Mexican Beers: Bavarian Standards Adhered Or Not?

The Reinheitsgebot, or Bavarian Beer Purity Law, is a series of regulations that limit the ingredients in beer in Germany and the states of the former Holy Roman Empire. The law was first adopted in 1516 and stipulated that only barley, hops, and water could be used to brew beer. This law has played a crucial role in establishing German beer's worldwide reputation for taste and quality. While it is no longer legally enforceable, local breweries still voluntarily adhere to it. So, which Mexican beers adhere to these Bavarian standards?

What is the Reinheitsgebot?

The Reinheitsgebot, or the Bavarian Purity Law, is a series of regulations that limit the ingredients in beer in Germany and the states of the former Holy Roman Empire. The law was first adopted in 1516 by William IV, Duke of Bavaria, but similar regulations predate the Bavarian order, and modern regulations differ significantly from the original 1516 version.

The 1516 Bavarian law stated that the only ingredients that could be used in the production of beer were water, barley, and hops. Yeast was later added to the list of permitted ingredients when its role in the brewing process was discovered. The law also set the price of beer depending on the time of year and type, limited the profits made by innkeepers, and made confiscation the penalty for making impure beer.

The Bavarian order of 1516 was introduced to prevent price competition with bakers for wheat and rye, as barley was to be used for beer, and wheat and rye were reserved for bread-making. The rule may also have had a protectionist role, as beers from Northern Germany often contained additives that could not be grown in Bavaria. In addition, religious conservatism may have played a role in the adoption of the rule, as it suppressed the use of plants that were allegedly used in pagan rituals.

The Reinheitsgebot is considered the beginning of the worldwide reputation for excellence that German beer continues to enjoy today. It is one of the oldest food regulations in the world that is still in effect and has played a crucial role in establishing German beer's reputation for taste and quality. Although it is no longer legally enforceable, local breweries in Germany still voluntarily adhere to the Reinheitsgebot.

How did Mexican beer production begin?

Mexican beer production began with the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. While fermented alcoholic drinks, including a corn beer called tesgüino, were consumed in Mexico long before the Spanish arrived, the Europeans introduced barley-based beers. However, beer production was limited due to a lack of available grains, as well as strict regulations and high taxes imposed by the Spanish authorities on locally produced alcoholic beverages.

The first official concession to brew European-style beer was granted to Alfonso de Herrero in 1543 or 1544. Despite facing challenges due to competition from native beverages and high costs, Herrero's brewery laid the foundation for the adoption of European-style beer in Mexico.

After Mexico gained independence, the industry flourished as restrictions disappeared, and German immigrants brought additional knowledge and expertise, further diversifying and improving the local beer market. The influx of German immigrants during the Second Mexican Empire, led by the Austrian archduke Maximilian I of Mexico, contributed to the opening of many breweries across the country.

By the early 20th century, beer had become a significant industry in Mexico, aided by prohibition in the United States, which created a thriving cross-border trade in alcoholic beverages. The Mexican Revolution saw the emergence of over 35 breweries, and the subsequent consolidation in the 1920s led to the dominance of two major players, Grupo Modelo and Cerveceria Cuautehmoc-Moctezuma, which today control over 90% of the Mexican beer market.

What are the main Mexican beer conglomerates?

Mexico is a world-recognised beer-producing country, ranking fourth globally and first in terms of exports. The two main Mexican beer conglomerates are Grupo Modelo (now owned by AB InBev) and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma (formerly known as FEMSA Cerveza and now owned by Heineken N.V.) Together, they control 90% of the Mexican beer market and distribute their products both domestically and abroad.

Grupo Modelo

Grupo Modelo was founded in 1925 in Mexico City and began with two brands, Modelo and Corona. By 1933, Corona was being exported to the United States, and in 1935, Grupo Modelo made its first acquisition of a smaller local brewery, absorbing the Victoria and Pilsener brands. Over the years, Grupo Modelo continued to expand by buying smaller breweries and making their beers available nationwide. In the 1980s, the company began new businesses, such as INAMEX, which produces malt, and changed its name to Grupo Modelo. During this period, it also started exporting Corona to the United States, and by 1997, Corona had become the number one premium imported beer in the US. Today, Grupo Modelo's brands include Corona, Corona Light, Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, Victoria, Estrella, León, Montejo, and Pacifico.

Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma

Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, also known as FEMSA or Heineken México, was created through the merger of Cervecería Cuauhtémoc and Cervecería Moctezuma. Cervecería Cuauhtémoc was founded in 1890 and grew by acquiring smaller breweries across Mexico. Cervecería Moctezuma, originally called Cervecería Guillermo Hasse y Compañia, started in 1893 and eventually changed its name to Cervecería Moctezuma. In the 1980s, Cervecería Cuauhtémoc bought Cervecería Moctezuma, creating one of the largest brewing companies in the world with control over twelve brand names. FEMSA bought the combined breweries to add to its other businesses, such as bottling and packaging. Today, FEMSA's brands include Tecate, Sol, Dos Equis, Carta Blanca, Superior, Indio, and Bohemia.

