Ilegal Joven is ideal for cocktails and perfect to be sipped on its own. It has deep agave aromas, and hints of green apple, citrus and white pepper.
About this mezcal
Ilegal Joven is unaged, which sets it apart from Ilegal reposado and Ilegal anejo which are aged. It has deep agave aromas, and hints of green apple, citrus and white pepper. There is a lingering heat and sweet agave feel. This Mezcal is ideal for cocktails and perfect to be sipped on its own.
Ilegal Mezcal
Ilegal Mezcal was founded by John Rexer, who began smuggling this product to his Bar, Cafe No Se, in Antigua, Guatemala. Ilegal Mezcal launched in 2005, and the brand has grown substantially in recent years. It had a very successful marketing campaign around the phrase “Donald eres un Pendejo” in 2016 for the US election, and Bacardi purchased an undisclosed amount of minority shares in the company in February of 2017. Ilegal Mezcal is 100% handcrafted using Agave Espadin that is roasted / baked using mesquite and eucalyptus wood. The cooked Agave is then finely crushed and fermented in oak vats. It is then double distilled in small copper stills. Though Eric Hernandez was originally involved in the distillation, all Ilegal Mezcal is now made by Alvaro and Armando Hernandez.
Review: Ilegal Mezcal on Drinkhacker
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Ostateman
1 reviewThe thing that stood out the most for me (outside of the pretentious price) is that it tasted like burnt rubber tire.
There are much better mexcals out there than this.
intimaralem85
2 reviewsMezcal doesn’t give me headaches, but this mezcal did. Couldn’t even drink it in cocktails.
KoalaCoelho
8 reviewsThis was recommended to me as a good introduction to mezcal. If it had been the first mezcal I tasted, it might have also been the last. I’m a peaty scotch drinker, so I’m not afraid of smoke or intense flavors, but the bottle I tried was rough in a not good way, without being especially interesting.
tecolotesweet
14 reviewsListen… I happen to like Ilegal despite the hate it gets. It’s a cheaper mezcal that a lot of bars have so it’s a good standard to sip on when in doubt. Smooth up front, then sweet smokiness that tapers off into a sweet smooth finish towards the end. Nothing exceptional, but it will absolutely wet the whistle and satisfy a hankering for mezcal when in doubt and your favorite bar probably stocks it on their back bar. Hard to argue with that.
Agave Geek
4 reviewsThis is a very nice mezcal, it really depends on the batch, with the higher batches, they have got better and it’s worth a second look. The nose is smoke forward with a hint of citrus, the first taste is smoke with a balance of oil and citrus. Finishes spices and the smoke dissipates quickly, works nicely as a sipper or a mixer.
MezPal20
8 reviews(Batch 104 161, Bottle 08846/10080 2020-2021)
Gentle on the nose, slightly vegetal with a subtle pepper spiciness and plenty of sweetness. Notes I get are eucalyptus, green apples, white pepper, a hint of candied pineapple, and a whisper of smoke. The entry on the palate is mild and sweet, but it quickly heats up with cayenne pepper then shifts to sugared grapefruit. Somewhat thin in texture, with very quick yet fat legs. The aftertaste is a little bitter and dry with a touch of alum, but finishes with a lingering grassy sweetness, smoke, and a pinch of fennel. This would be a great bottle to introduce someone to Mezcal for the first time.
(Batch 104 161, Bottle 08846/10080 2020-2021)
Gentle on the nose, slightly vegetal with a subtle pepper spiciness and plenty of sweetness. Notes I get are eucalyptus, green apples, white pepper, a hint of candied pineapple, and a whisper of smoke. The entry on the palate is mild and sweet, but it quickly heats up with cayenne pepper then shifts to sugared grapefruit. Somewhat thin in texture, with very quick yet fat legs. The aftertaste is a little bitter and dry with a touch of alum, but finish
PedroDLHR
10 reviewsIt has a roasted agave on the nose with a little sweetness in it. You kind of get the caramel, tobacco and pepper flavors. Not too smokey, pretty smooth and light. I would recommend it for mixing in a cocktail but not for sipping. Still, I think it is overpriced for what they offer.
Raulmiranda
3 reviewsNothing I would buy again. Nose is very perfumed..
ericb
2 reviewsI set up an account just so I could comment on this.
