Ilegal Mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. The brand launched out of a Guatemala bar, Café No Sé, as the pet project of an American expat, John Rexer. It is currently headquartered in NYC. There is a great deal of diversity in the mezcal world. Unlike tequila, it can be made in 9 different Mexican states from around 40 different species of agave. "In my eyes, if it's made from agave in Mexico, it's a mezcal," says bartender and agave spirit educator Lucas Assis. Each species of agave, as well as those grown in different microclimates, imparts a different flavor profile.

In 2017, Ilegal Mezcal entered into a partnership with Bacardi, the parent company of Patron Tequila, although the deal’s specifics were not disclosed.Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just dipping your toes into this world, I invite you to join me as we explore the fascinating realm of these legendary spirits. The Producer Ensemble: This artesanal mezcal is distilled from a combination of cuishe and espadín agave. It has a bit of funk to its aroma — think a slight hint of parmesan cheese or buttered popcorn. The finish is sweet, like cooked agave syrup with a hint of baking spice.

Brand director Kaylan Rexer cooks a lot of Mexican food, and often uses mezcal in her recipes. When she does, she told Bustle in 2017, “I always use chilis … I love the smoke mixed with agave flavors of Mezcal, and the spiciness of chili.” Ilegal Mezcal loves people and hates inequality. The insights I’ve gained aren’t just from books or hearsay; they are the result of hands-on experience, countless tastings, and an enduring passion for these spirits. Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. Mezcal is made of different species of agave plants that are then cooked, crushed, fermented, and distilled into an alcoholic spirit. Mezcal can be made from around 40 varieties of agave subspecies, but the most commonly used species is espadín. Other agaves such as tobalá, cuishe, cupreata, and barríl are commonly used as well. The US has an 86% global market share of the super-premium mezcal category, according to IWSR 2022 data.

This campaign resonated with those who opposed the political figure, contributing to Ilegal Mezcal’s growing prominence. Bacardi’s agave spirits portfolio also includes Tequila brands Patrón, Cazadores, Corzo and Camino Real. Mezcal should always be served at room temperature to appreciate the nuanced aromatics, and in small sips ( not slammed). A little water in between sips helps to cleanse the palate (and, you know, may heed any headaches the next morning... though don’t take our word for it). How we test mezcal My journey has seen me as an owner of sophisticated bars and renowned liquor shops, and even as a Mezcal distiller, honing the craft from scratch. Ilegal was founded in 2006 by John Rexer, who spent years working with small Oaxaca-based distillers to make mezcal for his bar in Guatemala.

Here, I’m not just sharing opinions; I’m weaving tales from the rich tapestry of my experiences over these three decades.The mezcal is famous for its guerilla marketing campaign, Donald Eres Un Pendejo (translation: Donald, you’re an asshole). Launched two days after Trump announced his candidacy for president in 2015, the campaign was a response to racist remarks Trump made about Mexican immigrants. (Most notably, he called them “rapists.”)

I’m J Highland, and for over 30 years, I’ve been deeply immersed in the captivating world of Tequila, Mezcal, and other agave spirits.Ilegal Mezcal is made with 100 percent Espadín agave. According to the brand, all the agave is harvested by handheld machete and crushed by horse-drawn mill. Once bottled, the mezcal is corked, labeled, and numbered by human digits. Ilegal keeps it real. The brand gained further attention during the 2016 presidential election with its viral “Donald eres un pendejo” (Donald, you are an asshole) campaign. The brand has also been certified as an artisanal mezcal by trade body the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM).