Beginnings of Mezcal

For her visiting friend, a neighbor and we put together a tour of three palenques, the places where mezcal is made. Mezcal is the alcohol of choice in Oaxaca, and the state of Oaxaca produces a large quantity. Mezcal is similar to tequila, as tequila is actually a type of mezcal, but of course we think the mezcals of Oaxaca are the best! 
This photo is of the piñas which are the part of the maguey (agave) that are cooked, crushed, fermented, and become mezcal. The largest in this pile is estimated to weigh about 160 kilos!