This smells and tastes like the exhaust from my 1979 Ford pickup. Gag.
(Lot 171)
Justin.Anderson3
14 reviewsTried this in oaxaca at their bar ‘Ilegal bar’. They didn’t serve anything else but ilegal and beer. The mezcal is trash and expensive, even in Oaxaca. Very generic mezcal. I notice they do a lot of programs for social issues. Maybe they should just be a non profit rather than white labeling mezcal.
WeroWero
5 reviewsI tried this in the bar that the owner of the band supplied, in Antigua De Guatemala. The barman told us the backstory about the border smuggling operation, and poured us a tiny measure. When myself and my Mexican friend complained at the serving for the price, he tried to tell us it was of high quality. He handled the bottle like the holy grail. My mexicano companion just laughed in his face. Distinctly average, weak mezcal, and it’s way overpriced. Avoid. You’d be better buying an Alipús, of the more commercial brands.
I tried this in the bar that the owner of the band supplied, in Antigua De Guatemala. The barman told us the backstory about the border smuggling operation, and poured us a tiny measure. When myself and my Mexican friend complained at the serving for the price, he tried to tell us it was of high quality. He handled the bottle like the holy grail. My mexicano companion just laughed in his face. Distinctly average, weak mezcal, and it’s way overpriced. Avoid. You’d be better buying an
Leif
8 reviewsseriously mediocre mezcal. this mezcal is contract bottled on behalf of ilegal by mal de amor distillery in santiago matatlan. the brand founder, john rexer, is a tourist who decided to capitalize on the mezcal goldrush like many others (gem and bolt comes to mind). what you get is an uninspired poorly produced mezcal that is very astringent to taste with very little complexity and substance. repulsive even. while ilegal has cool branding, it’s a dying brand getting crushed by the new class of quality, competitively priced mezcals. i’ve seen this bottle priced $50+. avoid this trash
seriously mediocre mezcal. this mezcal is contract bottled on behalf of ilegal by mal de amor distillery in santiago matatlan. the brand founder, john rexer, is a tourist who decided to capitalize on the mezcal goldrush like many others (gem and bolt comes to mind). what you get is an uninspired poorly produced mezcal that is very astringent to taste with very little complexity and substance. repulsive even. while ilegal has cool branding, it’s a dying brand getting crushed by the new clas
oldperson
2 reviewsSmoky, dirty. More related to tequila than I would like. Good for mixing.
Mezcaliente
14 reviewsGood intro mezcal. Not overly complex, not overly smokey. Ok sipper and good for mixed drinks. Light and smooth at 40%.
Samhain
9 reviewsIt’s a fine sipper for price lately about $30, first bottle I picked up was $60, but at 30 I’ll have another. Decent balance, subtle citrus, little smoke, smoke finish lingers pretty well. A bit bland like most low proofs.
Chris-Banzhaf
2 reviewsGreat bottle to start if your new to Mezcals, good smoke and palatable.
kurten33
3 reviewsSmoky flavor, enjoyable smell, it has a bit of a kick when it goes down and the burn lingers for a few minutes. Not my top choice, however I would not turn it down if offered. Way overpriced. Lot 127( 7352/14400)
Bety85
2 reviewsVery good smokey aroma. The taste was rough and it burns. I expected something more smooth. I would not recommend for sipping. (Lot 127, bottle 7352/14400)
Zack Klamn
509 reviewsLot: 100 (3191/5040)
Nose: Vanilla, citrus and smoke – all light but balanced.
Palate: Toffee sweet and white pepper heat. The lower ABV gives it a diluted feel across the board – feels like it would be better if the volume was turned up.
mezcalphd
8 reviewsIlegal Joven is my go to for cocktails and I am happy to sip it too! It is bright, fresh and citrusy. Is it super complex? No. But nothing in this $40 price range is. So you have to know what you are getting. In this case a solid espadin that is flexible enough to work well in cocktails or be sipped as well.
SoloAgave
86 reviewsWhispy and light – easy to mix into cocktails and won’t overpower any of your senses. Nevertheless a cool brand with great marketing and works great as a well mezcal.
