Corona Familiar may live in the shadow of its globally recognized clear-bottled cousin, Corona Extra, but this Mexican lager offers a distinct and arguably more satisfying drinking experience. Packaged in brown bottles and cans that protect its flavor from light, Corona Familiar presents a fuller-bodied, malt-forward profile that appeals to beer drinkers seeking more substance than typical light lagers. Let’s dive into what makes Corona Familiar a standout choice, especially for those looking for a versatile and approachable beer.
Corona Familiar: Quick Brew Facts
Beer Style: Mexican Lager
Brewed by: Grupo Modelo (part of AB InBev)
Brewery Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Bitterness (IBU): 19.5
Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 4.8%
Typical Price: Around $14 for a 6-pack of 12 oz bottles
What to Love About Corona Familiar:
- Rich Malt Flavor: Offers a more pronounced malt character than Corona Extra, with biscuity and cereal notes.
- Protected from Light: Brown bottles and cans prevent “skunking,” preserving the intended flavors.
- Larger Bottle Option: Available in a shareable 32 oz bottle, great for gatherings.
- Slightly Higher ABV: A bit stronger than Corona Extra, providing a touch more body and warmth.
Things to Consider:
- Simpler Flavor Profile: While flavorful for a Mexican lager, it may lack the complexity of craft beers.
- Carbonation Fades: Best enjoyed fresh as carbonation can dissipate if left open.
- Heavier than Corona Extra: Some drinkers preferring very light beers might find it less refreshing than Corona Extra.
Tasting the Familiar: Corona Familiar Beer
Appearance: Pouring a pale straw color, Corona Familiar is just a shade darker than Corona Extra. The head is minimal and disappears quickly.
Aroma: The aroma is dominated by malt, reminiscent of biscuits and fresh bread. Unlike Corona Extra in clear bottles, it lacks any skunky notes. As it opens up, subtle grassy hints may emerge.
Flavor: On the palate, Corona Familiar delivers a refreshing yet fuller body. The malt presence is clear, bringing cereal and grain flavors forward. It avoids the grassy, skunky notes sometimes found in Corona Extra, aligning it with classic Mexican lager profiles.
Mouthfeel: The fine carbonation contributes to a crisp and clean finish, enhancing its refreshing quality. Grain notes linger pleasantly in the aftertaste.
Alt text: A brown bottle of Corona Familiar beer with condensation, highlighting its light-protective packaging.
Corona Familiar Beer: A Refreshing Review
While Corona Extra basks in the limelight as the quintessential beach beer, Corona Familiar quietly offers a more substantial and flavorful alternative within the Corona family. Many associate Corona with those iconic clear bottles, synonymous with sun-soaked vacations and easy-drinking refreshment, largely thanks to clever marketing campaigns. However, Grupo Modelo, the Mexican brewing giant behind Corona (now part of AB InBev), produces a range of beers under the Corona name, and Corona Familiar deserves a closer look.
Stepping away from the clear glass, Corona Familiar distinguishes itself immediately with its brown bottle or can packaging. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it’s a crucial element in preserving the beer’s intended flavor. Brown glass acts as a shield against light, preventing the beer from becoming “light-struck.” This light-struck effect is what causes the “skunky” aroma, often described as similar to cut grass, that can be a characteristic – though often unintended – feature of Corona Extra. While some drinkers have become accustomed to or even enjoy this characteristic, many find it off-putting, particularly as the beer warms up. Corona Familiar avoids this issue altogether, delivering a cleaner, truer-to-style lager experience.
Alt text: Two brown bottles of Corona Familiar beer held up to the light, showing the pale straw color of the lager.
Beyond packaging, the flavor profile of Corona Familiar sets it apart. It boasts a more pronounced body and richer malt flavors of grain and cereal compared to the lighter-bodied Corona Extra. Despite this fuller flavor, it still finishes crisp and refreshing, making it highly drinkable. This robustness allows Corona Familiar to pair more effectively with food, especially casual party snacks and appetizers. And unlike its lime-dependent sibling, Corona Familiar stands confidently on its own flavor profile – though a lime wedge certainly wouldn’t be unwelcome if you’re accustomed to the ritual!
For those who typically gravitate towards full-flavored domestic or imported lagers rather than very light beers, Corona Familiar is likely to be a winner. While it might not wow the most dedicated craft beer aficionados seeking extreme complexity, its position in the shadow of Corona Extra makes it an intriguing option for curious drinkers who’ve never ventured beyond the better-known variant. Priced competitively with other imported Mexican lagers, and often available in a large 32-ounce bottle format, Corona Familiar presents excellent value, especially for sharing or enjoying with a meal. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a casual get-together, or a simple takeout dinner, Corona Familiar’s balanced flavor and refreshing finish make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing beer choice.
Interesting Beer Fact
The beer industry has seen significant consolidation over the years. Many popular Mexican beers, including Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico, are now under the umbrella of major corporations like Constellation Brands and AB InBev. This means Corona shares a corporate family with well-known wine brands like Kim Crawford and Robert Mondavi, and spirits brands such as High West and Svedka.
Alt text: A hand holding a large 32-ounce brown bottle of Corona Familiar beer, highlighting its size and affordability.
The Final Sip
Leave the lime aside – Corona Familiar brings enough flavor to the party on its own. This fuller-bodied Mexican lager is a well-priced import option for those who prefer a beer with genuine flavor over bland, light alternatives. And with its protective brown bottle and can packaging, Corona Familiar ensures you experience the crisp, malty taste the brewers intended, free from unwanted skunky notes.
