Brand
Ilegal Mezcal
Ilegal Mezcal is an artisanal mezcal brand born around the Café No Sé bar in Antigua (Guatemala) and developed in collaboration with master mezcaleros from Santiago Matatlán (Oaxaca, Mexico). The core range includes Joven, Reposado and Añejo, all produced from 100% Espadín agave and distilled in small batches.
- Santiago Matatlán · Oaxaca · Mexico
- Since 2006
The story
The brand originated from the Café No Sé bar in Antigua, Guatemala: founder John Rexer began, in the early 2000s, bringing artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca to his venue and officially founded Ilegal in 2006. In the following years production was organized with master mezcaleros from Santiago Matatlán; the brand began exports to the United States around 2010. In September 2023 Ilegal became part of the Bacardi Limited group (transaction completed on 11 September 2023).
Production philosophy
Focus on craftsmanship, direct collaboration with local master mezcaleros and sustainability-oriented practices. The brand declares the use of natural ingredients, small-batch production and respect for Oaxacan production traditions.
Territory
Production in the district of Santiago Matatlán, Oaxaca Valley, Mexico; the brand's history is linked to the Café No Sé bar in Antigua, Guatemala, while distribution and ownership are international (acquisition by Bacardi Limited).
Production method
Small-batch production entrusted to local master mezcaleros; mezcal made with 100% Espadín agave and double-distilled. Expressions are handled separately according to ageing (Joven unaged, Reposado aged in barrels for months, Añejo for longer).
Distillation
Double distillation in small batches, as declared by the brand.
Ageing
Joven: unaged; Reposado: barrel ageing (approx. 6 months) in American oak with medium char; Añejo: longer ageing (approx. 13 months) in a combination of new and used American oak barrels, according to official indications.
Characteristics
- Type
- Brand
- City
- Santiago Matatlán
- Categories
- artisanal mezcal
- Espadín mezcal
- spirits - agave
- Raw materials
- Agave Espadín (100%)
- Casks and ageing vessels
- American oak (medium char) - used for Reposado
- New and used American oak - used for Añejo
- Representative products
- Mezcal Joven 750ml - Ilegal
- Mezcal Reposado 750ml - Ilegal
- Mezcal Añejo 750ml - Ilegal
What makes it distinctive
- Brand born around the Café No Sé bar in Antigua (Guatemala) and developed with producers from Oaxaca.
- Produces mezcal from 100% Espadín agave, double-distilled in small batches.
- Core range: Joven, Reposado (~6 months in American oak) and Añejo (~13 months in new/used oak).
- Collaborates with fourth-generation master mezcaleros in Santiago Matatlán.
- Acquired by Bacardi Limited (transaction completed on 11 September 2023).
Products from Ilegal Mezcal
Full collectionThere are currently no products available from this producer.