Other Players

While Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma dominate the Mexican beer market, there are also smaller breweries and microbreweries that contribute to the industry. These include Cervecería Toluca y México, Cervecería Cruz Blanca, San Diego Brewery, Cervecería Yucateca, Gran Cervecería de San Luis, Fábrica de Cerveza y Hielo, Cevercería Piazzini, Cervecería Estrella, Cervecería Sonora, Cervecería del Pacífico, Mexicali Brewery, and Aztec Brewing Company. Additionally, the rise of craft beer in Mexico has led to the establishment of microbreweries such as Pepe's y Joe's in Mazatlán, Cervecería San Ángel and Cervecería Santa Fe Beer Factory in Mexico City, and Beer Lounge in Guadalajara.

What are the most popular Mexican beers?

Mexican beer has outsold all other foreign imports in the United States for almost a decade, largely due to the popularity of Corona and, more recently, Modelo Especial. In 2023, Corona was the best-selling beer in Mexico, while Modelo Especial is the best-selling Mexican beer in the US. In fact, it's the best-selling beer overall, outpacing Bud Light in May 2023.

Most Mexican beers are lagers, but there are also plenty of Mexican pilsners. This is due to the Germanic influence on Mexico's beer-making history. In the 1860s, for example, the nation spent four years under the rule of Austro-German Emperor Maximilian, who set up the first brewery in Mexico. As a result, the first lagers brewed in Mexico were Vienna-style lagers, and that influence is still prevalent in Mexican beers today, such as Modelo Negra and Dos Equis Amber.

Today, Mexican beer is primarily produced by two large conglomerates: Cervecería Modelo/Grupo Modelo and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma/FEMSA. Here are some of the most popular beers from these conglomerates:

Grupo Modelo beers:

• Corona: This is the flagship beer of Grupo Modelo and the best-selling beer produced by Mexico. It's also the best-selling non-domestic beer in the US, UK and Australia. It was created in 1925 to celebrate the brewery's tenth anniversary and is a light straw-coloured lager with a very mild flavour.
• Modelo Especial: Grupo Modelo's second brand, first brewed in 1925. It's a pilsner-style beer available in bottles and cans and is the second most popular beer in Mexico.
• Negra Modelo: One of Grupo Modelo's original beers, first sold as a draft in 1926. It's a Munich dunkel (dark) beer.
• Pacífico: A Mexican pilsner beer named after the Pacific Ocean. It's Modelo's best-selling beer in northwest Mexico and is exported to the southwest US.
• Estrella: A regional brand, mostly sold in Jalisco state and other areas in western Mexico.
• Victoria: First brewed by Cervecería Toluca y México in 1865 but acquired by Modelo in 1935. It's a Vienna-style amber beer.
• Montejo: First introduced in 1960 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Yucateca brewery, which was bought by Grupo Modelo in 1979.

Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma/FEMSA beers:

• Tecate: One of the best-known brands in Mexico due to its sponsorship of Mexican sports teams and events.
• Sol: A very light-coloured beer with little hops flavour, considered a beer for young people and the working class.
• Dos Equis: First brewed in Mexico by German brewer Wilhelm Hasse in 1897. The original name was "Siglo XX" (20th Century) but it became widely known by its nickname, "Dos Equis" (Double X).
• Carta Blanca: Cervecería Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma's first premium beer, first marketed in 1890. It's a pilsner.
• Bohemia: The oldest and most traditional pilsner in Mexico, with a significant hops flavour.
• Indio: Originally named Cuauhtémoc but consumers began to refer to it as "Indian" for the image of an Indian on the bottle.
• Superior: Originally brewed to be a premium beer, this has made a comeback in recent years.

What are Mexican craft beers like?

Mexican craft beer is a growing industry, with a wide range of options now available across the country. While the market is still dominated by two large conglomerates, craft beers are becoming more common and popular.

The history of beer in Mexico dates back to the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, when European-style beer brewed with barley was introduced. However, it wasn't until the arrival of German and Swiss immigrants in the 19th century that the beer industry began to develop, with the opening of many breweries across the country.

Today, Mexican craft beers cover a range of styles, including pale ales, stouts, wheat beers, and IPAs. They are known for their drinkability and refreshing quality, making them perfect for the hot Mexican climate. Many Mexican craft beers also have a floral, bready aroma and a complex flavour, with a clean finish.

Some popular Mexican craft breweries include Cervecería de Colima, Baja Brewing, and Cerveza Minerva. These breweries offer a range of styles, including German Pilsners, American Pale Ales, Porters, and even a Tropical IPA.

The growth of the craft beer scene in Mexico has been aided by the relaxation of laws and the increasing demand for more diverse and flavourful beers. This has allowed smaller breweries to thrive and offer unique and innovative beers to consumers.

In addition to the traditional lager-style beers that Mexico is known for, these craft breweries are pushing the boundaries and offering new and exciting options to beer lovers in Mexico and beyond.

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