Beer Reviews

Morelos (Cerveza con Limón)

Named after the state in South Central Mexico known for its perpetually balmy, clement weather, Morelos is a crisp and quaffable Mexican Style Lager with lime. A carefully selected grain bill imparts freshly toasted amber malt notes brightened up with a spritz of lime. Bright and clean with just a touch of honey sweetness and a vibrant citrusy finish, Morelos is a satisfying sunny morning in a can.

Morelos is the second release in the Brewer’s Select Series, a rotating roster of unique, limited edition creations showcasing innovative recipes from our talented team of brewers. Read on to get the full scoop on Morelos!

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge.

 

Malts: Pilsner, Vienna, Munich, CaraAroma

Hops: Tettnang

Morelos is a beer that was previously only available on draft in small quantities, and is part of our new Brewer’s Select Series. What are the other beers in the series? 

To quote Austin, our Innovation Coordinator: “Every beer in the Brewer’s Select Series started off as a Taproom-only  release. After several iterations and polishings, we’re ready for the rest of the world to try our beers!” The other beers are Petrichor, a bright, floral American Wheat Ale, and Raven, an Export Stout with complex notes of dark chocolate and rye. Raven will be released later this year, so stay tuned!

 

Morelos is Mexican Style Lager with Lime. What are the notable features of this beer? Is there a backstory to beers with lime added?

Mexican Lager is a style that is essentially identical to Vienna Lager. In the middle of the 19th century, a group of Austrians moved from Vienna to Mexico. They brought a few things with them, like polka, which was integrated into traditional Mexican music. They also started brewing the style of beer they were used to drinking at home: Vienna Lager. Characterized by the use of Vienna malt, these beers feature malt-derived notes of toasted bread and bread crust. Mild hop bitterness balances out the malty sweetness, leading to a crisp, clean, refreshing finish.

 

As for the backstory of adding lime to beer, or beverages in general, nobody knows the true origin, but there are some interesting theories. A few alcohol historians cite the origin as the old west, where floating a slice of lime on top of your drink would stop the flies from landing in it. Others believe it was to cover up the skunked flavor that beers packaged in clear glass often develop. Finally, some believe the others are overthinking it, and that the answer is obvious– people had leftover lime wedges after squeezing them onto their tacos, dropped them in their beer, and realized it tastes good. 

 

Where does the name come from?

One of our photographers, Jon Medina, chose the name to honor his mother’s side of his family, who originate from the town of Morelos, Mexico. Not far South of Mexico City, Morelos is an agriculturally heavy area that can trace its origins to settlements some 8000 years ago. The area has seen strategic importance in various conflicts, including both the Spanish-American war and the multiple wars Mexico fought for independence. In 1862, Francisco Leyva raised an army in Morelos that went on to fight in the Battle of Puebla on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo).

 

What are some other favorite Mexican Style Lagers? 

Pachanga from Sun King and Mexican Lager with Lime from Great Lakes are both great. I also really enjoy Dos Equis, when the options are more limited.

 

Appearance: Amber color with good clarity and fluffy, white foam.


Aroma: Fresh, bright key lime, with hints of toasted malt and bread crust.

 

Taste: Fresh key lime leads the flavor, followed quickly by hints of toasted malt. The finish is very balanced, with just enough bitterness to lead to a dry, clean finish, loaded with lingering notes of lime.

 

Mouthfeel: Light and crisp with medium carbonation.

 

Overall: Amber color with good clarity and fluffy white foam, additions of key lime add bright citrus notes to this approachably complex Mexican Lager. Malty notes of toast and bread crust round out the flavor, backed by just enough balancing bitterness. The finish is cris, clean, and refreshing, with lingering notes of fresh key lime.

 

What foods would pair well with Morelos? T

he obvious answer is tacos, especially street style, but Morelos would also go great with grilled or fried fish.

 

Ideal glassware for Morelos? A standard shaker pint.