Buzz
Ten years later, a variation of the original formula - 'Corona Extra' claimed the title of best-selling beer in Mexico. Around this time, Grupo Modelo also began marketing it as a tropical beach beer.
In 1976, they started exporting Corona beer to the United States, leading to a significant increase in sales and popularity. By 1988, Corona beer officially became the number one imported beer in the United States. In 1989, Grupo Modelo introduced a light version of Corona, now known as Corona Light, which also became the best-selling product. In the early 2000s, they began packaging the beer in cans along with the traditional transparent bottles.
2. Who owns Corona beer?
Anheuser-Busch InBev acquired ownership rights from the original owner, Grupo Modelo, in 2013. Antitrust regulators mandated that they sell the business in the United States to a company named Constellation.
Thus, Constellation owns Corona beer in the United States, while Anheuser-Busch owns the rights to Corona beer in Mexico and the rest of the world.
3. Where is Corona beer brewed?
Corona beer isn't only brewed in Mexico. AB InBev has expanded production worldwide to countries like the United Kingdom, Brazil, Belgium, and China. However, the version brewed by Constellation still originates in Mexico.
4. What type of beer is Corona?
Corona beer is a light beer known as a pale lager or pilsner. Pilsners are renowned for their crisp, refreshing taste and light flavor. It's the most produced and consumed type of beer worldwide. Unlike traditional pilsner beer, but closer to American-style lagers, Corona beer is brewed with corn and rice as part of its ingredient list, resulting in a lighter brew.
5. Ingredients of Corona beer
Corona beer, like all other beers, is brewed with four main ingredients: grains, water, hops, and yeast.
However, Corona beer also contains some additional ingredients such as:
– Rice and Corn
Although technically grains, they're much cheaper than barley and wheat, allowing the brewery to save costs; they also produce lighter beers compared to darker ones made entirely from barley or wheat.
– Ascorbic Acid
Ascorbic acid is Vitamin C and is considered an antioxidant. It's used as a means to preserve beer for longer periods and prevent it from spoiling or oxidizing.
– Propylene Glycol Alginate (PGA)
This substance is also used to help preserve beer longer; it can also provide a fuller mouthfeel so the beer doesn't taste too flat.
Both Ascorbic Acid and PGA are among the reasons why Corona beer can be packaged in clear bottles instead of the usual green or brown ones designed to reduce the negative effects of light exposure on beer.
6. Types of Corona beer
There are 4 main types of Corona beer: Corona Extra, Corona Light, Corona Premier, and Corona Familiar.
Let's explore the differences between each of these beer types.
6.1 Corona Extra Beer
Corona Extra beer is the flagship beer of this brand and is the version most people think of when they want to drink Corona beer. It's a light and crisp Mexican version of a pale lager or pilsner. It has a sweet yet dry taste, and also features a notable hoppy skunky flavor.
Corona Extra beer doesn't have overly complex flavor characteristics but is overall considered a fairly simple, crisp, and refreshing beer, best enjoyed on a hot sunny day, where one can indulge a little.
6.2 Corona Light Beer
Corona Light beer is Grupo Modelo's answer to American light beers, whereas Corona Extra is their product in the European light beer segment.
Corona Light beer is slightly lighter in color and appears more pale yellow. It has an appealing, less bitter taste but still known for its crisp and refreshing flavor. Introduced as a light beer, it also has slightly less alcohol and calories compared to regular beer varieties.
6.3 Corona Premier Beer
Corona Premier beer is Corona's version of the trend towards low-calorie, low-carb beers that has become widely popular and profitable in the beer market recently. Its packaging looks quite similar to Extra and Light, however, it distinguishes itself on its label by indicating that it only has 90 calories per serving and 2.6 grams of carbs.
An interesting fact is that with all the beers sold in this manner, they don't tend to advertise themselves as light beers, however, as soon as you crack open and sip, you'll quickly realize it's a very light and mild beer.
Corona Premier beer seems to lack the flavor compared to its predecessor Corona Extra.
Overall, Corona Premier is a low-carb beer with a good taste compared to other beers in the market. It has a crisp, refreshing flavor but as expected with these types of beers, it's quite light and watery. Make sure to have some lime handy when drinking, as you'll need it to enhance the flavor.
6.4 Corona Familiar Beer
Corona Familiar beer is for those who prefer a richer beer. In terms of flavor, it has malty characteristics with more pronounced cereal flavors. As a light beer, Corona Familiar still maintains a dry, crisp finish. No need for lime with this beer as it lacks the distinctive flavor of Extra, primarily because it's packaged in brown bottles instead of clear ones, thus avoiding UV rays from the sun penetrating the beer and altering its taste.
7. Alcohol content of Corona beer
The beers in the Corona beer family have different alcohol content:
- The alcohol content of Corona Extra beer is 4.6% and is introduced as having a smooth and refreshing flavor, balancing between heavy European beers and lighter domestic ones.
- The alcohol content of Corona Light beer is 4.0% and is introduced as a light beer with a refreshing flavor, recommended for long days under the sun.
- The alcohol content of Corona Premier beer is 4.0%. The difference between it and Corona Light is that it's marketed as a lower-calorie beer for men over 35.
- The alcohol content of Corona Familiar beer is 4.8%. Many consider it to be similar to Corona Extra but packaged in brown bottles, altering the flavor and preventing it from having a skunky taste.
8. Calorie content in Corona beer
The calorie content in Corona beer varies depending on the version you purchase:
- Corona Extra beer has 148 calories per serving.
- Corona Light beer has 99 calories per serving.
- Corona Premier beer has 90 calories per serving.
- Corona Familiar beer has 156 calories per serving.
9. Frequently Asked Questions about Corona beer
If this is your first time hearing about or knowing Corona beer, then you'll surely want to know the answers to these 3 frequently asked questions:
9.1 Why is Corona beer so popular?
There are 2 reasons why Corona beer has become popular, firstly the marketing behind this beer is very effective, it portrays a relaxed image on a warm, beautiful beach, under palm trees with sand beneath your feet. The message behind it is if you want to relax or need a vacation, have a Corona beer.
As a commercial beer, Corona beer actually tastes very good. It's refreshing, light, and crisp with a lovely aftertaste, accompanied with a slice of lime it adds even more appealing flavor.
9.2 Is Corona beer a healthy beer?
There's much debate on the topic of whether beer is good for your health or not. Beer is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are good for your health, however, drinking too much beer can have negative impacts on your health.
For Corona beer, it's a light beer with only 148 calories, significantly less than many craft beers on the market. The alcohol content is just 4.6% ABV, also considerably lower than many other beers, so overall when it comes to beer, Corona beer can be considered one of the healthier choices you have.
9.3 Does Corona beer make you drunk?
Yes, like all alcoholic beverages, if you drink too much, you'll get drunk. There's no chance one glass of beer will get you drunk, however, knowing how many glasses to get drunk will be important if you're concerned when drinking beer.
Disclaimer: Beer products are only for people over 18 years old.
