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The Best Mexican Beer Brands List 2022, History, Styles
by Greg Rutkowski
If there is one thing that Mexico has to offer, it's great beer. Mexico is one of the world’s top producers of beer.
Mexico has a huge part to play in the beer production industry, with their beers being exported to many countries worldwide.
There is a wide variety of beers you can enjoy, and on top of that, you can pair a beer with your favorite food.
Let us take a deep dive into Mexican beers.
Fun Fact: Victoria Mexican beer was the first beer brand in Mexico started in 1865.
The History of Mexican Beers
There is a long history when it comes to Mexican beer.
The Mesoamerican cultures were aware of fermented alcoholic drinks, it was the Spanish who first brewed beer as we know it today in Mexico following their invasion. This was made with barley and wheat.
There wasn’t much beer produced during the colonial period because of a lack of materials, and there were serious restrictions and taxes on Mexican beer placed by the Spanish.
The regulations were later lifted after the Mexican War of Independence, and the industry was allowed to develop.
Additionally, the arrival of the German immigrants, including the short-lasting empire of Australian Maximilian, allowed for the start of multiple breweries in several parts of the country.
By 1989, there were over 36 breweries in Mexico, but today only two corporations still exist.
Commercial Breweries in Mexico
There are two main commercial breweries in Mexico called the “Big Two”.
Together they control over 90% of the Mexican beer market and they are;
- Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery
- Groupo Modelo
The beer industry is the most prevalent in Mexico, with over 63% of the population purchasing beer from one of those brands.
Beer is also one of the country’s major exports.
A lot of it goes to the USA, but it is available in over 150 countries worldwide.
Cerveceria Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma
Founded in Monterrey, Mexico in 1890 and now owned by Heineken, this brewery has created what is known in Mexico as the “Moctezuma Line.”
This line includes the following Mexican beers;
- Carta Blanca
- Sol
- Indio
- Bohemia
- Dos Equis
- Tecate
This brewery also produces the following Mexican beers;
- Moctezuna
- Noche Buena
Today the company produces about 26,330,000 US beer barrels per year.
Grupo Modelo
Founded in 1925, Grupo Modelo is another leader in beer production in Mexico producing some of the world’s most popular beers.
These Mexican beers include;
- Corona
- Pacífico
- Modelo
- Victoria
- Estralla Jalisco
- León
- Barrilito
They also own the “Modelorama” Mexican convenience store chain which helps them distribute their beers all over Mexico.
Are you looking for a high-class hand-blown Mexican beer glass? Click here.
Types of Mexican Beer
The main types of beer in Mexico are;
- Lager
- Pilsner
- Vienna Light
- Vienna Dark
- Munich Dark
Mexican Beer Bottle Sizes
There are four different types of bottling or canning for Mexican Beer.
- Traditional 325ml size bottle
- Traditional 325ml siz can
- The caguamita (little turtle) which is a 325ml grenade-style beer bottle
- The caguama (turtle) which is a 940ml “40” size bottle
List of Artisanal Craft Mexican Beers
Since the rise of craft and artisanal beers, there are many cervecerias, breweries that have hit the scene.
Some of these Mexican craft beers include;
- Los Cuentos
- Colimita
- Cucapa
- Balam
- Loba
- Allende
- Tres Casas
- Jabali
- Fortuna
Mexican Beer Drinking Culture
The manner in which beer is drunk in Mexico slightly differs from the United States and other countries.
In a sense, beer drinking is more casual.
It is not uncommon to have a beer or michelada during the work day at lunch.
You will also be able to see people walking around on the streets and in markets with beers pretty much at any time of day.
In general, the drinking culture is very fun and something that people want to be a part of, especially in touristic areas.
There is a dark side though.
Beer is cheap in Mexico and easily obtainable.
Because of this, there is a large part of the population that suffer from alcoholism which leads to domestic abuse and other criminal acts.
Many families have been torn apart by the stereotypical barracho.
However, there is plenty of governmental programs, charities, and organizations to help treat alcoholism in Mexico which is a very good thing.
How Much Does A Mexico Beer Cost In Mexico?
On average, a domestic Mexican beer will cost around $30 pesos (or $1.50) per beer at your local convenience store or super market.
What is unique about Mexican beer retail sales is that you can open a case or a six pack, grab one beer, and pay for it.
This differs from the US as you need to by the entire 6 pack at one time.
Mexican Beer Glass Styles
For the most part, beer consumed in Mexico is drank straight from the can or bottle.
A glass is used for draft beers and beer cocktails like the Michelada.
Below are the types of beer glasses commonly used in Mexico to drink beer.
If you are interested in how to make the Perfect Michelada, click here.
Updated: 04/18/22
Sincerely,
Greg Rutkowski, President
Greg is a lover of agave spirits, handicrafts, and barware. In 2020 he married all of his loves and created a business bringing amazing pieces from all over Mexico to the United States. Learn more here.
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