History

The earliest forms of Sapiir-like formulations, date back to the middle ages, where vapour distillation techniques were used to extract the delicate aromatics from freshly harvested botanical ingredients. This technique was adopted as a way of preserving them for use in flavouring meals and drinks throughout the year. Several methods were implemented in different regions, predominantly Europe and the Middle East, to extract the aromatic and/or medicinal elements from botanicals throughout this time. Collated references of such techniques were often written in this era, including books such as “the art of distillation” by John French, was published in London in 1561.

The use of Sapiir for medicinal and/or preservation purposes significantly pre-date its use as an ingredient in mixed drinks. Prior to the development of Sapiir for this use, the techniques were optimised for distillation of high-proof alcoholic drinks. Sapiir manufacture shares many likenesses with alcoholic distillation, including; equipment, extraction of flavour and use in mixed drinks.