While Corona Extra, in its iconic clear bottle, basks in the limelight as a best-selling import synonymous with beach vibes, there’s a sibling in the Corona family that deserves equal attention: Corona Familiar. Often overlooked, this Mexican-style lager offers a more robust and satisfying beer experience, setting itself apart with a maltier profile and fuller body. Packaged in brown bottles and cans to protect its flavor, Corona Familiar is a versatile brew that pairs beautifully with food and elevates any social gathering.
Fast Facts
Style: Mexican Adjunct Lager
Company: Corona (AB InBev, Grupo Modelo)
Brewery Location: Mexico City, Mexico
IBU: 19.5
ABV: 4.8%
MSRP: $14 per 6-pack of 12-ounce bottles
Pros:
- Noticeably fuller-bodied with a distinct malt character and crisp finish.
- Protected from light damage by brown bottles and cans, preserving flavor.
- Available in a shareable 32 oz. bottle.
- Slightly higher alcohol content than Corona Extra.
Cons:
- May lack the complexity of some other imported lagers.
- Carbonation can dissipate quickly after pouring.
- Some might find it heavier compared to the lighter Corona Extra.
Tasting the Difference: Corona Familiar’s Flavor Profile
Color: In the glass, Corona Familiar presents a pale straw color, just a touch richer than Corona Extra. It forms a delicate head that fades gracefully, inviting you to dive into the beer.
Nose: The aroma is immediately driven by malt, showcasing inviting notes of biscuits and fresh white bread. Unlike Corona Extra from a clear bottle, you won’t find any skunky or light-struck smells here. As it breathes, subtle grassy hints may emerge, adding a touch of freshness.
Palate: Corona Familiar makes its fuller body known right away, offering a richer texture on the palate compared to its lighter cousin. The malt and cereal flavors are more pronounced upfront, delivering a satisfying depth that distinguishes it from the cut grass and skunked notes sometimes associated with Corona Extra. It aligns more closely with the classic profile of traditional light-colored Mexican lagers, providing a clean and enjoyable taste.
Finish: The beer’s fine carbonation ensures a crisp and zippy finish, making each sip as refreshing as the first. A pleasant grain note lingers in the aftertaste, extending the enjoyable experience.
Why Choose Corona Familiar? A Deeper Dive
It’s almost impossible to be unfamiliar with the Corona brand, especially Corona Extra. Its clever marketing has cemented its image as the quintessential warm-weather beer, conjuring images of sun-drenched beaches and carefree relaxation. However, within the vast brewing empire of AB InBev and Grupo Modelo, Corona Familiar stands as a testament to the brand’s range and commitment to diverse tastes.
The first noticeable difference when you encounter Corona Familiar is its packaging. Moving away from the clear glass synonymous with Corona Extra, Familiar opts for brown bottles and cans. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice; 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.” Light-struck beer develops those “skunky” off-flavors, often described as cut grass, that, while some might tolerate, many find unpleasant, especially as the beer warms up. Corona Familiar sidesteps this issue entirely, delivering a consistently fresh and enjoyable taste.
Beyond the packaging, Corona Familiar distinguishes itself through its flavor profile. It’s a more substantial beer, offering a fuller body and richer taste centered around cereal and grain notes. While still refreshing and crisp, it provides more depth than Corona Extra. This robustness makes it a more versatile partner for food, especially casual party snacks and appetizers. Unlike Corona Extra, which often relies on a lime wedge to enhance its flavor, Corona Familiar stands confidently on its own, though a lime is certainly welcome if you prefer.
Corona Familiar is likely to appeal to those who gravitate towards fuller-bodied domestic or imported lagers rather than lighter options. While it may not be the most complex beer to impress craft beer aficionados seeking intricate nuances, its appeal lies in its approachability and enhanced flavor compared to Corona Extra. Its very existence in the shadow of its more famous sibling makes it an intriguing option for those curious to explore beyond the typical Corona experience. Priced similarly to other imported Mexican lagers, Corona Familiar often comes in a 32-ounce brown bottle, offering excellent value, particularly for sharing with a meal. Whether it’s a beachside barbecue or a casual gathering, Corona Familiar’s balanced flavor and refreshing finish make it a superior choice for food pairing and enjoyable drinking in various settings.
Interesting Fact
The beer world is more interconnected than you might think. Years of mergers have placed many popular Mexican beers, including Modelo and Pacifico, under the same corporate umbrella as Corona, managed by Constellation Brands and AB InBev. This same corporate family extends beyond beer, encompassing well-known wineries like Kim Crawford and Robert Mondavi, and spirits brands such as High West and Svedka.
The Bottom Line
Leave the lime aside – Corona Familiar brings enough flavor to the table on its own. This fuller-bodied Mexican-style lager is a smart import choice for those who prefer a beer with character over bland, light brews. And with its protective brown bottle and can packaging, you can be assured that Corona Familiar will deliver a fresh, skunk-free experience every time.
