We’ve spent a lot of time in Mexico over the last few years, and over that time, I’ve extensively sampled Mexican lagers. I am ready to divulge their ranking.
Tier One
1. Tecate. Yes, it’s quite an upset! Tecate has flavor without being skunky, tastes great on its own and great with a wedge (or more) of lime, and is universally cheap.
2. Modelo Especial. It’s a smooth and tasty lager. It’s also the best of the lot as a chelada: a couple of ounces of lime juice on the rocks with a salted rim. Just add lager.
And a note on cheladas, my favorite way to enjoy a Mexican lager. A chelada usually means just lime and salt, but I’ve had it show up with tomato juice and other spices. Those are usually micheladas, but evidently not always. I’ve seen it referred to as a sueno as well. To be safe, I order a chelada and ask “¿Solamente con limón y sal?”
3. Dos Equis. Stay thirsty my friends! These are great, and I’m really splitting hairs on Tier One here. I like them all pretty much equally.
Tier Two
4. Pacifico. This is the lightest taste among the Mexican lagers. There’s nothing offensive about the flavor, it’s just very subtle.
5. Victoria. These aren’t bad, and they’re head and shoulders above the next tier.
Tier Three (or lower!)
6. Corona. I tip my hat to the marketing. Find your beach! I love everything about it but the awful skunky taste of Corona. Too bad the marketing’s been such a hit in the US. Nice AirBnB hosts who offer a beer upon arrival universally serve Corona. I always hope it’s ice cold to dull the flavor. Otherwise, it’s a struggle.
7. Sol. I really wanted to put Corona last, but I had a Sol the other day in the name of research for this post, and boy was it rough. Leena made fun of me for my mistake and related a story where she and a friend got a bucket of five Sols once on a deal. After the first two they flagged down the waiter and swapped out the last three for Dos Equis and happily paid the price difference.