Ilegal Mezcal Joven

The Ilegal Joven was surprisingly smooth and sippable. The nose carries a soft smokiness, but there's also an unexpected sweetness – even a hint of citrus. The first sip was much milder than anticipated: not as rich or woody as the aged Añejo, but definitely more approachable and light on the tongue. It’s thinner, less full-bodied, but very easy to hold and enjoy. On the back end, there's a sharper bite that gives it character, but it doesn't linger in a harsh way. The real beauty is in the exhale — breathing out through the nose reveals a lingering smoke that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped away from a quiet fire. It's not overwhelming; it’s evocative. Overall, a fun and highly drinkable mezcal, and one I’ll definitely return to on nights when I want something lighter but still meaningful. --- Poem: Smoke and Citrus by a writer Not all who wander are lost, but some find fire in a glass— a gentle flame, sweet on the nose, with whispers of char and ash. It touches light, a drift of citrus in the dark, then bites—just once— to remind you this path still has teeth. You breathe, and smoke lingers in the silence— a memory of wood, a shadow of fire, a toast to the night that knows your name.

This joven mezcal is a solid choice for introducing someone new to the spirit. It's straightforward and dependable, performing well in mixed drinks. The aroma is quite earthy and smoky. The taste is somewhat singular, dominated by smoke with a hint of sweetness. It's quite watery and lacks depth. The aftertaste has a faint metallic tang, some warmth, and disappears rapidly. Overall, it's acceptable, but too plain for sipping straight. It does, however, have its place in cocktails. I found it improved when tasted from a clay copita compared to a glass, as it mellowed the finish and reduced the industrial, metallic notes. Sipped neat, I'd rate it a 2 to 2.25, but as a cocktail component, it earns a 2.5.

The aroma has faint mesquite smoke, with green bell peppers, cantaloupe, wet limestone, and cotton candy. The mouthfeel is surprisingly heavy. The palate is earthy but subdued and very easy to drink, with the vegetal sweetness of agave, light smoke, wet stone, a very faint citrus note, and charred sugar reminiscent of the burnt exterior of a campfire marshmallow. The finish is fairly short, dominated by the agave, light smoke, and wet stone. Nothing challenging here, but very enjoyable.

The aroma is reminiscent of leather and canned pasta, offering a metallic sweetness. Hints of smoke also emerge, akin to burning vinyl. With water or ice, it transforms into a superb sipping spirit, revealing notes of melon and vegetables. It falls short in a Down n Dirty Margarita but shines in the Spice of Life Margarita.

Compared to many other mezcals I've sampled, I found this one to be quite light, floral, and significantly less smoky. As a fellow reviewer put it, "A bit subdued but smooth." However, it also left a lingering aftertaste that made it difficult for me to truly enjoy. I rate it 3.5 stars.

Pour from an online Cinco de Mayo tasting. Nose: Baked agave, floral notes, papaya, pineapple, bacon, watermelon, mango, citrus Palate: baked agave, pineapple, mint, anise, vanilla, cinnamon, baking spices Finish: baked agave, citrus, pepper, green apple