Lasirenaahumada
9 reviewsI enjoyed this with agave syrup, but not a neat sipper. The alcohol taste over rides the delight of a smokie return. I do recommend this for a mixer. The taste does come through in a cocktail and makes you wonder if the smoke is an illusion or a campfire outside your door.
edgy4sure
39 reviewsliving in OH, my mezcal choices are very few (yeah, it blows), so I grabbed a bottle and still have some lingering in my cabinet. it’s ok for the mid-western price point but it is nothing you would ever bring back from MX. will not buy again
matt19green
1 reviewThis is a great espadin!! A mouthful of agave and just a hint of smoke. Just how I love my Mezcal. Great for crushable cocktails as well.
lenathefree
2 reviewsYes, this was my first mezcal. …And I do not regret it. Smoke without ego. Easy alone, but still plays well with other flavors.
Arthurjakob21
5 reviewsNot worth buying if you are into Mezcal. Maybe okay as your first Mezcal.
tallchad
82 reviewsCool bottle with waxed cork. Light smoke and wood on the aroma, good taste, finish is long, smooth and a little sweet.
JJHenderson
10 reviewsAn excellent cocktail mezcal, but with the prices in the UK that’s going to be a very expensive cocktail. As a sipper it falls flat – probably the low abv.
Harry
2 reviewsIt was underwhelming at best. Was referred by a friend, but I wasn’t pleased and just gave it away after trying it. It goes down alright with some lime, but no real flavor, a whole lot of burn and is even lame in cocktails. Wouldn’t recommend.
El_Roberto
23 reviewsMeh. Bit of pepper and floral notes. A bit plain, nothing stands out too much
TheAuditor
38 reviewsNose: Slight citrus sweetness, pepper, spice,
Palate: Thinnish mouthfeel, light smoke. Slight citrus sweetness, black pepper, slight spice, minerally.
Finish: Short, slight earthiness, light smoke, citrus, vanilla, mineraly.
Rating: 4/10
This proof on this one really hurts it. I can see there are good flavors underneath, but it all feels very muted. I like the citrus and peppery undertones here, they play well together with some of the agave-esque mineraliness that is here. But overall, I would spend a little more and grab a 50ish dollar espadin instead.
Nose: Slight citrus sweetness, pepper, spice,
Palate: Thinnish mouthfeel, light smoke. Slight citrus sweetness, black pepper, slight spice, minerally.
Finish: Short, slight earthiness, light smoke, citrus, vanilla, mineraly.
Rating: 4/10
This proof on this one really hurts it. I can see there are good flavors underneath, but it all feels very muted. I like the citrus and peppery undertones here, they play well together with some of the agave-esque mineraliness that is here. But overall, I would
GeorgePBurdell
48 reviewsMild and easy to drink. First impression on the tongue was sweet followed by gentle smoke. There is some subtle fruit but for me the lasting impression is sweet and light smoke.
Rorschach
40 reviewsGood Espadin. The maguey wasn’t listed on the label but I knew it was Espadin just by sniffing from the bottle after opening. There are bottles of Espadin that come before this one regarding price, value, taste. The labeling is a little generic and has clever Spanish that seems to give a little wiggle room as to production.
Bottle 4692/5040
Lot 87
juandelouise
5 reviewsNot my favorite well mezcal. A little overpriced and pretty generic tasting. I definitely prefer mezcal out of Ejutla vs Matatlan.
Wanderingspider
53 reviewsI’ve had this a few times now. It’ll pass as a base spirit for cocktails but I wouldn’t use the joven for sipping at all, especially if you are really into well crafted mezcals
MezcalAficionado24
1 reviewTried this once at a friends. The taste profile is really generic and kind of on the cheap side when it came to their production( from the taste). Typical smoky well mezcal. Wouldn’t buy or use this as a sipper. Can be good for cocktails. Not very well balanced as they claim to be. Their reposado is pretty good though.
Mansson
71 reviewsLot 06. Very soft and neutral, not much smoke. The typical agave sweetness is dominating; there isn’t much else. In fact, the lack of complexity makes the aftertaste rather too sweet for me. A good mixer but not much of a sipper. And for a low-proof unremarkable espadín, it isn’t that cheap.
Lurch98
2 reviewsFaintly smoky and mild on the palette. It is a decent option at a reasonable entry point for mixing. People who like repesado tequilas may find this a comfortable transition to mezcal as it is so mild. I find myself wanting more flavor.
