Ilegal Joven Mezcal 700ml | Oaxacan, Mexico

Ilegal Joven Mezcal 700ml | Oaxacan, MexicoIlegal Joven Mezcal is a full bodied Oaxacan mezcal of genuine character and an origin story unlike any other born at Caf No S, a mezcal bar in Antigua, Guatemala, where founder John Rexer began bringing unbranded mezcal down from the villages of Oaxaca around 2004 to supply his bar. The mezcal became popular very quickly. In 2006, John created the brand Ilegal originally just to supply Caf No S, and to this day the back of every bottle reads:

Ilegal Joven Mezcal is a full-bodied Oaxacan mezcal of genuine character and an origin story unlike any other — born at Café No Sé, a mezcal bar in Antigua, Guatemala, where founder John Rexer began bringing unbranded mezcal down from the villages of Oaxaca around 2004 to supply his bar. The mezcal became popular very quickly. In 2006, John created the brand Ilegal — originally just to supply Café No Sé, and to this day the back of every bottle reads: Originally produced for: Café No Sé, Mezcal Bar. Full-bodied agave flavour, light smoke, lingering heat, eucalyptus and mineral aromas complementing hints of green apple, fresh citrus, and red chiltepe. Ideal for cocktails or perfect on its own.

Aroma

Eucalyptus and mineral aromas lead an expressive and distinctive bouquet, with hints of green apple, fresh citrus, and red chiltepe adding brightness and complexity — light smoke weaving through with the characteristic Oaxacan mezcal character that made Ilegal famous at Café No Sé.

Palate

Full-bodied agave flavour with light smoke and a lingering heat — green apple, fresh citrus, and red chiltepe deliver a palate of genuine complexity and approachability, with the balance and character that makes Ilegal Joven as compelling in a cocktail as it is sipped neat.

Serving Suggestions

Neat over ice to appreciate the full agave and smoke character, or in a Mezcal Negroni, Oaxacan Old Fashioned, or Mezcal Margarita — Ilegal Joven is the mezcal that made mezcal cocktails famous, and it remains the benchmark for the category.