Cinco de Mayo Preview: Cerveza

Since we're about two weeks away from Cinco de Mayo, we thought this was a good time to (briefly) review the history of the holiday, and also review the excellent Mexican products that we have available.

Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín.

You already know about Corona and Dos Equis. We do have a number of other Mexican beers in stock.

Modelo Especial is a pilsner-style lager whose original recipe was first brewed in Mexico in 1925, under the vision to create a ‘model’ beer. Modelo Especial is made with filtered water, malted barley, hops, corn and yeast. Modelo Especial is a rich, full-flavored pilsner beer brewed with premium two-row barley malt that gives it a slightly sweet, well-balanced taste with a light hops character and crisp finish.

Negra Modelo has been brewed the same way since 1925. This Munich Dunkel (dark) style is characterized by its liberal use of roasted or toasted malts. The slow roasting of the malts alone makes the brewing process last twice as long as other beers, producing its signature reddish color and hint of sweetness. Negra Modelo is made with filtered water, malted barley, hops, rice and exceptional yeast varieties, which give way to the balanced flavor and remarkably smooth taste you can only find in a Negra Modelo. Hints of caramel sweetness and dark chocolate balance out this smooth, medium bodied beer.

Sol traces its roots to 1810. 300 years of thick Spanish beer. What a nightmare. Until in 1810 a Mexican, maverick priest, Father Hidalgo, put together a rag tag army and ignited the fire of revolution. Fast forward to 1899. Fresh, light, this beer was different. As if a message from deceased Father Hidalgo, a beam of light pierced through a hole in the brewery’s roof, illuminating its golden colour. They named it "El Sol".

Pacifico beer was first introduced to the US through California surfers. Many ventured into Baja Mexico, and tried this local beer in tiny cantinas. Bringing cases back home, these were the first importers of Pacifico. It’s quite light but has a great, crisp flavor that will quench your thirst any time of day, any time of year.

Tecate, the beer con carácter, brings a masculine wit to those everyday situations that call for character. Tastes best ice cold, with a lime and salt if you prefer. Tecate is also great to make your own micheladas.