"If you want to know what the traditional drink of Mexico is, you want mezcal, not tequila. Tequilas today are for the most part industrial products, while mezcals are small village efforts."
John Rexer, founder Ilegal Mezcal
The holiday of Cinco de Mayo has grown in popularity beyond Mexico and revelers around the world can't resist the delicious Mexican food, upbeat Mariachi music, ice cold margaritas, and 100% agave spirits. Here's a little quiz for you, dear readers - what historical event does Cinco de Mayo celebrate? The correct answer is the victory of the Mexican Army versus the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. If you answered correctly, take a sip of Ilegal Mezcal. Hey, it's a fiesta so have a sip even if you were wrong!
An artisanal product that is entirely handcrafted and made from the heart of the Espadin agave plant from Oaxaca, Ilegal Mezcal is notches above most tequila which is distilled industrially. Don't let the name scare you away - Ilegal Mexcal is perfectly legal but prior to launching the brand, company founder John Rexer used to "creatively" transport mezcals across the border to his bar, Cafe No Se, in Guatemala so that his patrons could sample the magical mezcals that he has loved for many years. The mezcals were so popular that Rexer was inspired to create his own brand by working with small local producers and using traditional production methods. Rexer says. "Mezcal is something from the earth... I'm serious about the ingredients being agave, water, sun, and time. Mexcal is not a product, it is a culture. It is as nuanced as the lines in the hands that make it."
Ilegal Mezcal has three distinct styles to suit every palate and yours truly has done the hard work of sampling them for you.
Ilegal Mezcal Joven NV ($55 for 750 ml) is a nice intro to mezcal. Joven means young in Spanish and this crystal clear mezcal has pleasant and refreshing notes of anise, white pepper, and green apple with a smooth finish. I loved the way this transformed on my palate - my initial impression was "whew, this is strong" but it mellowed out within seconds and my mouth was left with a pleasant spicy and fruity warmth. I really enjoyed it.
Ilegal Mezcal Reposado ($69 for 750 ml) is aged for four months in a combination of new oak and re-charred whiskey barrels. A tinge darker than the Joven, the Reposado has a bit more heat with hints of smoke and butterscotch. I would call this a sophisticated sip.
Ilegal Mezcal Anejo ($110 for 750 ml) is what my friend Miguel would describe as "ay, que fancy!" Like the Reposado, it is aged in new oak and re-charred used whiskey barrels but the Anejo gets to luxuriate for a leisurely 14 months. A clear caramel color, Ilegal Mezcal Anejo's notes of vanilla, smoke, heat, tobacco and wood create a powerful symphony of flavor. I think my friends who enjoy single malts will really appreciate the complexity of the Ilegal Mezcal Anejo.
Ilegal Mezcal is perfect for Cinco de Mayo and anytime you want a sophisticated libation with a real connection to place and time.
Click here to find locations near you that serve and sell Ilegal Mezcal.