The Process for Making Mezcal

This is the stone-lined pit in which the agave piñas will be roasted. First a fire is started in the base of the pit, with river stones placed on top. When the rocks are red-hot, the piñas, which have been cut in half or in quarters, are placed in the pit. The whole thing is then covered with agave leaves and fiber and straw mats, piled up with earth and left to roast for four days.