Exploring Mexican Lager

In recent years, there has been a growing discussion around the Mexican Lager style. The debate often revolves around whether or not Mexican Lagers are sufficiently differentiated to be considered a distinct beer style category, or if they are just an interpretation of the broader family of international or American lagers. When most people think of Mexican Lager, they may think of something very light and refreshing. But this view is over-simplistic and ignores the brewing history and diversity of lager beers brewed in Mexico.

A Bit of History

Lager brewing in Mexico has a long and rich history and tradition dating back to the late 19th century. At this time, some beers were brewed using 100 % European malt. Other beers used adjuncts like rice or corn, not to reduce costs, but to smooth the character of American six-row barley malt. The source of the original culture of lager yeast that these breweries used is mostly a mystery to the public, but there is discussion that it could have arrived from the USA rather than Europe. In the last 25 years, craft breweries have appeared in Mexico and created an industry that is still growing and supported by a diverse range of lager beer styles. Beer competitions within Mexico include four separate Mexican Lager categories – Light, Pale, Amber, and Dark. Contrary to popular belief internationally, most Mexican lagers are not as light in color as possible, and there is a diverse range of flavors within the style. In fact, lagers in Mexico can be Pale, Amber, or Dark, often with more body than a typical American Lager that is balanced with slightly higher IBUs.

Mexican Lager Defined

Most ingredients used to make Mexican Lager are not distinctly Mexican. Malt flavors are either neutral or mimic European lightly toasted malts, and the color of Mexican lager can range from light to dark. Mexican lagers tend to have low hop rates, and there are no distinctly Mexican hop varieties. Lager yeast strains originally derived from the USA or Europe give a very clean fermentation profile that is low in esters and with minimal or no diacetyl or sulfur character. Across the variety of Mexican lager styles, a common feature is the use of adjuncts such as rice or corn at rates in the range of 15-35%. Light and pale Mexican Lagers are very close to American Lagers, but usually the standard strength versions show slightly more body and IBU’s to balance. Amber and dark Mexican Lagers are more unique, however, since it is uncommon to find darker beer styles that use adjuncts. These styles allow for the expression of malty aromas while maintaining a light body and high drinkability.

How About That Slice of Lime?

If you want to fit in with the locals, forget the lime wedge in your bottle. Most beer drinkers in Mexico have their beer straight without any added ingredients. That said, it is also very common to get a beer prepared with lime juice, salt, tomato juice, and other savory ingredients (even clams!). However, beers that are premixed and packaged with one or more of these flavor additions are not very common in Mexico.

The Future of Mexican Lager

The craft brewing industry in Mexico is still relatively small, but it is growing at an exciting rate. It has mainly been influenced by craft and traditional breweries from other countries. Mexican lagers are a unique case where the sources of inspiration are the beers that have been produced in Mexico for over a century and recognized around the world.