As the sun sets and the heat of the day dissipates, there’s something profoundly satisfying about cracking open a cold Mexican lager. The crispness, the sweetness, that familiar aftertaste—it’s an experience cherished by many. But what exactly gives Mexican beer its signature flavor? Join us as we delve into the nuances of this beloved brew, uncovering the secrets behind its unique taste.
What is a Mexican Lager?
Defining the Mexican lager as a distinct category poses an unexpected challenge. Even the Brewers Association, the industry’s foremost body on style guidelines, refrains from officially distinguishing Mexican-style lagers from other lagers of similar profiles. Similarly, the Oxford Companion to Beer, a highly regarded source, also omits a clear differentiation for Mexican lagers within its comprehensive documentation on beer styles.
Macro-brewed Mexican-style lagers enjoy widespread popularity in the United States and internationally, prompting local Seattle breweries to explore this beer style. The definition of a Mexican Lager can vary among beer enthusiasts, but generally, it refers to a clean, pale beer with high clarity and low bitterness. Mexican lagers are characterized by their refreshing qualities and light flavors, making them ideal for casual consumption in sunny settings due to their typically low alcohol by volume (ABV).
Originating from Vienna Lager, Mexican-style lagers have a rich history. They traditionally incorporate corn, which is readily available and affordable in Mexico, in the form of flaked maize. This addition not only subtly dries out the beer, creating a crisp finish, but also enhances clarity due to its low protein content. While Pilsner or Vienna malts are commonly used in modern Mexican-style lagers, the incorporation of corn remains a defining characteristic of the style.
Corn: the key to a good Brewing Mexican Lagers
One of the key differentiators of Mexican-style lagers lies in their use of corn. Yes, you read that right—corn. While traditional brewing might rely solely on barley, Mexican brewers embrace corn as a significant ingredient. This choice isn’t just about tradition; it’s about flavor. Corn sugar is highly fermentable, contributing to a light, refreshing body that’s perfect for quenching thirst on hot days. This addition adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the palate, resulting in a beer that’s as enjoyable as it is easy to drink.
Beyond corn, the yeast strains used in Mexican lagers play a pivotal role in shaping their taste profile. Mexican lager yeast is known for finishing clean and crisp, allowing the malt flavors to shine through without being muted. This yeast imparts a smoothness that complements the beer’s other elements, creating a well-balanced brew that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Where does the signature taste of Mexican Lager come from?
To truly appreciate the taste of Mexican lagers, it’s essential to understand their heritage. Many of these beers have roots traced back to German immigrants who brought their brewing traditions to Mexico. This influence is evident in the meticulous attention to detail and the commitment to quality that characterizes Mexican beer production. From Dos Equis Amber to Modelo Negra, each sip tells a story—a story of craftsmanship, passion, and a quest for perfection.
The Mexican Vienna Lager In Perspective
The origins of Mexican Vienna Lager style can be traced back to the 1800s, a period marked by significant historical events in Mexico. Following the country’s fight for independence from Spain and subsequent immigration, particularly from German-speaking regions, a brewing culture began to flourish.
While beer consumption in Mexico had its roots in pre-Hispanic beverages like tesgüino, the introduction of European-style beers, especially lagers, occurred much later. It’s often suggested that European settlers brought brewing traditions with them, yet the specifics remained largely undocumented.
One pivotal figure in the early Mexican brewing scene was Santiago Graf, associated with Cervecera de Toluca y México, founded in the mid-19th century. Graf’s acquisition of the brewery in the late 1800s marked a turning point with the introduction of lager production. Utilizing imported ice machines, the brewery ventured into crafting lagers, including varieties like Toluca Extra, Lager, Pilsner, Standard, and Bock. Despite uncertainties about the exact brewing methods, Toluca’s success in the late 19th century marked a significant milestone in Mexico’s beer industry, setting the stage for further expansion and innovation.
Another key player, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc, emerged in the early 1890s, contributing to Mexico’s brewing landscape with brands like Carta Blanca. Led by individuals like Francisco Sada and Joseph M. Schnaider, the brewery achieved international recognition, winning awards at events like the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893.
With brands like Salvator and Bohemia, Cuauhtémoc demonstrated a blend of European influences and local brewing practices, contributing to the diverse array of Mexican beers. By the early 20th century, both Toluca and Cuauhtémoc were producing substantial quantities of beer, shaping Mexico’s brewing industry and laying the groundwork for enduring beer brands that continue to thrive today.
Mexican Lagers in Mexico
Mexican lagers brewed in Mexico offer a diverse array of flavors and styles for beer enthusiasts. Leading the pack is Corona Extra, renowned for its crisp taste, closely followed by Corona Light, a rarity in its home country. Corona Familiar, its fuller-bodied counterpart, offers a nuanced comparison with its sibling.
Negra Modelo and Modelo Especial, products of the Modelo Group, showcase the Vienna Lager and Clara/Pilsner styles, respectively, though Negra’s classification has stirred debate. Carta Blanca stands out as a premium brew, while Bohemia surprises with its use of Styrian hops and a diverse range of styles, including Vienna-style lager and wheat beer.
Among the Mexican lagers, Dos Equis presents popular Lager and Ambar varieties, while Sol, Tecate, and Estrella each carve their niche in the market with distinct characteristics and histories. Pacífico Clara emerges as a standout, boasting a unique malt and hop profile, while Victoria strikes a balance between Clara and Vienna styles, akin to Silver Bluff’s Mexican Lager, offering beer enthusiasts a delightful spectrum of options to explore.
Best Mexican Vienna Lagers in the U.S.
- Great Lakes – Mexican Lager with Lime (Cleveland)
- 5.4% ABV
- Big Lime Energy. Perfect with chunky salsa in someone’s backyard.
- Thorn Brewing Co. – Barrio Lager (San Diego)
- 4.5% ABV
- Soft and fluffy with a slight « skunked » aroma. Bold body and pronounced grain flavor.
- Rare Form Brewing Company – Confetti (Clifton Park, N.Y.)
- 5.4% ABV
- Brewed with corn and Zeus hops. Smells and tastes like corn chips.
- Figueroa Mountain Brewing – Agua Santa Mexican Lager (Buellton, Calif.)
- 4.9% ABV
- Light mouthfeel with an herbal edge from German noble hops.
- Calidad Beer (Santa Barbara, Calif.)
- 4.5% ABV
- Fresh, floral aroma with a slice of cornbread sweetness.
- Tío Rodrigo Cerveza Artesanal – Taco Works Lager (San Luis Obispo, Calif.)
- 5% ABV
- Brewed with tortilla chips, lime zest, and natural spices. Crisp and refreshing.
- Cervecería de San Luis – Monopolio Lager Clara (Pittston, Penn.)
- 5% ABV
- Fluffy and feather-light with flavors of grain and hints of spicy hops.
- Firestone Walker – 805 Cerveza (Paso Robles, Calif.)
- 4.5% ABV
- Brewed with lime for peak refreshment. Lighter in body and alcohol.
- Stone – Buenaveza Salt and Lime Lager (Escondido, Calif.)
- 4.7% ABV
- Crisp with a pronounced lime flavor. Perfect for lazy river days and summertime beach vibes.
Pierre-Olivier Bussières is the Editor-in-Chief of Hoppy History and Uber Optimized. He is Sales Director at Uberflix Studio. He writes about travel, geopolitics, and alcohol markets, and has published articles in The Diplomat, Reflets, The Main, Go Nomad, Global Risk Insights, and Diplomatie.
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