Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from the agave plant – You’re probably thinking ‘oh that’s tequila, right?’ Well, sort of… All tequilas are mezcal but not all mezcals are tequila. It’s like all merlots are wine but not all wines are merlot. Tequila is simply a type of mezcal, but there are also other types made from different variations of the agave plant. Tequila is made from the Blue Weber agave, whilst there are over 30 variations of agave that can be used to make mezcal.
The word mezcal literally means ‘roasted agave’ and it is made in in-ground fire pits with wood and charcoal which typically gives it its smoky taste. However, given that there are many types of mezcal, there are also variations out there with earthy, floral and even fruity notes. The flavour really depends on the type of agave used, how it is harvested and where it is produced.
More than 90% of the worlds mezcal is produced in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a process done entirely by hand and is truly a cultural artform steeped in Mexican heritage. Mezcal is best drank neat in a shallow glass, or preferable a clay cup if you can get your hands on one. It can also be used to create some delicious cocktails too… Mezcal margaritas, anyone?
We have a range of mezcals available, ranging from Espadin (which is perfect for those who are new to mezcal with its fairly neutral profile) to Joven (which is clear and unaged) and Anejo (which is aged for 1-3 years). Whatever your palate, there is a mezcal for everyone, you just have to find the right one.
ILEGAL RANGE
(Pictured above)
Joven
An unaged mezcal, originally produced for the Café no Sé in Guatemala and thankfully now making its way out into the wider world.
This mezcal has herbal aromas of fresh flowers and pipe tobacco, peppermint and smoky agave plants. It has sweet caramel notes with hints of raisins, dried herbs and black pepper, and a floral, faintly smoky finish.
A Reposado mezcal, lightly aged in oak and full of rich caramel and light smoke. This is aged for four months in medium-charred American oak casks, 200 litres in volume.
Handcrafted in small-batches, with a beautifully balanced profile, with a mouthful of agave and a hint of smoke. A unique and complex taste for those who enjoy sipping spirits like tequila, bourbon, or craft gin.
A longer aged version of Reposado, a rich buttery spirit with a lick of smoke that's reminiscent of aged rum and whisky. This is aged for over seven years in 35 barrels of French Oak.
A very tasty, exceptionally smooth and especially rare mezcal. With aromas of maple, clove, and bitter orange, and notes of dark chocolate and sweet agave on the palate.
DANGEROUS DON RANGE
A wonderful Joven mezcal, produced exclusively from Espadín agave, creating a smoky, fresh spirit.
This smoky, aromatic artisanal mezcal has a palate that is grassy and fresh, with notes of sweet agave, aromatic smoke, burnt herbs and a touch of sweet orange that lingers in the finish.
A fruity mandarin-infused mezcal, Mandarina is double distilled and steeped with freshly-peeled fruit for a day before a third and final distillation.
This mezcal is a fantastic balance of juicy agave and zesty mandarin. The palate offers notes of sweet agave, green grass, soft smoke and tangy mandarin that linger in the finish.
CONVITE TOBALA
A Joven mezcal made with the wild and rare Tobala agave.
This mezcal is complex and smoky with expressions full of aromatic smoke, green fruit, and savoury herbs. It consists of velvety floral tones of honey and Rosita de Cacao, and has a warm and smooth texture.
VEN A MI
An Espadin, Joven mezcal that is distilled in a copper still.
Sweet and slightly smoky, with aromas of red fruits and potpourri and flavours of charcoal smoke with hints of citrus.
JABALI EL DESTILADO
A small-batch artisanal mezcal made using Jabali agave.
Aromas of dewy garden herbs and vibrant citrus fill the nose, complemented by notes of bergamot and habanero chilli throughout the palate.
QUIQUIRIQUI MATALAN
An Espadin, Joven mezcal that is a spectacular starter drink for those looking to get into the traditional spirit.
With sweet, vegetal notes with earthy elements and stone fruits, wrapped up in a bonfire smoke with a sprinkling of black pepper.
