ILEGAL MEZCAL

The chairs were small, wooden, slung back.

We stretched out our legs. She tilted

her head back as

she drank.

I leaned forward and kissed her neck.

I did not expect the sharp

taste of earth,

salt, and

gold.

Unknown by most, consumed by few and
viewed by the ill-informed as 'that worm Tequila' is an injustice. 

I first tasted Ilegal at Mayahuel in the East Village. This is a handcrafted, artisanal mezcal grown and made in tradition. Ilegal got its name because it was smuggled into Antigua, Guatemala from Oaxaca, Mexico by John Rexer to be poured at his cafe, Café No Sé.  Ilegal was also blocked from the United States market due to its absurd name....  In order to appease TTB regulations, 'Mezcal Joven, Mezcal Repasado, or Mezcal Anejo ' is printed largely on the label as the pseudo name but sure enough our beloved Ilegal appears underneath in smaller print, 'Produced for Ilegal Mezcal'. 

  

* Lot 001 Joven