Ilegal Reposado Mezcal, 70cl, 40% ABV

Product Information

Ilegal Mezcal is made with 100 percent Espadín agave. According to the brand, all the agave is harvested by handheld machete and crushed by horse-drawn mill. Once bottled, the mezcal is corked, labeled, and numbered by human digits. Ilegal keeps it real. The brand has also been certified as an artisanal mezcal by trade body the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM). This cookie is set by Rubicon Project to control synchronization of user identification and exchange of user data between various ad services.

Bacardi’s agave spirits portfolio also includes Tequila brands Patrón, Cazadores, Corzo and Camino Real. Ilegal was founded in 2006 by John Rexer, who spent years working with small Oaxaca-based distillers to make mezcal for his bar in Guatemala. Artesanal: The term "artesanal" is defined by the Mexican government and refers to a specific production style. Mezcaleros distill in copper stills and use stone wheels pulled by animals to crush the roasted agave.My journey has seen me as an owner of sophisticated bars and renowned liquor shops, and even as a Mezcal distiller, honing the craft from scratch. There is a great deal of diversity in the mezcal world. Unlike tequila, it can be made in 9 different Mexican states from around 40 different species of agave. "In my eyes, if it's made from agave in Mexico, it's a mezcal," says bartender and agave spirit educator Lucas Assis. Each species of agave, as well as those grown in different microclimates, imparts a different flavor profile.

Mezcal may seem like a hot, up-and-coming spirit, but it has been around for centuries. "It has a rich cultural history all over Mexico," says Max Reis, agave spirits expert and beverage director at Mírate in Los Angeles. For most of its existence, mezcal was produced on a small scale to commemorate special occasions. Many mezcaleros (mezcal producers) still craft their mezcals using traditional techniques passed down through the generations. Ilegal Reposado: This mezcal is lightly aged in oak barrels, similar to a reposado tequila. If you're coming to mezcal as someone who prefers barrel-aged spirits, this might be the a good introduction. Ilegal also offers an añejo and a newly-released extra añejo expression if you prefer your spirits dark. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just dipping your toes into this world, I invite you to join me as we explore the fascinating realm of these legendary spirits.

Mezcal, handcrafted in Oaxaca.

Mezcal is made of different species of agave plants that are then cooked, crushed, fermented, and distilled into an alcoholic spirit. Mezcal can be made from around 40 varieties of agave subspecies, but the most commonly used species is espadín. Other agaves such as tobalá, cuishe, cupreata, and barríl are commonly used as well.

Single agave: Mezcals made using a single species of agave have become a popular way to showcase the unique flavors imparted by different species of agave. Mezcal should always be served at room temperature to appreciate the nuanced aromatics, and in small sips ( not slammed). A little water in between sips helps to cleanse the palate (and, you know, may heed any headaches the next morning... though don’t take our word for it). How we test mezcal The brand gained further attention during the 2016 presidential election with its viral “Donald eres un pendejo” (Donald, you are an asshole) campaign.

More Alternatives…

Tequila recently overtook American whiskey to become the second-largest category by value in the US, the IWSR noted. The resulting product is the Espadín, a fantastic entry-level mezcal with balanced notes of freshly-cut grass, honey, and citrus on the nose as well as cooked and green agave on the palate. To make its Pechuga, the maestros distill the mezcal a third time with a turkey breast, fruits, and spices. The sweet, warm mezcal offers aromas of orange peel and pumpkin and notes of tropical fruits, roasted almonds, and maple. The US has an 86% global market share of the super-premium mezcal category, according to IWSR 2022 data.