Corona beer: history, types, how to drink
In fact, Korona is not so much a beer as a beer drink. In addition to the traditional ingredients: barley malt, yeast and hops, it contains corn, ascorbic acid and a stabilizer (propylene glycol alginate).
Mexican lager is produced in tin cans and glass bottles of various volumes (from 200 to 940 ml). It is noteworthy that transparent rather than darkened containers are used for bottling. Such packaging makes products stand out among other brands, but increases the risk of beer spoilage from UV rays.
Briefly about the company
Little is known about the history of the Mexican company Grupo Modelo. The date of foundation is considered to be 1925, although the production of alcohol began much earlier - from about the XVI century.
In the first years of its existence, the company used aggressive marketing methods, thanks to which it achieved a significant increase in annual turnover - more than 8 million bottles in just 3 years. A few years later, the company entered the US market and expanded its product portfolio with new brands purchased from local brewers.
The most active years for the company were the 70s and 80s, when production capacity was expanded and Corona was exported to European countries, Japan and Australia.
In 2012, the company became part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev corporation, and only a couple of years later announced another expansion of production. It is noteworthy that Grupo Modelo carries out the entire brewing cycle - from the production of raw materials to the packaging of drinks - independently. The company owns its own barley plantations, malt processing equipment, and workshops for the production of bottles, labels, and boxes.
Mexican Corona Extra is the most popular beer in the United States and the winner of numerous international awards. The brand has repeatedly acted as the title sponsor of sports events.
In addition to Corona, Grupo Modelo produces beer under the brands Victoria, Negra Modelo, Estrella, etc., but these drinks are not supplied to the CIS territory. In Spain, the product is known as "Coronita" (translated as "little crown"). Under the same name, the brewery produces beer in small bottles of up to 210 ml. In Russia, the brand is distributed by SUN InBev.
Types of Corona beer
Corona Extra
Strength: 4,5%. The same classic American lager of pale golden color that has been produced since 1925. Bottom fermentation technology is used for production. It has a characteristic malt and corn aroma, delicate, mild flavor with caramel and fruity notes and light bitterness. It is well refreshed, forms a high foamy head that settles quickly, and has a sweetish aftertaste.
Corona Light
It is a fortress: 3,9%. A lightweight, low-calorie version of the traditional Korona. Has a pleasant honey-hoppy aroma with hints of herbs and fruits. 1 bottle (355 ml) contains only 99 kcal. Easy to drink, well suited as a summer refreshment.
How to drink Corona beer
Mexican beer is usually drunk chilled to 4-7 °C with a slice of lime or lemon.
One popular tasting option is to add citrus juice directly to the bottle. A lime slice is placed in the neck of the glass and the vessel is shaken until bubbles appear.
The authorship of the unusual ritual is attributed to an unknown bartender who in 1981 bet with a friend that he could force restaurant visitors to drink beer in this way. He seems to have succeeded, and the method of consumption has taken root.
Shellfish, cheeses, grilled vegetables, cold cuts, Latin American, Indian and Thai dishes are also suitable as appetizers for the famous camp.
In some bars you can try the original cocktail "Coronarita". It is nothing more than a bottle of Corona turned upside down and placed in a Margarita. Beer slowly drains down, creating a layered effect and gradually diluting the strong drink.
Update: 12.03.2019
Category: Beer, Cider, Ale