The Alchemical Adventures of Nigel Braun: Crafting Vodka from Air and Other Whimsical Experiments

The Alchemical Adventures of Nigel Braun

While he may not possess the ability to transform water into wine, Nigel Braun has taken on the ambitious challenge of creating vodka from the very air we breathe. He is neither a miracle worker nor a magician; instead, his secret lies in the fascinating world of chemistry. In a commercial-grade laboratory located in Montreal, he conducts his experiments and shares the results through engaging videos on his popular YouTube channel, known as NileRed. The name, reminiscent of a fluorescent chemical dye, carries a hint of the biblical, which Mr. Braun readily acknowledges.

Mr. Braun’s videos saw a remarkable surge in popularity during the pandemic, racking up an astounding 2.5 billion views as his subscriber count skyrocketed to 6.5 million. With his growing audience came even bigger ambitions. His experiments, often whimsical and sometimes daring, range from transforming paint thinner into cherry cola to crafting bulletproof wood and even synthesizing carcinogens from scratch.

Over the course of the past decade, since he decided to leave graduate school, Mr. Braun, now 32, has expanded beyond a humble hobby workshop in his parents’ garage. He has moved through two other facilities before finally settling into a third lab that boasts ample space, rivaling some of the most advanced academic research spaces in Canada. His laboratory, equipped with top-of-the-line apparatus, reflects his commitment to the craft.

However, Mr. Braun does not view himself merely as a chemist or a science communicator akin to Bill Nye or the creators of MythBusters. Instead, he sees himself as an adventurer in the realm of science. “I want to have a journey,” he explains. “I’m not interested in just conveying information.”

Part of his allure lies in his willingness to embrace the complexities of chemistry, often showcasing that it isn’t always neat or straightforward. Many of the challenges he undertakes are both epic and labor-intensive, exemplified by his numerous attempts to create purple gold—a unique alloy of gold and aluminum that offers a striking color. The recipe for this elusive metal is notoriously vague, capturing his adventurous spirit as he seeks to uncover its secrets.