One upon a time in Mexico

The Aztecs claim to have invented beer, and Mexico’s modern brewing scene is thriving. Gary Monterosso reports

Think of some of the world’s cradles for brewing history and there’s little doubt that Germany, Belgium and England would be among the first to come to mind.

Yet, evidence exists that the Aztecs, long before the influence of the Spanish and Germans, made a beverage from corn in Mexico. The drink, made from a plant that is related to the agave, from which tequila is made, was fermented using wild yeasts that were native to the area.

It took until the end of the 19th century before the production of beer in Mexico became modernised. In 1890, Monterrey was the site of the first brewery, to be followed shortly thereafter by one in Orizaba.

Climate dictates the types of food produced in any country and it also directly influences the style of drink. Mexican beers, known in Spanish as “cerveza,” frequently are light lagers, pale in colour and highly refreshing. Lagers differ from ales in the type of yeast used in the fermentation process and are characterised by a crisp, delicate and clean taste.

Breweries have capitalised on the “fun-in-the-sun” vacation image of the nation and, coupled with a growing Mexican population in the United States, these beers have been widely embraced.

There are almost 38 million Hispanic residents in the US, making up 13 per cent of the population. Of that number, 64 per cent are of Mexican origin. Mexico is one of the top 10 producers of beer in the world, increasing output by more than 16 per cent in the last six years.

Virtually all beers prod.....

To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Beers of the World to have every issue delivered direct to your door.

By Gary Monterosso

Section : International Focus

Page number : 28