Around 2004, Ilegal’s founder John Rexer began bringing mezcal down from Oaxaca to Antigua to supply his bar, Caf No S. The mezcal became popular very quickly. At the time, he was bringing down unbranded mezcal from a variety of villages in Oaxaca. In 2006, John created the brand Ilegal, originally just to supply his bar in Guatemala. On the back of each bottle of Ilegal you will find it says “Originally produced for: Caf No S, Mezcal Bar.”
This is an exceptional mezcal. Aged for four months in medium-charred American Oak. Caramelized pear and bitter orange on the nose. Clove, butterscotch, and hints of vanilla on the palate.