17/12/2025
If you don't know much about Jeff's story and how he found himself a master at the art of botanical distillation, here is a small snippet from a recent article in the special Steamworks Edition of Aromatika Magazine.
A LIFE DISTILLED ~ By Jeff Allen
For me, scent has always been both compass and companion, guiding my journey from the kitchens of my chef’s apprenticeship to the steam-laced world of essential oils. Growing up with ADHD and dyslexia, I found refuge in my father’s workshop, learning to trust intuition, dream boldly, and innovate without limits. It was there that I first built, experimented, and imagined—a foundation that led us, in the early 1990s, to design Australia’s first commercially available essential oil stills, crafted from food-grade stainless steel to preserve purity and efficiency.
My work soon carried me across the globe, from auditing distillation operations along the Nile to establishing Vanuatu’s first on-island sandalwood distillation. With Pacific Provender Ltd, I focused on sustainability, vocational training, and creating value for communities—helping them diversify crops, build skills, and safeguard resources. Projects in West Timor, Papua New Guinea, and across Australia followed the same principles: build with the land, listen to communities, and create systems that endure, blending craft, innovation, and care for people and nature.
In 2023, my family and I founded Blue Moon Distillers, capturing the essence of the Australian bush in slow-distilled, sustainable essential oils. Every batch expresses the authentic voice of the botanicals, honoring First Nations knowledge and our deep connection to the land. My quest continues as a distiller, mentor, and innovator, guided by my father’s lesson: “There is no box, only possibility.” For me, the work has always been about community, sustainability, and the quiet wonder of what rises with steam.
We've popped the link below to purchase your own (digital) copy of the Steamworks Edition. Enjoy!
www.aromatikamagazine.com