AgaveNerd101
7 reviewsMy favorite part of tasting any mezcal is first smelling it and I get little to nothing on the nose here. I would have liked to have gotten an over cooked agave bouquet. Although, the flavor holds up in cocktails if you are looking for a muted amount of smoke. This to me is a good product in the “entry level” category.
Dracarys
3 reviewsIt’s true what they say, don’t judge a book by the cover. Nothing special about this product. The packaging is nice, the price is high, and I’m sure people new to the mezcal world will be tricked into thinking this is a high-end mezcal. It’s my least favorite to date, but I wouldn’t turn it down if offered; it’s still mezcal!
Yocos
6 reviewsClean, lightly Smokey, very pure agave flavors.
GreenspointTexas
385 reviewsMeh.
Mateospirit
8 reviewsThis Mezcal is an exquisite spirit. If I could give half stars I would have rated this 4.5 if possible. Rough and refined at the same time. This is rock and roll to me smoke, energy, sweet vanilla creaminess. This one is great drinking neat at a bonfire with friends and fAmily under the stars and is also equally as good in a mixed drink. This one has a persona. Lite leather lite warming woods. CleAn with just a ghost of earthiness. ?
LosMuertos
33 reviewsNot bad but nothing I would buy again. Nose is very perfumed/floral. Plus agave and mild smoke.
Scent: 2/5
Mouthfeel: 2/5
rsidrys
50 reviewsThis is the second mezcal I ever tried. There’s citrus, mild smoke, and eucalyptus on the nose. Taste has those qualities with the addition of vanilla, almost as though it was barrel aged. The finish fades rather quickly.
I really liked it when I first had it and would have probably given it a 4 at the time, but after experiencing more complex mezcal that lingers on the palate, this one is a bit too “shallow” and short for me. It’s a good option for those who are smoke-averse.
This is the second mezcal I ever tried. There’s citrus, mild smoke, and eucalyptus on the nose. Taste has those qualities with the addition of vanilla, almost as though it was barrel aged. The finish fades rather quickly.
I really liked it when I first had it and would have probably given it a 4 at the time, but after experiencing more complex mezcal that lingers on the palate, this one is a bit too “shallow” and short for me. It’s a good option for those who are smoke-a
JRB
13 reviewsIlegal Joven Mezcal / 80 proof
Tahona milled, copper still. Rather light agave in the front of the palate, then in the back of my throat I get heat and smoke aftertaste – strange finish that I have not noticed with any other mezcal. Not bad, but I really couldn’t get into it. (Lot 36, bottle 2126/7000)
namespayne
9 reviewsFloral, dry fruit, light on smoke, fairly complex and long on the finish. Doesn’t smack you like a 45%-50% abv juice does, but it’s a gem for the price.
razorbackmike
138 reviewsi agree with another review.the repo and anejo are great.this one is good.perfect for an evening opener.its best to have a fresh pallete to enjoy the subtle notes.the nose is mild with agave and baked sugar.the taste is vanilla,agave and mild green pepper.no smoke or deep flavor but is justified by price.nice flavor but is short.good quality and have no problem sipping.can be overshadowed by more complex (and expensive) mezcals.
SeattleMezcalLover
9 reviewsKind of boring. I bought a bottle of this because of good reviews. If smoky mezcals are your thing look elsewhere. This one is is light and at least initially a hair astringent. Also, quite floral but not especially sweet. If light and floral appeal to you it might be a good fit but at least my batch had an astringent quality that no one would desire.
Tyler
604 reviewsThis soft mezcal goes down easy at 40% ABV. Slightly floral on the nose. There are notes of vanilla and pepper. This is a good mezcal to give people new to the spirit who are also not used to drinking liquor neat. It tastes a bit watered down for my taste. Other mezcals do this but manage to retain more complex flavors. This is a decent mezcal to start the night with; if you drink a robust high-ABV mezcal and then return to this you will be disappointed.
Jonny
633 reviewsCitrus and smoky on the nose. Tasting notes of apple and dates. There’s a good amount of fruit in this, but it doesn’t overpower the rich taste of cooked Agave. This mezcal would get three stars as a sipper, as I prefer to sip their Reposado and Anejo. But it gets four stars as a mixer.
3chainz
19 reviewsVery neutral with a smooth finish. 4 stars on value
Sandy
11 reviewsIt burns so good. This full body mezcal definitely lingers in the best way possible.