Mexican Beer: A Brief History of the Top 5 Mexican Beers
Mexican beer is some of the most unique beer in the world. European Beer was first introduced to Mexico by Spanish conquistadors soon after the arrival of Hernan Cortes. In modern times beer is as Integral to Mexican culture as it is to American culture, if not moreso.
There are quite a few Las Vegas restaurants that specialize in Mexican food and beer, like Libre – Summerlin Restaurant, where you can order a draft or a bottle of a wide variety of choices. If you’re not familiar with mexican beers, keep reading to find out a little history about some of the best suds from south of the border.
1. Victoria
Victoria is a copper colored, pilsner-vienna style lager that has been in production since 1865. This brand was acquired in 1935 by the Modelo Group. Victoria beer has been brewed consistently, using the same methods for over 150 years, making it Mexico’s oldest brand of beer.
This beer is unique in its bold and bitter taste, and pairs well with sweet and savory dishes like tacos al pastor, made with slow cooked pork shoulder and fresh pineapple.
2. Modelo Especial
Modelo Especial is a pilsner-style lager that was first brewed in 1925. The dream of its original brewers was to create a “model” beer that would stand the test of time. Their efforts were not in vain, as this beer is still a popular favorite nearly a century later. It was introduced to the U.S. in 1990, and has become one of the top selling beers in the States, as well as in Mexico.
This Beer has a light golden color and a smooth finish with bitter and sour notes. Modelo Especial goes exceptionally well with the fresh shrimp ceviche known as aguachile, made with lime juice, cilantro, habanero chillies, and slivered red onion.
3. Corona Extra
It’s no overstatement to say that Corona is one of the most popular Mexican beers in the world. This pale lager is the best-selling beer in mexico and the best-selling imported beer in both the united states and the U.K. First introduced to the U.S. in 1981, it quickly became a favorite among people from all walks of life.
This beer is known for its distinct tartness and sharp aftertaste. It goes well with just about anything, but it’s especially good for washing down tacos de asada, made with tender grilled flank steak and finished with fresh cilantro and white onion. Oh, and don’t forget the lime.
4. Cerveza Sol
Established in 1899, Cerveza sol is a pale lager. As the story goes, Cerveza Sol was created when a German brewmaster took inspiration from a ray of sunlight shining through a hole in the brewery’s roof. The rest is history. Sol has a clear golden pour with a minimal white head. It features subtle notes of malt and citrus.
This beer is a standard name in mexico, and is quickly growing in popularity in the United States. Order a Cerveza Sol to wash down a plate of chiles rellenos, made with Poblano peppers stuffed with queso fresco, coated in a rich egg batter and grilled, or fried until golden brown.
5. Bohemia
Bohemia is the oldest traditional pilsner brewed in Mexico. Named after the Bohemia region of the Czech Republic, it was first brewed in the early 20th century by the Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc, who began its operation in 1891.
This beer is a one of a kind brew that is highly regarded as one of the best beers in the world. Brewed with syrian hops, it offers a warm citrusy finish and a copper color that pleases the palate as well as the eyes.
This beer is a great pairing with a shrimp molcajete, made with crushed tomatillos and chile de arbol.
6. Dos Equis
Originally called Siglo XX, this beer brewery was originally created to commemorate the turn of the 20th century, and remains a very popular mexican beer brewer both in the US and Mexico to this day. The original Dos Equis is a Vienna-style dark beer with an amber color. This was Cervecería Moctezuma’s best selling beer in the 1940s and 1950s. There is also a lighter version which is derived from the original recipe.
Dos equis is a boldly flavored beer with a sharp aftertaste and notes of malt and bitter. Try a Dos Equis with a plate of pork tamales for a flavor combination that is sure to please the palate and the stomach.
A Clean Finish
Whether you are a fan of dark beers or light, there is a mexican beer for you. The best thing to do when choosing a beer at your next trip to your favorite mexican cantina is to ask the bartender to give you a run down of the mexican beers they offer. You could even ask them to recommend their favorite, and don’t be afraid to try two or three, as long as you don’t plan on driving.
What is your favorite imported beer? Why do you prefer it? Leave us a comment with your feedback in the section below.