ALIPUS SANTA ANA del RIO
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_vats-e1689798330147.jpg?time=1722039453)
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_Map.jpg?time=1722039453)
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.
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_River-Crossing-e1689798384764.jpg?time=1722039453)
Crossing the river to the destilería.
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_Mtn-Agave.jpg?time=1722039453)
Santa Ana distills mountain-grown (3200-4000 feet) espadín (agave angustifolia). The soils are thin, white, and very rocky.
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_MuleTransport.jpg?time=1722039453)
Bringing in mountain agaves by mule.
![The destileria](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_distillery.jpg?time=1722039453)
The destileria
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_horno.jpg?time=1722039453)
The horno (fire-pit oven), tidier than most
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_EHernandez-e1689798550242.jpg?time=1722039453)
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.
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_Tahona-e1689798593609.jpg?time=1722039453)
The tahona, circular stone mill, in Santa Ana drawn by a mule.
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_tinas.jpg?time=1722039453)
The 800-liter oak tinas (fermentation vats).
![](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_rock-and-still.jpg?time=1722039453)
Holding down the top of the still
![On the way into town](https://4df27b.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/STAna_roadsign.jpg?time=1722039453)
On the way into town