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Baja Cervesa

24baja - 2-26-2009 at 11:14 AM

Okay here goes a silly question from a newbie:

I thought I read a thread where someone said Pcific was not a Baja beer. Is there a beer that is manufactured in Baja or are they manufactures on mainland Mexico. Can you give me the name(s) of Baja beer so I can support the economy there instead of mainland Mexico? Thanks for your help.

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 11:23 AM

Tecate/Tecate Lite....Tijuana has some small brewerys...Don't know about Mexicali. There are probably others but, I can't remember everything.

By the way....Pacifico is made in Mazatlán. It's is the true Mothers Milk of Mexico.

[Edited on 2-26-2009 by DENNIS]

fdt - 2-26-2009 at 11:24 AM

Tecate, Tijuana and Mexicali.

Cardon Man - 2-26-2009 at 11:24 AM

I'm pretty well versed in drinking beer...not so informed on where it comes from but I'll give it a shot!

Pacifico is from Sinaloa as far as I know. The "Baja beer" as I understand it is Tecate.

I can do without the Tecate myself. I'm a Pacifico fan for the most part.

fdt - 2-26-2009 at 11:29 AM

Oh and Cerveza Cucapá from Mexicali.

a beer thread-- FUN!

Mulegena - 2-26-2009 at 11:35 AM

and now this thread is morphing...

Negro Modelo without lime:
my vote for the cold winters in Mulege
Negro Modelo preferred over Noche Buena, the dark beer available only at Christmastime. Negro Modelo has a fairly robust, rich flavor.

Dos Equis with lime slice:
the beer of choice for the hot swelterz of summer in Mulege
Wish more restaurants carried it. Preferred over Pacifico or Corona or Tecate(s) as it is rich, smooth and sparkling.

Take both, in moderation of course, from a comfortable chair and preferably on the beach-- and of course, with good friends and delicious food and a view of the sunset, the fullmoon rise or both
... and call me in the morning!.

[Edited on 2-26-2009 by Mulegena]

[Edited on 2-26-2009 by Mulegena]

DanO - 2-26-2009 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
Oh and Cerveza Cucapá from Mexicali.

I just picked up a six pack of their Chupacabras Pale Ale in a gourmet food store in L.A. I was pleasantly surprised. A very good microbrew.

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
Take both, in moderation of course,

Of course.

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 12:11 PM

DanO has it right. Chupacabras is a microbrewery in Mexicali. There are several microbreweries around Mexico. I vote for supporting the micro. Otherwise, I am actually sad to say that you literally cannot pick any of the legacy beers of Mexico and asssociate it with a region any longer. Just as what happened in the U.S., there was mass consolidation of breweries. I researched this awhile back because I had bought some Tecate in SoCal, and noticed that it was brewed in Monterey. Here's the rundown. There are really only two companies that produce most of the beer in Mexico.

Coca Cola/ FEMSA. Brands include Bohemia, Sol, Dos Equis, Tecate, Superior, Noche Buena, Indio, Carta Blanca. They also produce a number of beers in Brazil, and they have some financial connection with Molson-Coors.

Grupo Modelo. Brands include Modelo, Corona, Victoria, Montejo, Pacifico, Estrella, Leon. Anheuser Busch owns 50% of grupo Modelo.

These companies do not brew site specific any longer.

I remember the days when one could only buy two beers in Baja Sur- Pacifico-ferried across from their sole brewery in Mazatlan, and Tecate, trucked down from their sole brewery in Tecate.

A greater pity is that in my opinion, many of these beers have lost much of their distinctive flavor.

TheColoradoDude - 2-26-2009 at 12:14 PM

Pacifico hands down. Made in Mazatlan. Great brewery tour, up close and personal. Just you and the guide. Apparently nobody gets up at 9am over there.

akbear - 2-26-2009 at 12:18 PM

Baja Brewing

Brewed in San Jose. I've tried the Blond & Red. The Red is good. They have both on tap at Otra Vez in Los Barriles !

akbear

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
Pacifico hands down. Made in Mazatlan. Great brewery tour, up close and personal. Just you and the guide. Apparently nobody gets up at 9am over there.

Hey Dude....Do they still have the humongous beer garden? That was a square mile of pure heaven back in the sixties.

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 12:22 PM

One other tidbit about Coca Cola FEMSA. They have literally eliminated the middleman. They own and operate 6,000 OXXO locations in Mexico. Thus any profit on the sale of any of their beverages, soft drinks and beer, goes entirely to them.

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
One other tidbit about Coca Cola FEMSA. They have literally eliminated the middleman. They own and operate 6,000 OXXO locations in Mexico. Thus any profit on the sale of any of their beverages, soft drinks and beer, goes entirely to them.

Doesn't Bill Gates own a sizeable piece of that?

