What Kind of Beer is Corona?
Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Lydia Martin
Corona beer became a household name in the 1950s. It’s one of the favorite drinks in Mexico and worldwide.
I’ve had my fair share of Coronas, and it’s always been a reliable choice for chilling out on a sunny day or kicking back with friends. It’s got that light and refreshing taste that goes down smooth, with a hint of citrus that adds a nice touch.
But what kind of beer is Corona? Let’s find out.
Identifying & Understanding Corona’s Beer Type
Corona is a pale lager, also referred to as “pilsner.” This beer has a light golden hue with a slightly sweet flavor and flowery aroma.
Some drinkers find lagers too strong or bitter. But we recommend Corona, a great choice for those who prefer a smooth and refreshing beer without compromising its flavor.
Corona Beer’s Characteristics As A Lager
Brewing Process & Fermentation
Since Corona is a pilsner-style beer, it’s brewed with pale malt and fermented with lager yeast.
“Beer, brewed in cauldrons the size of houses by machines and then served cold. It has no soul. It isn’t worthy of the name.”
Jim Butcher, American Author
The pale malt imparts its light color, and the yeast provides this beer’s refreshing and unique taste.
Ingredients
As we’ve mentioned, Corona uses pale malt, hops, and fermented lager yeast, particularly. These ingredients give Corona its light and refreshing character.
Alcohol Content
The alcohol content of Corona beers varies depending on their variation. It ranges from 2.6% ABV to 6% ABV.
Specifically:
- Corona Premier – 2.6% ABV
- Corona Extra – 4.6% ABV
- Corona Familiar – 6% ABV
- Corona Light – 4.1% ABV
Tasting Notes
Flavor
Corona gives sweet honey and fruit notes. We like its unique taste due to the yeast used in the brewing process.
Aroma
It has a malty scent with hints of corn and bread flavors. (Note: This bitterness and aroma linger if you drink it after a few days).
Color
Compared to some of its rivals, Corona is a lighter beer. Its glass has a light yellow color, which is similar to faded copper or straw.
Finish
Bitterness lingers on the finish, but it quickly dissipates. There’s also a touch of sugar on your tongue and throat and bubbles.
Bitterness Level (IBU)
The bitterness level of IBU of Corona beers ranges from 7 to 19. Specifically, here’s the IBU of famous Corona beers:
- Corona Extra – 18
- Corona Light – 18
- Corona Premium – 7
- Corona Familiar – 19.5
According to the Beer Judgement Certification Program (BJCP), lagers have an IBU of between 15 and 25. So, Corona beers, with an average of 18 IBU, fall within the standard lager range.
Why Is Corona Grouped As A Premium American Lager?
Corona is grouped as a premium American lager due to the five considering factors which the BJCP uses to classify beer. These factors include bitterness (IBU), color intensity (SRM), original gravity, alcohol by volume (ABV), and final gravity.
Corona has an average IBU of 18, SRM of 2-6, and ABV of 2-6%, which falls within the range of Premium American lagers.
“Corona is more than just a beer – it’s a lifestyle. Its light and refreshing taste, combined with the signature lime, make it a go-to choice for any occasion.”
Liquor Laboratory
FAQs
What type of lager is Corona beer?
Corona is a type of pale lager. Pale lagers are characterized by their pale golden color. Some claim they’re light orange, while others call them blonde.
Where is Corona brewed?
Corona beer is brewed in Mexico only. This beer is produced by the Cerveceria Modelo brewery in Mexico — owned by AB InBev, a Belgium-based company.
What kind of beer is Corona Extra?
Corona Extra is a pale lager. Pale lager Corona Extra is the most popular variation of the brand.
Corona beer [2] is one of the most popular beers in the world, and since 1998, it has been the top-selling foreign drink in the US.
On A Final Note
The characteristics of Corona – its bitterness level (18), color (2-6), ABV (2-6%), components (pale malt), and brewing (fermented with lager yeast) are clearly classified as a premium American lager.
Moreover, the tasting notes – flavor, aromas, and finish embodies what an American lager should be. Its refreshing profile, which is suitable for many occasions, makes it apart from other pale lagers.
References:
- https://www.thekitchn.com/abv-ibu-srm-wtf-decoding-beer-acronyms-tapped-in-207649
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/beer
Lisa is a freelance lifestyle writer specializing in nightlife, leisure, and celebration. She has been in the field for eight years and has written articles featured in various local blogs and lifestyle magazines.
For Lisa, there’s nothing better than an ice-cold drink after a rough day (she’s not fussy). But she also likes to get a bit fancy every now and then. She believes you can never go wrong with a Moscow Mule or a classic Daiquiri anywhere you go. Contact at [email protected] or learn more about us here.
