Ilegal - Joven Mezcal 750ml
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Double-distilled in small batches in 250-liter copper pot stills by fourth-generation mezcaleros in Oaxaca's Santiago Matatlán Valley, Ilegal Joven is crafted entirely from 100% Espadín agave. The ripe agave piñas undergo a 5-to-7-day underground roast in pit ovens lined with river stones and fueled by sustainably sourced native Encino oak, followed by a horse-drawn tahona crush. Unlike mass-produced industrial mezcals that rely on diffuser extraction, commercial yeasts, or added wood smoke flavorings, this unaged expression relies strictly on a 7-to-10-day open-air pine vat fermentation using natural airborne yeasts, yielding an unadulterated 40% ABV profile that prioritizes pure agave character over heavy creosote.
Eucalyptus, crushed mineral, and light green apple notes lead the nose alongside subtle citrus peel. Physical palate weight is surprisingly round and full, carrying sweet cooked agave, fresh lime zest, and a light prickle of red chiltepe pepper before settling into a soft, restrained wood-smoke finish. In-house testing at USQ showed that its gentle smoke level allows it to substitute effortlessly into traditional agave builds; our team recommends shaking an Oaxaca Mule with 2 oz Ilegal Joven Mezcal, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz simple syrup, strained over fresh ice in a copper mug and topped with 3 oz spicy ginger beer.
Country
MexicoRegion
OaxacaSub Region
Santiago Matatlán ValleySource
Agave angustifoliaABV
40.00%Brand
Ilegal MezcalProduction
Sustainable harvesting of ripe estate/local Espadín. Pit-roasted with Encino oak 5-7 days, tahona crushed, open-air pine vat fermented with native yeast; double distilled
Distillation Process
250L Copper Pot Stills (Double Distilled)
Sip neat alongside orange slices dipped in worm salt, or pair with fish tacos, grilled carne asada, and mole negro
