Oaxaca is the heart of Mexico's mezcal production, with hundreds of traditional distilleries (palenques) scattered throughout the countryside. Mezcal is made from agave cooked in earthen pits and distilled in copper or clay pots. Visitors can observe the traditional production process and taste different mezcal varieties. Santiago Matatlán is the world capital of mezcal with the largest concentration of distilleries. Tours include education on agave varieties and production methods.