Autoclave

An autoclave is a sealed metal container used to cook, sterilize, or cure items with steam. In the agave spirits world it is used as a way to steam cook agave hearts. It is most commonly seen in the tequila world where the neutral cooking approach leads to a lighter spirit. It is rarely used for agave spirits outside of tequila because it is an expensive piece of equipment and most mezcal makers prefer the traditional flavors that result from roasting agave hearts directly.