A Gringo's Guide to Mexican Beer Available in the U.S

When traveling to Mexico, or stopping by your local grocery store, you may notice that the Mexican beer selection is rather slim. This is not to say that Mexico doesn't have a rich history of brewing. When it comes to beer in Mexico, they have a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" attitude. The Mayans and the Aztecs have been brewing in Mexico since before the Spanish settled in the region, using corn as a primary ingredient. In the 19^th century there was a wave of German immigrants who came to Mexico. With them, they brought European brewing techniques. This was the birth of Mexican beer as we know it.

Mexican beer is distinctive for its lager-like properties. It is light-bodied with a mild taste. As with most lagers, Mexican beer is to be served cold and it is traditionally served with a slice of lime. Mexico's two biggest beer producers are FEMSA (Formento Económico Mexicano, S.A. de C.V.) and Grupo Modelo. Beers from these two giants are what you are most likely to find both in Mexico and in the U.S. Microbrews aren't a fraction as popular in Mexico as they are in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. However, unlike beer giants in the U.S., Mexico's beer giants produce some pretty decent beer. It's getting to the point where American beer companies, like Budweiser and Miller, have begun releasing their own type of Mexican-inspired beers. It's like the Taco Bell of beer.

What's nice about these two big companies is that their beer is relatively inexpensive and very refreshing on a hot day. FEMSA, which started business in the late 19^th century, is probably best-known for their beers, Dos Equis, Tecate, and Sol. The most common Mexican beers come from Grupo Modelo. Beers from Grupo Modelo include: Corona (and all its incarnations), Pacífico, Negra Modelo, and Modelo Especial. Corona is the top-selling beer in Mexico. While there are several detractors of Corona, it is quite crisp, refreshing, and smooth. Corona is a great choice for a warm day. In fact, I would recommend any of the beers I've mentioned. Below is a list of my top five Mexican beers.

5. Corona. This is THE Mexican beer. It's a sturdy-dependable beer to lean on in a pinch for a Cinco de Mayo party. However, it is either over-hyped or over-bashed, depending on whom you talk to. The smooth, non-bitter taste beats any domestic beer.

4. Indio. Indio is a beer that is extremely hard to find in the U.S. It is produced by FEMSA, and is only found in specialty shops and south of the border. However, it is worth the search. I'm not a big fan of darker beers, but it is smooth, refreshing, and not heavy like other dark beers. It hits the spot every time.

3. Negra Modelo. The only reason I put this ahead of Indio is because it is more readily available in the U.S. Negra Modelo is also a Vienna-style dark beer, like Indio. If you're not a fan of dark beer, pick up a Negra Modelo and you'll be converted.

2. Pacífico. Pacífico, while similar to Corona, has a stronger flavor to it. It is still a light, refreshing lager. However, you can actually taste more of the beer itself, and not the lime you have stuffed in the neck of the bottle. It is a delightful change of pace from the ubiquity of Corona (even though the same company makes them).

1. Dos Equis. While this beer has been widely advertised and has gotten quite a lot of fame for its "Most Interesting Man In The World" campaign, there is a very good beer below the surface, especially the amber version of the beer. It drinks much more like an American or European beer than a Mexican beer. It is very full-bodied, rich, and complex. It doesn't leave you feeling like you've just consumed a bottle of bread. You'll definitely want a second bottle.

I encourage you to try all of these beers. I am a bigger fan of amber ales and IPAs, but I like to change up my routine with some lighter fare, and Mexico's beers hit the spot. In the words of the Dos Equis spokesman, "Stay thirsty, my friends."

http://www.gmodelo.com/intro_en_4.html
http://www.femsa.com/es/
http://books.google.com/books?id=sJ9mcE7FtJ0C&pg=PA69&lpg=PA69&dq=maize+maya+alcohol+mexico&source=web&ots=mwecIrXYtS&sig=tVaj84Mfle1NZq9SOwdkAHyJhmI&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=3&ct=result#v=onepage&q=maize%20maya%20alcohol%20mexico&f=false