Let’s face it, most Mexican beers available around here are all but indistinguishable from the next, especially those in Grupo Modelo’s portfolio. With few exceptions, anyone who claims one to be superior to the other likely thinks Bud Lite mops the floor with Coors Light. Mexican beers are more about lifestyle, nostalgia, and a summer that never ends. Pick one and ye shall be refreshed.
Victoria
Style: Vienna lager
ABV: 4.0 percent
Color: Deep amber
Brewery: Groupo Modelo
Notes: Claims to be the oldest beer in Mexico. On the bitter side for a Mexican beer, with a slight maltiness and more flavor than other Mexican lagers.
Pacifico
Style: American adjunct lager
ABV: 4.5 percent
Color: Pale gold
Brewery: Groupo Modelo
Notes: Beyond its slight grainy sweetness, similar to other light Mexican lagers.
Corona Familiar
Style: Vienna lager
ABV: 4.8 percent
Color: Pale gold
Brewery: Groupo Modelo
Notes: Corona Familiar might seem quite, ahem, familiar if you’ve had a Corona Extra.
Estrella Jalisco
Style: American adjunct lager
ABV: 4.0 percent
Color: Pale gold
Brewery: Groupo Modelo
Notes: The least flavor and lightest of the bunch with a mild grain/corn flavor at the top.
Sesión Cerveza
Style: Light lager
ABV: 4.5 percent
Color: Pale gold
Brewery: Full Sail Brewing Co.
Notes: Another craft brewery joins the Mexican beer trend. Most flavorful of the bunch with subtle citrus notes and a corn graininess you’d expect in a Mexican-style lager.
Modelo Negra
Style: Amber lager
ABV: 5.4 percent
Color: Amber-brown
Brewery: Groupo Modelo
Notes: Malty caramel flavor and dark color make this one stand on its own against most other Mexican lagers.
David Holub
