Ilegal Joven Mezcal
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Full bodied agave flavor. Light smoke, lingering heat. Eucalyptus and mineral aromas compliment hints of green apple, fresh citrus, and red chiltepe.
Ilegal began back in 2004ish, very informally and almost by mistake, by John Rexer. Ilegal’s founder was bringing mezcal down from Oaxaca to supply his bar, Café no Sé. The mezcal became popular very quickly. At the time, he was smuggling unbranded mezcal from a variety of palenques in Oaxaca. In 2006, John created the brand Ilegal, originally to continue to supply his bar in Guatemala. As a tribute to this origin, on the back of each bottle of Ilegal, you will find it says, “Originally produced for: Café No Sé Mezcal Bar.”
Mezcal Joven or “young” is bottled within two months of distillation without barrel aging and will appear clear, like a Vodka or Gin. Longer barrel aging, with the principal aim to soften and round a spirit’s flavor profile, is often most prized by connoisseurs. However, many die-hard Mezcal enthusiasts insist that oak takes away from the purity of the agave flavors—ranging from earthy and smoky to sweet and floral, often in the same Mezcal—and that Mezcal Joven is the best expression.