Ilegal Mezcal Joven
Ilegal Mezcal Joven is a 750mL unaged mezcal bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), made from 100% Espadin agave in the Santiago Matatlan Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico. The ripe pinas are roasted 5 to 7 days in earthen pits, crushed by horse-drawn tahona, naturally fermented, and double distilled in 250-litre copper stills — bottled after distillation, with no oak rest and no additives. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Agave: 100% Espadin (Agave angustifolia)
- Age: Joven — unaged, bottled after distillation
- Production: Earthen-pit roast over Encino oak (5–7 days), tahona crushing, natural fermentation (7–10 days), double distillation in 250L copper stills
- Origin: Santiago Matatlan Valley, Oaxaca, Mexico
The Unaged Original, Pit to Copper Still
Joven is the clearest window into Ilegal's process: fourth-generation mezcaleros roast the pinas in stone-lined earthen pits fired with certified sustainable Encino oak, keep roasting and distilling separate so smoke never contaminates the spirit, and bottle the result unaged and additive-free — no artificial colours, yeasts, or flavours. The brand's shop credits it with a Double Platinum at the ASCoT Awards. Explore the range on the Ilegal Mezcal vendor page, or browse our tequila and mezcal collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the brand: eucalyptus and mineral aromas with green apple, fresh citrus, and red chiltepe; a full-bodied agave palate with light smoke and lingering warmth.
How to Enjoy
Perfect on its own for the full Espadin character, or in a mezcal margarita or mule where the light smoke carries. The oak-rested siblings are in our tequila and mezcal collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Joven mean for mezcal?
Joven is unaged mezcal, bottled after distillation — the purest expression of the agave and the roast, before any oak influence.
Is Ilegal Joven 100% agave?
Yes — 100% Espadin, with no additives, artificial colours, yeasts, or flavours.
Why is it smoky but not heavily smoked?
The pinas roast 5 to 7 days in earthen pits, and Ilegal separates roasting from distilling to keep the smoke controlled and clean.
Espadin in its purest form, straight off the copper still — order Ilegal Mezcal Joven online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.