Ilegal Mezcal Añejo

Ilegal Añejo is the aged expression of a 100% Espadín mezcal from Tlacolula in Oaxaca, a category that stays uncommon since most mezcal is bottled joven to keep the agave clear. The brand traces to 2004, when founder John Rexer began carrying mezcal from Oaxaca to his Café No Sé bar in Antigua, Guatemala, and formalised Ilegal in 2006, a story still printed on the back of every bottle.

This añejo is rested thirteen months across American oak, French oak and bourbon casks, with each bottle hand corked, labelled and numbered. The maker states no additives, artificial yeast or colour are used. The wood gives a rounded, integrated spirit, the nose offering maple syrup, clove and bitter orange, the palate moving through dark chocolate and sweet agave with a hint of chilli. Bottled at 40%, it leans toward drinkers who enjoy aged spirits.