Ilegal Mezcal Reposado

Velvety, oak-kissed and beautifully balanced, Ilegal Mezcal Reposado is a refined artisanal mezcal from Oaxaca. Caramelised fruit and gentle smoke glide into butterscotch, clove and vanilla, finishing long with cedar, cocoa and a whisper of orange rind—perfect for sipping neat or elevating classic agave cocktails.

Tasting Notes & Experience

On the nose: caramelised pear, bitter orange and soft wood smoke. The palate is plush and rounded with butterscotch, clove, vanilla and baked agave. A lingering, elegant finish shows cedar, pipe tobacco, cocoa and dried citrus.

Key Details

• Distillery: Mezcal Ilegal – Destilería Tlacolula (NOM-O423X)
• Type: Reposado Mezcal
• Region: Oaxaca, Mexico
• ABV: 40%
• Volume: 700ml
• Agave Type: 100% Espadín (Agave angustifolia)
• Aging: Aged to taste ~6 months in a mix of new & used American oak (medium char)
• Other: Vegan-friendly, Gluten-free, Organically grown agave
• Signature Serve: Neat or over a single large cube

Cocktail Pairings

An Oaxacan Old Fashioned adds bitters and agave nectar to let the reposado’s caramel-smoke depth shine. For refreshment, a Mezcal Paloma layers grapefruit and lime over its citrus-spice warmth. A bittersweet Mezcal Negroni brings herbaceous lift to the velvety oak and baked-agave core.

Craftsmanship & Story

Handcrafted in Tlacolula, Oaxaca, Ilegal begins with mature Espadín roasted 5–7 days in earthen pits lined with river stone, crushed by horse-drawn tahona, naturally fermented, then double-distilled (stainless and copper alembic). The reposado rests in Kelvin Cooperage American oak, balancing mesquite smoke with supple vanilla and spice. The brand’s modern legend started at Café No Sé in Antigua, where founder John Rexer first poured “illegal” mezcal for friends—now a celebrated, consciously produced artisanal spirit.

Special Features

Silky, approachable smoke ideal for neat pours; small-batch, artisanal production; sustainable, cultivated Espadín; thoughtful oak regimen for bourbon-lovers crossing into mezcal; wax-sealed cork and striking presentation that make it a standout gift.

Recognition & Accolades

Esteemed by critics and competitions for its balance of smoke, oak and agave purity:

• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition
• Gold – Tequila.net Awards (2010)
• “Best Reposado” – Esquire (2023)
• 93/100 – Wine Enthusiast (Highly Rated)

Consistently praised for a velvety texture and refined, barrel-kissed complexity that remains unmistakably mezcal.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Elegant, smooth and beautifully packaged—serve neat after dinner or in elevated classics for a luxurious agave experience. A memorable choice for milestones, anniversaries and corporate gifting.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Carefully packed with premium presentation and an optional personal message to complete the perfect gift.

Opening Note

To open the wax-sealed cork: hold the neck firmly and press your thumbs against the cork’s sides to crack the wax, then pull straight up—no corkscrew needed.