BajaGeoff - 2-26-2009 at 12:25 PM

Anyone toured the Tecate brewery?

Paulina - 2-26-2009 at 12:30 PM

I had no idea that Coca Cola was that busy down there. You'd think they'd offer Tab diet soda too, but Nooooooo. :mad:

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 12:36 PM

Dennis- don't know where Bill Gates would fit in. U.S. Coca Cola owns just under 32%, FEMSA itself holds the rest, except for 14.8% of the shares that are publically traded on the NYSE.

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 01:04 PM

Let's also remember that former president Vicente Fox, beginning as a route supervisor, driving a truck, ultimately became President of Coca Cola de Mexico, and is the architect of the explosive growth of that company.

Baja Brewing Co.

Cardon Man - 2-26-2009 at 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by akbear
Baja Brewing

Brewed in San Jose. I've tried the Blond & Red. The Red is good. They have both on tap at Otra Vez in Los Barriles !

akbear

Their oatmeal stout is great too.

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Dennis- don't know where Bill Gates would fit in. U.S. Coca Cola owns just under 32%, FEMSA itself holds the rest, except for 14.8% of the shares that are publically traded on the NYSE.

He purchased a parcel of Femsa. Saw it on the business news maybe six months back.

Dave - 2-26-2009 at 02:09 PM

You would think with all the money FEMSA makes they would invest in some new cardboard beer cases and retire the old beer bottles... Maybe some decent customer service like showing up with a delivery when promised.

I guess they're saving up. :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 02:19 PM

They just don't want to spoil you.

24baja - 2-26-2009 at 02:23 PM

I like amber or darks, Dos Equis and Corona were our starter beers, but have now decided that the Pacifico is more our taste, I do hold out for Negro Modelo from time to time, ah heck just give me the brewery and keep me forever happy! Thanks for your info....Connie

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 24baja
I like amber or darks

XX Amber is really good.

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 04:01 PM

Dennis- Is that part of Bill Gates' charitable work?

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Dennis- Is that part of Bill Gates' charitable work?

Maybe so. He certanly has no need to invest for profit. If he didn't still use pocket protectors, he might be a tenant at Punta Brava.

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 04:55 PM

I wonder if anyone has had the pleasure of drinking Casta? Casta was an independent brewery of craft beer located in a suburb of Monterey. They made several types of beer, and all were really good. Several years ago, their beer was available at BevMo. Last time I went into my local store, they didn't carry it. I first found it in one of Mr. Richter's restaurants in Cabo. Seems, they were aiming at an upscale clientele, and did not ship to stores. What may or may not be a sad ending to the story is that a couple of years ago, FEMSA bought them, closed their small brewery and move production to one of their breweries. Casta is still being made. Just don't know where to buy it.

#5 in the World

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 05:00 PM

I didn't see much about folks here recommending Corona. But it is the largest selling import in the United States and the number 5 beer in the world. The funny thing about that is many years ago, it was considered a "working class" beer in Mexico. It came in a brown, squat/ barrel-like bottle. It was not considered atop tier beer- like Old Milwaukee or Keystone in the states. Some genuis came up with the idea of putting it in clear bottles, and exporting it. That was in the 70's. Didn't hurt that their advertising campaign is legend.

Barry A. - 2-26-2009 at 05:25 PM

OK, this is going to cause a stir------------I like Corona-----------I actually like it better than Pacifico (gasp). :bounce:

But, the best (IMHO) is Negra Modelo or Dos X's amber. Heck, I even like Carta Blanca----the first beer I ever drank.

And the absolute worst beer I ever drank was the old panther-pee, Mexicali (this was back in the 50's and 60's.)

Of course everybody will agree with me. :lol:

Barry

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 05:45 PM

Barry- If you google Corona beer, a first page hit is a page dealing with whether the workers urinate in the beer at the brewery. It's kind of an urban legend. I am right there with you on Negro Modelo. I also think, despite the fact that it is not quite as good as it once was, Bohemia is good.

Barry A. - 2-26-2009 at 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Barry- If you google Corona beer, a first page hit is a page dealing with whether the workers urinate in the beer at the brewery. It's kind of an urban legend. I am right there with you on Negro Modelo. I also think, despite the fact that it is not quite as good as it once was, Bohemia is good.

Corona-------I said "I liked it", not that I drink it. :lol:

(I always thought it was just "tooooooo" yellow)

Why drink Corona when there is Negra Modelo, Bohemia (an excellent choice), and Dos xx amber----------

I am with you. When do we start?? :light:

Barry

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 05:54 PM

Right on! :tumble:

DENNIS - 2-26-2009 at 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I didn't see much about folks here recommending Corona.

