Ilegal Mezcal Reposado Caribbean Rum Cask Finish limited Release

Ilegal Mezcal Reposado Caribbean Rum Cask Finish Limited Release is a distinctive and adventurous mezcal that marries the smoky, earthy complexity of traditional Oaxaca mezcal with the lush sweetness and tropical spice of Caribbean rum-aged barrels. Bold yet balanced, this limited release showcases mezcal’s authenticity elevated by nuanced finishing and thoughtful craft — perfect for sipping neat or in elevated cocktails.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced by Ilegal Mezcal, an artisanal mezcal brand rooted in Oaxaca, Mexico, this Limited Release begins with carefully roasted 100% Agave Espadín hearts (piñas) that are slow-cooked in earthen pits before crushing and fermenting with native yeasts. The resulting spirit is double distilled in copper stills, preserving the expressive smoky and vegetal character that defines fine mezcal.

For this Reposado Caribbean Rum Cask Finish, the young mezcal is initially rested as a reposado (typically in neutral or lightly seasoned oak) to round and integrate its core traits. It is then transferred to former Caribbean rum casks — barrels that previously matured premium rum — where it is finished for an extended period. These rum casks contribute layers of tropical fruit nuances, molasses sweetness, and warm spice without overpowering the mezcal’s signature earth and smoke.

This release is limited in production and crafted with attention to barrel selection and timing to ensure complexity, depth, and harmony between smoke and sweet rum influence.

Critics Reviews

There are no widely published formal professional critic scores from major spirits publications specifically for this Ilegal Reposado Caribbean Rum Cask Finish. However, bartenders, mezcal ambassadors, and craft spirits reviewers praise it for its distinctive barrel impact, layered character, and elevated finishing nuance relative to more traditional mezcal releases.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Lush and layered, with smoky roasted agave supported by inviting aromas of molasses, vanilla bean, ripe mango, and candied citrus peel. Hints of toasted coconut and baking spice emerge with gentle air.

Palate:
Rich and expressive, opening with sweet tropical fruit and dark honey, evolving into smoke-kissed agave, warm spice, and subtle leather. The rum cask influence lends a velvety sweetness that complements rather than competes with the mezcal core.

Finish:
Medium to long, with smoke, oak spice, and a return of sweet molasses and citrus zest — closing with an elegant melding of earth and tropical warmth.

Quick Overview

Cocktail Recipes

Caribbean Mezcal Old Fashioned

• 2 oz Ilegal Mezcal Reposado Caribbean Rum Cask Finish

• 0.25 oz demerara syrup

• 2 dashes aromatic bitters
  Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube; garnish with an expressed orange twist to highlight citrus and molasses notes.

Smoky Tropical Margarita

• 1.5 oz Ilegal Mezcal Reposado Caribbean Rum Cask Finish

• 0.75 oz fresh lime juice

• 0.5 oz pineapple-rum syrup
  Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed coupe; garnish with a lime wheel and a pineapple leaf.