Mexican Lager: A Brief History

Mexico has a rich history when it comes to fermented beverages, and the story of how the Mexican style lager came to be is no exception. Our story begins with European immigrants who settled in Mexico after the invasion of the French in the 1860s, known as the the Mexican War for Independence. It’s during this period that an Austrian by the name of Maximilian I ruled over then-conquered Mexico, bringing along his own personal brewer. Lager reached the country in 1869 when Emil Dercher of Alsace opened Brasserie La Cruz Blanca in Mexico City, and in 1875 Toluca y Mexico brewery was purchased by Santiago Graf of Austria. He imported European hops and malt, but more importantly he is credited for adding corn, a widely available North American crop. This alteration lightened the beer’s body and imparted a touch of sweetness.

This is how the style now known as “Mexican lager” was born. Today’s Victoria Lager can be traced back to him. His brewery was eventually acquired by Grupo Modelo in 1935. 

In 1890, Cerverceria Cuautemoc opened and brewed a Czech Pilsner. This was the first large brewery to utilize the far-reaching rail system that allowed access to United States’ malt and brewing equipment. These beers, originally called Siglo XX were later renamed Dos Equis (Two X’s) Lager and Amber.

Growth in 20th Century Mexican beer production was helped by United States prohibition. During that time, a number of smaller breweries sprouted with the aim of providing booze near the borders and through Baja. As competition put pressure on the businesses and prohibition reached its end, major breweries took control of the market, leaving prohibition-fueled smaller breweries behind.

The next time you crack a Bad Hombre, take a second to appreciate how culture, colonialism, necessity, ambition, agriculture and more have shaped the beer we enjoy today.