Ilegal’s New Mezcal Was Finished in Rum Barrels

Mezcal can be barrel-aged much like its younger sister tequila, with the same age designations applying to both categories: blanco, reposado, and anejo. Popular mezcal brand Ilegal just announced the release of a new expression that falls into the middle age category, reposado, that got an unusual secondary maturation in rum barrels, adding layers of tropical fruit to its softly smoky palate.

Ilegal Mezcal was founded by John Rexer in 2006. The story goes that he started bringing “unbranded” bottles of mezcal from various producers in Oaxaca to his bar in Guatemala around 2004, and quickly realized that this then under-recognized agave spirit category could be something much bigger. And he was right—the category continues to expand, although it’s still admittedly nowhere near the level of tequila. While both spirits are made from agave in specific Mexican states defined by the government, tequila can only be made from Blue Weber agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from many different varietals, with espadin being the most common.

Almost exactly a year ago, drinks corporation Bacardi acquired Ilegal in a deal worth more than $100 million after a years-long distribution partnership, so it makes sense that this new release would involve rum barrels. The specifics are as follows: The mezcal was initially aged in American white oak barrels for four to six months, a typical amount of time for a reposado expression. It was then transferred into casks that previously held eight-year-old rum (Bacardi Ocho, according to the brand) for up to two additional months in Oaxaca. The mezcal can be sipped neat or used in cocktails, and is said to have notes of tropical fruit, spice, caramel, butterscotch, and agave on the palate.

Ilegal Reposado Caribbean Cask Finish is a limited-edition release, although not nearly as scarce as the 7 Year Añejo that launched in 2022. Just 50 bottles were made available of that exceptional spirit, a seven-year-old mezcal that was aged in just 35 French oak barrels resulting in a peppery, smoky, oaky, luscious expression. Caribbean Cask Finish is more widely available (and much cheaper at about $46 per bottle), and will be available at select retailers nationwide in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can find the rest of the Ilegal lineup available to purchase at ReserveBar now.