits, but even in Apoplexies; and is greatly commended in Cases of the Gout in the Stomach.