That's probably because it tastes like Miller in the old clear bottle and leaves an aftertaste like you just drank a liquified terd. It's terrible in a world of better choices.
Standing alone in the right atmosphere, middle of the Gobi Dessert perhaps, it may be a welcome beverage. Till then, it's sewage.
Just my opinion.
It gives me a headache too.

elgatoloco - 2-26-2009 at 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGeoff
Anyone toured the Tecate brewery?

I have never been able to get past the beer garden. All the beer you can drink, free!

Trader Jose's from Trader Joe's

BajaVida - 2-26-2009 at 06:43 PM

comes in lager or dark
made in Mexicali
very tasty

TheColoradoDude - 2-26-2009 at 07:03 PM

Quote:

Hey Dude....Do they still have the humongous beer garden? That was a square mile of pure heaven back in the sixties.

If it's there no one told me about it! :no:

fishbuck - 2-26-2009 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
Hey Dude....Do they still have the humongous beer garden? That was a square mile of pure heaven back in the sixties.

If it's there no one told me about it! :no:

Because you weren't wearing your sombrero and pancho. They knew you were from Colorado.

Fred - 2-26-2009 at 07:10 PM

BajaGeoff.....I have been on the tour and suggest you go with elgatoloco and just go the beer garden. Thhey used to sell beer in their little store in the back, but no more.

Barry A. - 2-26-2009 at 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaVida
comes in lager or dark
made in Mexicali
very tasty

I will have to try that one------------Trader Jose's-----------hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Barry

Pacifico - 2-26-2009 at 11:33 PM

Guess which beer I really like???

David K - 2-26-2009 at 11:39 PM

There are many threads on Baja/ Mexican beer over the years... even polls on the best or your favorite...

Barry, fear Corona (clear bottle, no UV protection)... LOL Really is funny, but Corona was the first beer I drank in Baja (1970's)... and liked it then! Funny what happens when you grow up!! Wild Bill introduced me to Pacifico in 2000 when he brought me a 'Ballena' of it when he first came to my home.

PACIFICO, TECATE (sold in Baja, not the U.S. import from the mainland plant), XX Special Lager, TIJUANA's Güera, MEXICALI (now from Tecate), Carta Blanca... all very drinkable to 'gulpable' beers IMO!

Darker beers when I was young like Noche Buena and Negro Modela... but the only dark beers I will have now (with meals) is XX Amber and Tijuana's Moreno... perhaps a Bohemia, too!

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2009 at 12:09 AM

Trader Jose's brewed in Tecate, just Tecate at a higher price. Sorry.

I'm just somewhat surprised that no one picked up on the idea that there are only two companies that now control the beer market in Mexico. Even in the states, we have three. Which is not a good thing.

Rheingold, Schaefer, Ballantine, Schmidts, Strohs, Blatz, Schlitz, Heilman. This list goes on. In each case they were distinct local breweries. Just as in Mexico. Hey. The Busch brewery in Van Nuys California brews Kirin. The claim is that they follow the original recipe. But, in my mind there are too many variables. Thus, the debate about New York or Chicago pizza made in LA.

[Edited on 2-27-2009 by Bajahowodd]

DENNIS - 2-27-2009 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Rheingold

Was there such a thing as "The Rheingold Girls" or are my memory banks confused?

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2009 at 11:33 AM

I remember Miss Rheingold. Used to post her picture in the subway. Or was that Miss Subway, holding a Rheingold in her hand? Geez. You may be right. :lol:

[Edited on 2-27-2009 by Bajahowodd]

oldjack - 2-27-2009 at 11:45 AM

In the late 60's through the 70's I was a devotee of Superior... my fishing buddy and I would buy a case in TJ on our drive down to Ensenada for a weekend of fishing.... by the time we got to Ensenada we usually had one or two left and were searching for the next case(yes I have a good memory of the distance between TJ and Ensenada) being young and capable of drinking way too much we kept that brewery going.... haven't seen the beer in years and have never found it in my new haunts of BCS...

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2009 at 12:03 PM

Superior is still around. I guess they just don't ship it to BCS.

tripledigitken - 2-27-2009 at 12:14 PM

It appears from some of the posts here that there is a budding Micro Brewery movement in Baja. That is a great thing. I haven't drank beer from the major Beer Companies in decades!

In the states it isn't a problem in the major cities now to find a microbrewery and they do get all my business.

In San Diego, Ballast Point Brewing ...Yellowtail Ale and Black Marlin Porter

Stone Brewing Company in North County...Stone Pale Ale

I'm Thirsty! :coolup:

DENNIS - 2-27-2009 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I remember Miss Rheingold.

That's what it was. Miss Rheingold. Oh well, I was close. Thanks.

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2009 at 01:58 PM

De nada. :yes:

Santiago - 2-27-2009 at 02:30 PM

I think this fits into this thread: when did canned beer start to take hold in Baja and why? I prefer beer in a bottle and it seems it used to always be that way but in the last few years I see more and more canned beer.

