Montera

In Spanish montera means hat, cap, or top. In the mezcal world it refers to the top or “hat” of the still that covers the pot full of tepache or bagasse. During distillation the vapors rise and come into contact with the montera, condense into liquid and either fall back into the still to be distilled again or into a small cup or other tool inside of the montera which conducts the distillate out into an external storage device. Depending on local traditions and inventions, the montera can be made of wood, clay, copper, stainless steel, or an alloy.