Distiller Notes
A gorgeous spirit rivaling the world’s finest scotches and cognacs. Rounded. Full. Rich. Yet untamed. Aged for thirteen months in American Oak, French Oak, and used bourbon casks. Maple, clove, and bitter orange aromas. Dark chocolate and sweet agave on the palate.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
As with the (previously reviewed) resposado and joven expressions, Ilegal's añejo is also mellow and elegant, although having spent 13 months in American and French oak, it's richer. The barrel aging contributes lovely aromas of honey and vanilla, which are echoed on the palate, along with a surprising flowery note, a suggestion of smoke and a spiced finish.
Anejo or ‘old’ refers to any Mezcal that has been aged in an oak barrel for one to three years prior to bottling, while those that have been aged for longer are known as Extra Anejo. Typically, the longer a Mezcal is left to rest in oak barrels, the more it will soften and gain complexity as the sweet flavors acquired from the wood marry and mingle with those brought by the agave. As a result of its prolonged barrel aging, Mezcal Anejo has an appearance similar to Whiskey or Brandy and is generally regarded as the most approachable and civilized of Mezcals.