Mezcal Joven Ilegal
Mezcal "Illegal" is a Mexican spirit produced from agave Espadin and subjected to a double distillation in copper stills. It is bottled pure, without any refinement, thus letting the fragrant and fresh vegetal-herbaceous notes of agave emerge, seasoned with smoky sensations. The sip is elegant, soft and straightforward, of great purity and simplicity
Ilegal Joven Mezcal is a true specialty, intended for discerning enthusiasts of the historic Mexican agave spirit. It is, in fact, an artisanal production, still crafted today in small batches by mezcaleros from the Oaxaca region, who pass down from generation to generation the secrets of selecting the finest agave plants, harvesting them, and processing them to obtain a distillate of extraordinary purity and expressive fragrance. It is an unmissable label—a genuine piece of Mexican history, captured and contained in a bottle.
Joven Ilegal is a mezcal that, as its name suggests, was for a long time produced illegally in clandestine distilleries in the Santiago Matatlán Valley of Oaxaca. Only in 2004 did an entrepreneur from Antigua begin importing and commercializing it in his establishment. It is a mezcal with an authentic and time-honored character, made from the finest agave grown sustainably and harvested at full maturity. The precious heart of the agave is cooked in traditional stone ovens, which impart a pleasantly smoky note to the distillate. After fermentation, it undergoes a meticulous double distillation in small quantities. The mezcal is bottled pure, without any added flavorings, and each label is numbered, guaranteeing a truly artisanal production.
The Ilegal Distillery’s Joven Mezcal still represents one of the most authentic and genuine expressions of this famous Mexican spirit. In the glass, it appears crystal-clear and transparent, as expected of a mezcal that is not aged in wood. On the nose, it is elegant, with fragrant aromas of freshly cut agave, lemon peel, fresh citrus, Granny Smith apple, hints of medicinal herbs, balsamic notes of eucalyptus leaves, and a spicy touch of Mexican chili, all resting on a soft, enveloping background that is lightly smoky and toasted. On the palate, it is warm, clean, and smooth, with delicate flavors and a fresh finish of good persistence. Excellent enjoyed neat or over ice for those who want to savor its essential purity, it is also well suited for crafting refined cocktails.