The Brewer: Callie Kiesow's Loca Lager
Brewing a Mexican-Style Lager Using Spike Brewing Equipment and Ingredients: A Step-by-Step Guide
Callie Kiesow, a brewing genius behind Spike Brewing, concocted a brew that screams "summer" all year round. We pour this golden beauty with a sea salt rim and a spunky lime wedge, making it a tropical fiesta in every sip.
The Beer: A Mex-centric Lager
Lighter than your average brew, Mexican Lagers are a vibrant and refreshing delight. With a crisp taste, these bad boys boast an unpretentious malt flavor and a soft finish, perfect for spicing up even the scorching summer days.
Enjoy the best of both worlds with Mexican Lagers - they're not just for hot weather! These versatile nectars will keep you cool and refreshed all year round.
The Recipe: Cal's Loca Lager
INGREDIENTS
GRAIN
- 8 lbs Pilsner
- 2 lbs Vienna
- 1 lbs Flaked Corn
HOPS
- Boil Hops: 1 oz Hallertau-0:90 min
- Boil Hops: 1 oz Cascade-0:30 min
- Boil Hops: 1 oz Cascade-0:15 min
YEAST
- SafLager W-34/70
- German Lager Dry Yeast
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR A MEXICAN TWIST
- 1 cup Piloncillo Sugar
- 1 tbsp Lime Zest
- 1 tsp Agave Nectar
INSTRUCTIONS
BATCH SIZE: 5 gal
OG: 1.056
FG: 1.016
IBU: 20
ABV: 5.3%
EFFICIENCY: 75%
MASH TEMP: 150°F
BOIL: 90 min
FERMENTATION: 55°F - 4 weeks
SYSTEM: Nano
Cheers,
Callie Kiesow - Spike Brewing
Spike Summarizes: All about the Mex-centric Lager
What is a Mexican Lager?
Originating from the 19th century and inspired by German immigrants, Mexican Lagers are a legacy that continues to flourish. Famed for their crisp, refreshing qualities, they've grown into a widely popular beer style around the globe.
How does Mexican Lager Compare to Other Types of Beer?
Mexican Lagers are a lighter, crisper alternative to many beer styles. Known for their clean malt flavor, minimal hop bitterness, and softly satisfying finish, they're a dream companion for warm weather indulgence.
Ideal Food Pairings for Mexican Lager
Spice up your taste buds! Mexican Lagers pair beautifully with flavorful dishes like tacos, enchiladas, or a spicy barbecue. Their lightness and carbonation help quell the heat and cleanse your palate with every sip.
Is Mexican Lager a Summer Beer?
While Mexican Lagers excel in summer, there's no need to limit yourself! Enjoy this versatile brew all year round. From summer's scorching heat to winter's chilly nights, Mexican Lagers are a welcomed companion.
Key Ingredients in Mexican Lager
Primary ingredients in Mexican Lagers include water, barley malt, hops, and yeast. Some versions also incorporate corn or rice adjuncts to achieve a lighter body and flavor. This blend results in a beer that's easy-going, light, and revitalizing.
ABV in Mexican Lager
Mexican Lagers usually have a lower alcohol content, hovering around 4-5% ABV. This makes them a great choice for drinkers seeking a more toned-down brew.
Brewing Mexican Lager
Mexican Lagers are brewed using traditional lager techniques, incorporating bottom fermentation at colder temperatures. This process gives Mexican Lagers their crisp, clean, and satisfying taste.
Serving Temperature
Ice-cold is the way to go, typically around 38-40°F (3-4°C). This serves to heighten the beer's refreshing qualities, making it ideal for hot weather drinking.
Why is Mexican Lager So Carbonated?
High carbonation in Mexican Lagers not only offers a pleasing mouthfeel but also maintains their refreshing qualities. It enhances the beer's delicate flavors, resulting in an unforgettable sip.
Subtle Differences in Mexican Lagers
Though all Mexican Lagers share a basic profile, there's a touch of variation here and there. Some may showcase more malt complexity, while others might exhibit subtle hoppy notes or a hint of sweetness.
Crafting a Mexican Lager
Craft breweries are dabbling with Mexican Lagers too! Many have started to brew their own innovative takes on this style, often adding a twist like lime or agave.
Sub-Styles of Mexican Lagers
Two common sub-styles you may encounter are the Mexican Amber Lager and Mexican Dark Lager. Amber Lagers are fuller-bodied with a more pronounced malt character, while Dark Lagers, or "Negras," sport a deeper hue and may exhibit chocolate or caramel notes.
The Evolution of Mexican Lager's Popularity
Mexican Lagers have been a rising trend, particularly in the United States. Their universal appeal, combining ease of drinking and versatility with an array of dishes, has contributed to their surge in popularity. As craft breweries continue to experiment with the style, we can only expect its reputation to grow even further.
Savor the vibrant flavors and verve of the Mex-centric Lager - an unforgettable taste of summer to last all year. And remember, the world of beer is endless, inviting you to continue exploring! Salud!
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How to Homebrew Beer (coming soon!)
- The culinary world meets the beer world in Callie Kiesow's 'Loca Lager' recipe, a food-and-drink fusion that marries the spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine with the crisp refreshment of a Mex-centric Lager.
- As technology advances, data-and-cloud-computing platforms allow homebrewers like Callie to share and explore recipes, enabling a wide array of palate-pleasing creations that elevate the craft beer lifestyle.
- The rise of technology and the ease of creating food-and-drink recipes has led to a new trend in the world of homebrewing: technology-infused beers, where brewers experiment with added ingredients such as Piloncillo Sugar, Agave Nectar, and Lime Zest, to create unique concoctions that cater to diverse tastes.
