Mexico is a country known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and delicious cuisine. While it’s best known for its iconic tequila and traditional beer styles like Corona and Modelo, there’s a burgeoning craft beer scene in the country that’s making waves both locally and internationally. Mexican craft beers offer a refreshing and innovative twist on traditional brews, infusing bold flavors and diverse ingredients into each bottle.
In this article, we’ll explore the best Mexican craft beers that every beer lover should try, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, and everything in between. Let’s dive into the exciting world of Mexican craft beers and discover why they’re worth your attention.
The Rise of Mexican Craft Beer
The craft beer movement in Mexico has grown rapidly in recent years, with more than 800 microbreweries and craft beer companies now operating across the country. What started as a small, niche market has exploded into a full-fledged industry, with Mexican craft brewers experimenting with new styles, techniques, and flavors. They’re taking advantage of the country’s rich natural resources, such as unique spices, fruits, and herbs, to create distinctive brews that reflect Mexico’s vibrant culinary traditions.
Mexican craft beers are known for their quality and creativity. While many breweries still produce traditional styles like pale ales, lagers, and stouts, others have pushed the boundaries by incorporating local ingredients like chili peppers, cacao, and tropical fruits. This blend of innovation and tradition has led to a growing number of craft beer aficionados and enthusiasts seeking out Mexican brews.
Popular Mexican Craft Beer Styles
Mexican craft beers span a wide range of styles, from hop-forward IPAs to smooth lagers and dark, complex stouts. Some breweries have taken inspiration from classic European styles, while others are developing new, distinctly Mexican variations. Here are some popular Mexican craft beer styles to explore:
- Mexican Pale Ale (MPA): A twist on the classic American Pale Ale, Mexican Pale Ales are known for their crisp bitterness, bright citrus notes, and floral aromas. These beers are refreshing yet full of flavor, making them a great choice for casual sipping or pairing with a variety of Mexican dishes.
- Cervezas de Maíz (Corn Beers): Corn is a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, and some craft brewers have embraced it in their beers as well. These corn-based brews are light, crisp, and slightly sweet, offering a subtle yet refreshing taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
- Stouts and Porters: Mexican craft brewers are giving traditional stouts and porters their own spin, adding ingredients like chocolate, vanilla, and coffee to enhance the flavors. These dark beers are rich, smooth, and indulgent, with some offering a hint of spiciness or smokiness.
- Wheat Beers: Wheat beers, or “cervezas artesanales de trigo,” are another popular style in Mexico’s craft beer scene. These brews are light, refreshing, and often feature fruity or citrusy notes. They’re the perfect option for a sunny afternoon or when paired with fresh seafood or light salads.
- Fruit Beers: Fruit beers are a growing trend in Mexico’s craft beer scene, with local fruits like guava, mango, and hibiscus often used to add a sweet, tropical twist. These beers are often bright in color and flavor, making them a fun and refreshing choice for adventurous beer drinkers.
Notable Mexican Craft Breweries to Try
If you’re looking to explore the world of Mexican craft beer, there are several standout breweries that are leading the charge in innovation and quality. Here are a few that every craft beer enthusiast should try:
- Cervecería de Colima (Colima): Known for its high-quality beers, Cervecería de Colima produces a range of styles, including the “Colimita” pilsner, which is crisp and clean, and the “cervezas mexicanas Noche Buena” seasonal stout, which boasts rich malt flavors with a hint of spice.
- Minerva Brewery (Guadalajara): Minerva is one of the pioneers of the Mexican craft beer movement. Their flagship beer, the “Minerva Imperial Stout,” is a rich and flavorful brew with notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel. They also offer a range of IPAs, including the “Minerva Pale Ale,” which has a bold hop character and citrus aroma.
- Calavera Brewery (Mexico City): Calavera Brewery is known for its creative beers that incorporate unique ingredients. Their “Calavera Black IPA” is a dark and hoppy brew with flavors of roasted malt and pine, while the “Calavera Pale Ale” is a well-balanced, hop-forward beer with floral and citrus notes.
- Brouwerij de Molen (Mexico) (Querétaro): With a blend of traditional Dutch brewing techniques and Mexican ingredients, Brouwerij de Molen has crafted a selection of outstanding beers. Their “La Pipa” IPA offers bold hop bitterness balanced by tropical fruit flavors, while their “Café de Molen” stout features rich coffee and chocolate flavors.
- Cerveza Artesanal La Chingonería (Mexico City): Known for its bold and experimental beers, La Chingonería offers a range of brews that push the boundaries of traditional Mexican beer. Their “Lucha Libre” IPA is packed with hops and citrus flavors, while their “Manteca Imperial Stout” is a dark, robust beer with hints of vanilla and chocolate.
Why You Should Try Mexican Craft Beers
Mexican craft beers are a great choice for anyone looking to explore new flavors and styles. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a newcomer to the craft beer scene, Mexican brewers offer something for every palate. Here’s why you should consider trying them:
- Bold and Unique Flavors: Mexican craft brewers are known for incorporating local ingredients and flavors that set their beers apart from others. From the spiciness of chili peppers to the sweetness of tropical fruits, these beers are a reflection of Mexico’s rich culinary diversity.
- Support Local Brewers: By choosing Mexican craft beer, you’re supporting small, independent breweries that are passionate about their craft. These brewers take pride in producing high-quality beers that showcase the best of Mexican brewing traditions.
- Pairing with Mexican Cuisine: Mexican craft beers pair wonderfully with the country’s delicious and diverse cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying tacos, ceviche, or mole, there’s a Mexican craft beer that can complement and enhance the flavors of your meal.
Conclusion: Mexican Craft Beer is a Must-Try
The Mexican craft beer scene is booming, and there’s no better time to explore the flavors and styles that this vibrant industry has to offer. From rich stouts to hoppy IPAs and fruit-infused brews, Mexican craft beers provide a refreshing and exciting take on traditional beer styles.
If you’re looking for something new and innovative to add to your beer repertoire, consider exploring the best Mexican craft beers. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a die-hard beer enthusiast, there’s a Mexican craft beer out there for you to enjoy. Cheers to the craft beer revolution in Mexico!
