Ilegal

"Desperate for a good  mezcal to stock at his bar, Cafe No Se, John Rexer began  smuggling artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico to Antigua,  Guatemala in 2004.  It didn't take long for word to get out about this smooth and  smokey spirit with the handwritten labels available from the  backroom at Café No Se.  In late 2009, Ilegal Mezcal became  legal and started appearing at select restaurants and bars in New  York, Texas and California.

Until now, Ilegal Mezcal has been a small operation consisting mostly of John's family, former girlfriends and former bartenders getting the word out, armed only with stickers, flasks and a penchant for staying out late."

This is the story peddled by Ilegal's website, and who are we to cast a cynical eye over such a romantic back-story?  This John certainly buckles hefty swash with his entourage of ex-girlfriends and loyal ex-employees staying up past their bedtime 'n plugging his backroom mezcal.

Ilegal Joven

Appearance: clear - medium tears
Aroma: sweet smoked agave, light floral, ash, tobacco, eucalyptus
Initial Taste: sweet agave, tangy with hint of raisins
Spirit Body: floral, smoke
Finish / Aftertaste: medium finish with smoke and ash

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Ilegal Reposado

Appearance: dark straw - slow tears
Aroma: light wood and smoke, hints of agave and cinnamon
Initial Taste: buttery agave, smoke
Spirit Body: smoked agave and dried fruit
Finish / Aftertaste: long finish with sweet citrus and smoked chocolate

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Ilegal Añejo

Appearance: medium amber, golden hues - slow tears
Aroma: mild smoked agave, sweet orange and cherry, light floral
Initial Taste: citrus, sweet with mild salt and eucalyptus
Spirit Body: light sweet / smoked agave, earthy
Finish / Aftertaste: long finish with chocolate, wood and raisins

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