Like tequila, mezcal can be barrel-aged, with age categories including blanco, reposado, and añejo. Recently, Ilegal Mezcal introduced a new expression in the reposado category. Notably, this mezcal underwent a unique secondary aging process in rum barrels, which imparted tropical fruit notes to its subtly smoky flavor.
John Rexer founded Ilegal Mezcal in 2006. According to legend, he began bringing “unbranded” mezcal bottles from various Oaxacan producers to his bar in Guatemala in 2004.
Rexer quickly recognized the potential of this then-underappreciated agave spirit. Indeed, his foresight proved correct, and the mezcal category continues to grow, though not as rapidly as tequila. While tequila can only be made from Blue Weber agave, mezcal has the flexibility to be crafted from a variety of agave species, with espadín being the most popular.
It’s no surprise that this latest release involves rum casks, given the recent acquisition of Ilegal Mezcal by beverage giant Bacardi. This deal, valued at over $100 million, occurred nearly a year ago following a long-term distribution partnership.
Initially, the new mezcal was aged for four to six months in American white oak barrels, which is standard for reposado expressions. Subsequently, it matured in barrels that previously held eight-year-old Bacardi Ocho rum for up to two additional months in Oaxaca.
As a result, this process has created a mezcal with tropical fruit, spice, caramel, butterscotch, and agave flavors. You can enjoy it neat or mix it into cocktails.
Furthermore, the Ilegal Reposado Caribbean Cask Finish is a limited edition but is more accessible compared to the 7 Year Añejo released in 2022. That exceptional mezcal, aged for seven years in just 35 French oak barrels, was limited to 50 bottles.
In contrast, the Caribbean Cask Finish will be available in select stores nationwide in the coming weeks and is priced around $46 per bottle. Meanwhile, the rest of the Ilegal lineup remains available for purchase at ReserveBar.
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