Fred - 2-27-2009 at 02:50 PM

Dennis..........you can see Miss Rheingold 1959 walking her dog on the beach.

DENNIS - 2-27-2009 at 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fred
Dennis..........you can see Miss Rheingold 1959 walking her dog on the beach.

Your kidding....arn't you, Fred? I'm afraid to look.

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2009 at 03:56 PM

There was a time not long ago when you could only buy beer in returnable bottles. Hence the Deposito. It sure helped prevent littering. I'm thinking that the switch to cans came sometime around 1990 or just after that. Manufacturers lobbied for it because cans take up far less space for transport and storage. Not to mention the costs associated with having to clean and sterilize the returned empties. I'm sure someone here has a more accurate date.

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2009 at 03:57 PM

My beer is Rheingold the dry beer. Think of Rheingold whenever you by beer. Can't get it out of my head.

La Victoria

BajaVida - 2-27-2009 at 07:42 PM

has anyone found it in Baja?

[Edited on 2-28-2009 by BajaVida]

Dave - 2-27-2009 at 08:06 PM

Victoria

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaVida
has anyone found it in Baja?
[Edited on 2-28-2009 by BajaVida]

Modelo sells hundreds of cases weekly. Any Modelorama will have it. Also, any bar that sells Pacifico or Corona should stock it.

DENNIS - 2-27-2009 at 08:32 PM

I think I saw it at Comercial Mexicana/The Pelican Store.

vandenberg - 2-27-2009 at 09:14 PM

I did see it in Guanajuato 4 years ago.

Fred - 2-27-2009 at 09:20 PM

I buy it at Diane's mini mart in Punta Banda

if Tecate brews Trader Jose--what about the dark variety?

BajaVida - 3-1-2009 at 10:03 AM

does Tecate make a dark?
Traders' beer is $5.99 a six pack, if I recall correctly

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Trader Jose's brewed in Tecate, just Tecate at a higher price. Sorry.

I'm just somewhat surprised that no one picked up on the idea that there are only two companies that now control the beer market in Mexico. Even in the states, we have three. Which is not a good thing.

Rheingold, Schaefer, Ballantine, Schmidts, Strohs, Blatz, Schlitz, Heilman. This list goes on. In each case they were distinct local breweries. Just as in Mexico. Hey. The Busch brewery in Van Nuys California brews Kirin. The claim is that they follow the original recipe. But, in my mind there are too many variables. Thus, the debate about New York or Chicago pizza made in LA.

[Edited on 2-27-2009 by Bajahowodd]

David K - 3-1-2009 at 10:50 AM

Noche Buena at Christmas time

Bajahowodd - 3-1-2009 at 05:31 PM

Vida- E-mail Trader Joes on their website. far as I know, Negro modelo and Dos Equis Amber are the only mainstream dark beers. If you can locate Casta, they have several fine brews, including an obscuro.

24baja - 3-1-2009 at 05:44 PM

You all have been so helpful with this beer question, I look forward to trying all of them......18 days to BOLA!

21 days until we leave for Bahia Asuncion

BajaVida - 3-1-2009 at 05:54 PM

with stops at the secret oak tree campground west of Santo Tomas, San Pedro Martir and Meling Ranch, Guerrero Negro and who knows where else, arriving at Casa Naranja in BA on the 26th

Mexican Micro Brews

tripledigitken - 3-1-2009 at 06:21 PM

I just found Cerveza Cucapa Obscura at Bev and More.
It is described as "A Dark American Ale". Thanks to this thread for the recommendation.

Cucapa is described as a Native Tribe of Baja California.

I'm saving it for our trip to Baja next week, review to follow.

Ken

Bajahowodd - 3-1-2009 at 06:26 PM

Ken- Did you happen to see Casta?

larry - 3-1-2009 at 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaVida
comes in lager or dark
made in Mexicali
very tasty

Yes, very good beer--made in Tecate, not Mexicali, by Cerveceria Alta.

Referring to Trader Jose's beer at Trader Joe's

[Edited on 3-2-2009 by larry]

elgatoloco - 3-1-2009 at 08:59 PM

Cochina Roja

http://www.bevmo.com/Shop/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=25586

astrobaja - 3-2-2009 at 09:52 AM

As far as world beers, Mexican beers are pretty far down the list for me, BUT the microbrewery beers are always worth checking out! So far I've only found Tijuana which is a nice brew. Where in Ensenada does one find the best selection of mexican microbrews?

[Edited on 3-2-2009 by astrobaja]

tripledigitken - 3-2-2009 at 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Ken- Did you happen to see Casta?

Bajahowodd,

No, they didn't have any. It's on my radar. If I find some I will let you know.

Ken