Cervezas Artesanales: Mexico’s Top Craft Beers

Preparation of Mexican beer drink MicheladaOver the past decade, the Mexican beer scene has exploded, churning out a surprising number of highly drinkable cervezas artesanales – hoppy, full-bodied craft beers that can truly hold their own. If you’re hankering for something headier than Dos Equis, Pacifico, or the ubiquitous Corona, there are some exciting new brews to check out during your next trip south of the border. Some say that the craft beer movement in Mexico is still under the radar, limited to major urban hubs like Mexico City or Guadalajara.

The good news is that brew pubs, bars and restaurants in tourist hotspots are beginning to stock up on some of the better stouts, Imperial Pale Ales (IPAs) and dark lagers that are a refreshing standout from traditional ales.  Here’s a roundup of Mexico’s five tastiest craft beers, as rated by BeerAdvocate.

La Lupulosa – American style IPA

Brewed by Cerveceria Insurgente, this delectable IPA scores well for its light toasty caramel malt and complex candied citrus, pine and earthy aromas. Praised for its deep amber body and “beautiful creamy head,” La Lupulosa (Alcohol 7.3%) has a pleasant hoppy bitterness, with notes of mango, pine and grapefruit.

Minerva – Irish Dry Stout

Minerva earns high scores as a stellar Mexican stout. Produced by Cerveceria Minerva, this medium-bodied brew has flavor notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, licorice, charred wood and herbal hops. Minerva has a fairly dry finish, with lingering hints of toasted cocoa and caramelized sugar.

Nocturna – Black American Ale

Some reviewers say that Nocturna drinks more like a hoppy porter than a black IPA, but the general consensus is still positive. With each sip, Nocturna delivers a hoppy flavor with notes of toasted grains.  Described as “crisp, malty, mildly bitter with a nice balance of sweet and pepper,” this hops-forward beer is easy to drink but not overly heavy.

Runaway – American style IPA

Flavors of citrus, pine, caramel, and grass dominate this American-style IPA, crafted by Cucapa Brewing Company. Runaway’s 7.5% alcohol content is hardly noticeable, and it finishes with a lingering malty sweetness reminiscent of honey. This Imperial Pale Ale will exceed your expectations, and is even flying off of U.S. shelves!

Cucapa Green Card Barley Wine

Contrary to its name, barley wine is a type of very strong beer known for its robust body and alcoholic strength (topping out at 12 percent). Cerveceria Cucupa scored another home-run with their Green Card Barleywine (alcohol 10%)– an astringent ale with notes of vanilla toffee, raisins, apple, molasses, figs and pine. Without a doubt, this is a smooth brew to be savored slowly.

Mexico Reservations

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