ALIPUS SANTA ANA del RIO
The small Santa Ana del Rio destilería lies on the north bank of the Rio Hormiga Colorado in Santa Ana del Rio, pop. 466, at the bottom of a canyon about two hours southeast of Oaxaca City.
Crossing the river to the destilería.
Santa Ana distills mountain-grown (3200-4000 feet) espadín (agave angustifolia). The soils are thin, white, and very rocky.
Bringing in mountain agaves by mule.
The destileria
The horno (fire-pit oven), tidier than most
Eduardo Hernandez’ father (in back) was the first to bring a stone mill to Santa Ana del Rio. Before that, everyone milled by hand with canoas and mazos.
The tahona, circular stone mill, in Santa Ana drawn by a mule.
The 800-liter oak tinas (fermentation vats).
Holding down the top of the still
On the way into town