Mexico is known for its tequila, mezcal, and, of course, its beer. While popular brands like Corona and Modelo dominate the global beer market, there’s an exciting craft beer scene blossoming throughout the country. Mexican craft beers are making waves with their bold flavors, unique ingredients, and innovative brewing methods. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or refreshing lagers, the Mexican craft beer world has something for every palate.
In this article, we’ll dive into some of the top cervezas artesanales craft beers you should try, offering a glimpse into the vibrant beer culture that’s taking Mexico by storm.
1. Cervecería de Colima “Colimita”
Cervecería de Colima is a well-known brewery that offers a wide range of craft beers with a distinctly Mexican flair. “Colimita” is their flagship beer, a light and crisp pilsner with subtle malt sweetness and a balanced hop bitterness. It’s a refreshing choice, perfect for those who enjoy lighter, sessionable beers.
Tasting Notes: Crisp, clean, with a light malt backbone and refreshing hop bitterness.
Food Pairing: Tacos, grilled fish, or ceviche.
2. Baja Brewing Co. “Baja Pale Ale”
Baja Brewing Co. has established itself as one of Mexico’s leading craft breweries. Their “Baja Pale Ale” is a flavorful, hop-forward beer that brings the bold flavors of American craft beers to Mexico. It’s an ideal choice for those who enjoy the hoppy bitterness and citrusy aromas typical of pale ales.
Tasting Notes: A punch of citrus, pine, and tropical fruits, with a moderate hop bitterness.
Food Pairing: Spicy shrimp tacos, grilled meats, or barbecue.
3. Cucapá “Chupacabras” Imperial Stout
Cucapá is a craft brewery from Mexicali that is known for creating rich, flavorful beers. “Chupacabras” is an imperial stout that’s dark, complex, and packed with roasted malt flavors. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys deep, rich stouts with chocolate and coffee notes.
Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and caramel, with a smooth, velvety finish.
Food Pairing: Grilled steaks, chocolate desserts, or rich cheeses.
4. Cervecería Minerva “Minerva Imperial”
Cervecería Minerva is one of the pioneers of the Mexican craft beer movement. Their “Minerva Imperial” is an imperial IPA that packs a punch with its high ABV and intense hop character. It’s a great choice for those who love bold, hoppy beers with a lot of flavor.
Tasting Notes: Bold hop bitterness, with notes of pine, citrus, and tropical fruit.
Food Pairing: Spicy Mexican food, burgers, or grilled sausages.
5. The Beer Company “Lupulada IPA”
The Beer Company, based in Guadalajara, is known for its creative cervezas mexicanas high-quality craft beers. “Lupulada IPA” is a flagship IPA that showcases the brewery’s mastery of hop-forward flavors. It’s a juicy, citrus-packed IPA with a balanced bitterness that’s perfect for hop lovers.
Tasting Notes: Grapefruit, pine, and tropical fruit, with a bright, hoppy finish.
Food Pairing: Spicy nachos, grilled chicken, or barbecued ribs.
6. Rámuri “Rámuri Pale Ale”
Named after the indigenous Raramuri people of northern Mexico, Rámuri Brewing Company is known for creating craft beers that reflect the essence of the region. Their “Rámuri Pale Ale” is a smooth, balanced beer with a nice malt backbone and moderate hop bitterness.
Tasting Notes: Mild malt sweetness, balanced hop bitterness, with floral and citrus notes.
Food Pairing: Carnitas, grilled chicken, or quesadillas.
7. 5 de Mayo “Cerveza Roja”
5 de Mayo is a popular Mexican craft brewery that creates a wide variety of beers with traditional Mexican ingredients. “Cerveza Roja” is a red ale that combines malt sweetness with a light hoppy bitterness, making it a great choice for those who enjoy rich, flavorful beers that aren’t too heavy.
Tasting Notes: Caramel, toffee, and toasted malt flavors, with a balanced hop finish.
Food Pairing: Roasted pork, grilled vegetables, or hearty stews.
8. La Chingoneria “La Chingona” Imperial IPA
La Chingoneria is a craft brewery from Mexico City that’s making a name for itself with its bold and flavorful beers. “La Chingona” is an imperial IPA that is packed with bold hop flavors and a high alcohol content, making it a standout beer in the craft beer scene.
Tasting Notes: Intense citrus, pine, and tropical fruit, with a bold hop bitterness.
Food Pairing: Spicy tacos, grilled steak, or sharp cheeses.
9. Cervecería Calavera “Calavera Dark”
Cervecería Calavera is a renowned craft brewery in Mexico that offers unique and complex beers. Their “Calavera Dark” is a rich, dark beer that blends the flavors of roasted malt with subtle sweetness. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a flavorful stout or porter-style beer.
Tasting Notes: Roasted coffee, chocolate, and dark fruit, with a smooth, velvety mouthfeel.
Food Pairing: Grilled meats, chocolate desserts, or smoked sausages.
10. Amante “Amante Oatmeal Stout”
Amante Brewing is a small, independent craft brewery based in Mexico City. Their “Amante Oatmeal Stout” is a smooth, creamy stout that’s rich in flavor. It’s made with oatmeal to give it a soft, silky mouthfeel, and it’s packed with chocolate and coffee notes.
Tasting Notes: Roasted coffee, chocolate, and a creamy, smooth finish.
Food Pairing: Dark chocolate desserts, roasted meats, or sharp cheeses.
Conclusion: Mexican Craft Beers Are Here to Stay
Mexico’s craft beer scene is growing fast, and with so many exciting beers to try, it’s the perfect time to dive into this flavorful world. From light and refreshing pilsners to bold and hoppy IPAs, Mexican craft brewers are creating beers that reflect the country’s rich flavors and traditions, while also pushing the boundaries of beer styles.
