Mexican-style lagers have quickly gone from non-existent to prolific in the United States – and that’s certainly true in Montana, too. While they are often associated with summer, their light, crisp profiles make them a versatile choice for the transition into fall as well. Whether you’re enjoying a sunny autumn afternoon or relaxing around a bonfire, these refreshing brews can easily complement the changing season.
“Of all the lagers we produce, El Vaquero is easily our best-seller due to its bright, dry, crisp impression balanced with a delicate corn-derived sweetness and pleasant noble touch,” says head brewer Timmy Evon at Missoula-based Cranky Sam Brewing. “It’s a perfect river beer and I imagine most breweries, like us, have a difficult time keeping these beers on tap during the hot summer months.”
Born from European colonialism in the Americas, the origins of Mexican lagers can be traced back to Austria and Germany. Following the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, Germans and Austrians came to Mexico (including modern-day Texas) in large numbers, drawn by promises of land, opportunity and open immigration policies. Those central European immigrants brought with them their taste for lagers and the recipes to brew them. The recipes evolved as brewers incorporated adjuncts, most notably corn, to become the beers that we’re familiar with today. Corn, more specifically flaked maize, is used to produce a clearer, smoother beer.
“This supremely drinkable, balanced lager has been a smash hit for our summer season, outpacing our other taproom offerings by huge margins and flying off the shelves of our retailers,” says Philipsburg Brewing Company marketing manager Emily Petrokski, speaking about their Howl Mexican Lager.
While summertime is a great time to enjoy a clean, refreshing Mexican lager, these beers have become popular year-round. Easily approachable, imminently drinkable and familiar to all beer drinkers, we see a bright future for the Mexican lager.
Here are some great examples you can find at Montana breweries and on store shelves.
Cerveza
Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company | Great Falls
Cerveza Del Rio Mexican Style Lager
Blackfoot River Brewing Company | Helena
Damn You Jack
2 Basset Brewery | White Sulphur Springs
El Guapo
Missouri River Brewing Company | East Helena
El Toro
Old Bull Brewing | Frenchtown
El Vaquero
Cranky Sam Brewing | Missoula
Fiesta Select
Bozeman Brewing Company | Bozeman
Fuego Grande Mexican Lager
Great Burn Brewing | Missoula
Harlo San Lucas
Gally’s Brewing Company | Harlowton
Howl
Philipsburg Brewing Company | Philipsburg
¡Low Coyote!
Smelter City Brewing | Anaconda
Mexi
Copper Furrow Brewing | Helena
Mexican Lager
Lewis and Clark Brewing | Helena
Survey Says
Gild Brewing | Missoula
The Camino
Draught Works Brewery | Missoula
Wildlands Mexican Lager
Bridger Brewing | Bozeman
Courtesy of Montana Brewers Association.
