Mexican beers, particularly Mexican lagers, are not generally known for their bitterness. In fact, they are often characterized by their low bitterness and smooth, crisp flavors. This is especially true for the popular Mexican lagers brewed by macro breweries in Mexico.
One of the most well-known Mexican lagers is the iconic Corona Extra. It has a light, refreshing taste with minimal bitterness. It is commonly enjoyed with a wedge of lime, which adds a touch of citrus and further enhances the drinkability of the beer. Other popular Mexican lagers like Modelo Especial, Pacifico, and Tecate also fall into this category of low bitterness and high drinkability.
The low bitterness of Mexican lagers can be attributed to the brewing process and ingredients used. These beers are typically brewed with adjunct grains such as corn or rice, which contribute to a lighter body and a cleaner, smoother flavor profile. The use of these adjunct grains also helps to mellow out any potential bitterness from the hops.
Additionally, Mexican lagers are often brewed using a process called “lagering,” which involves fermenting the beer at cooler temperatures for an extended period of time. This results in a cleaner, crisper beer with minimal off-flavors or bitterness.
It’s worth noting that while Mexican lagers are generally low in bitterness, there are some craft breweries in Mexico and the United States that have started to experiment with more hop-forward, bitter styles within the Mexican Lager category. These craft versions may have a slightly higher bitterness compared to their macro-brewed counterparts, but they still tend to be relatively mild in terms of bitterness compared to other beer styles.
Mexican lagers, including the popular ones brewed by macro breweries in Mexico, are not typically known for their bitterness. They are instead characterized by their clean, crisp flavors and high drinkability. However, the craft beer scene in Mexico is evolving, and there are now some hop-forward Mexican lagers available that offer a slightly higher level of bitterness.