Reviews / Ilegal Joven
Review ·
Ilegal Joven
The liquid didn't write the story. The marketing did
Score: 2.0/5 agaves
- Producer: Ilegal Mezcal
- Maestro: Alvaro Hernandez, Armando Hernandez Lorenzo, Eric Hernandez
- Region: Tlacolula, Oaxaca
- Agave: Espadin
- ABV: 40%
- Price: $29 ($)
Verdict
Ilegal is a credible first mezcal for someone who still thinks 'smoky' is a warning. Past that, the 2.6 consensus is generous. You're paying for the bottle, the story, and the music-festival marketing. The liquid is fine; fine is a ceiling. Mestiza Negra clears it at $20 from Trader Joe's.
A gateway bottle dressed up as a premium one
Tasting notes
Nose: Soft smoke, lemon peel, cooked agave, a faint commercial sweetness
Palate: Round, approachable, industrial in the way mid-proof commercial mezcal can't help being. Less rustic character than the price suggests
Finish: Clean, slightly sweet
The bottom line
You're buying the story. At $23 to $34, fine is a ceiling
Where to buy online
We found this bottle at 6 US retailers. Prices and stock vary – click through to check.
- Total Wine
- BevMo
- Oak and Barrel NYC
- Caskers – $23
- Binny's – $34
- Oregon OLCC (state price) – $30
Price check: $29 (2026-07-29).
Compare: vs Del Maguey VIDA Clásico · vs Banhez Espadin & Barril · vs Montelobos Espadin · vs Sombra Joven