Corona Extra

Corona Extra was introduced by Groupo Modelo, an InBev subsidiary since 1913, in Mexico City in 1925. Always sold in its iconic clear bottle, except for the Corona Familiar (quart brown bottle, introduced in 1964), Corona Extra became Mexico's number one beer in 1935. Another notable Corona Extra trait is the painted-on bottle label, which was instituted in 1940. Interestingly, the draft version of the beer has only been sold since 1967. Introduced into the American market in 1976, Corona Extra has been the best-selling import brand in the United States since 1997.

Corona Extra (4.6% alcohol) is made with water, barley malt, hops, and yeast. Groupo Modelo does not indicate that the beer is produced with any corn or rice adjuncts. A light version, Corona Light (4.1% alcohol, 99 calories) was brought on line in 1989. The drinker will find that Corona Extra has a smooth, mellow, yet flavorful bready character, with a mild, appropriate hop note.

Found at just about every beer outlet, Corona Extra and Corona Light command a premium price, so this beer will not appeal to the bargain shopper. The beer receives extensive and heavy television, radio, and print advertising attention, and one will notice widespread sponsorship of many events by the brand.

Noted for its 7-ounce "Coronita" bottles, Corona Extra is sold in 12-ounce cans and bottles as well as larger bottles, even the 32-ounce "Familiar" brown bottle.

This writer highly recommends that the beer enthusiast sample these two distinguished and classic beer brands.