Bohemia beer from Mexico is perhaps the most overt appeal to the fact that beer from Mexico, as we know it, is actually, from a stylistic and heritage perspective, German and Czech.  Traditional Mexican alcohol beverages are generally corn or agave based.

There were early influxes of barley to Mexico circa 1500 A.D., but beer didn’t truly take hold until a large transplant of Germans in the mid 1800s under the ill-conceived and short lived empire of Mexico that ruled by Maximilian I.  At any rate, this all took place within the immediate proximity of Pilsner being born.  Of course, Vienna style lagers were already established.

So, without too much more in the way of detail, it is important to note that, Bohemia’s name appeals to the history that established a barley-based beer culture in Mexico and is part of the FEMSA portfolio.

The Beer: It seems popular, on some websites, to give this beer a “C” on the rating scale.  I suppose the main detriment in the minds of many folks who have rated it low is the simple fact that it’s a lager.  Depending on who you talk to, many find lager stylistically quotidian compared to the boldness of an American IPA. However, there is very little that tastes better than a lager on a hot day…I suppose context is worth considering when rating a beer.

So, how does Bohemia stack up to the competition?  I have to say that it is certainly better than most macro lagers.  Everything I’ve read states that it has added adjuncts and is, therefore, not an all malt beer.  However, I find the depth to be more than typical American and Mexican brews (especially Tecate and Sol, which are brewed at the same location).

Having said that, Bohemia Clasica is better than most of its counterparts that contain adjuncts.  So, if you normally drink Bud, Tecate, Sol, Miller, Coors, PBRP, or other beers in this vein, Bohemia might just give you a bit more flavor.  By the way, this beer was graciously sent for review by Formulatin.  Thanks, Natalia.