Last Updated on: 16th May 2024, 12:34 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.
Mexico is much more than Tequila and Mezcal, it's also a beer-producing powerhouse.
This post presents a review of Corona Familiar, Mexico's most popular beer!
Reviewed by: J Highland
Corona Familiar: Budget-Friendly Mexican Lager
Rating: ⭐⭐

Corona Familiar, a popular Mexican lager, has earned its place as a go-to for those seeking an easy-drinking and affordable brew. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide if it's the right beer for you:
Strengths:
- Light and Crisp: This Mexican lager boasts a light body and crisp character, making it perfect for enjoying on a hot day.
- Inoffensive Flavor: Corona Familiar avoids strong or overwhelming flavors, offering a clean and refreshing taste.
- Budget-Friendly Brew: Affordability is a major perk, especially in Mexico.
- Wide Availability: Finding Corona Familiar is easy, particularly at stores like Wal-Mart Mexico.
Weaknesses:
- Simple Flavor Profile: For those seeking complex flavors, Corona Familiar might be a bit too neutral.
- Temperature Matters: The taste is best enjoyed cold. As it warms up, the flavor becomes less desirable.
Verdict:
Corona Familiar is a no-frills lager ideal for those seeking a light, easy-drinking, and affordable option. The inoffensive taste and budget-friendly price make it a popular choice, especially when served cold. Spirits expert Neil Coleman suggests Corona Familiar as a solid option for casual beer drinkers looking for refreshment without breaking the bank.

Tasting Notes
- Color: Pale to amber.
- Nose: Caramel and corn aroma.
- Palate: The body is quite thin and watery, it has a faint hint of malt, a bit of apple juice flavor, a crisp finish, and nothing remarkable to write home about.
How did I review Corona Familiar?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and spirits expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ - Poor, ⭐⭐ - Average, ⭐⭐⭐ - Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Excellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Corona Familiar?
- Corona Familiar is a widely popular beer in Mexico, known for its accessibility and appeal to a broad audience. It's easily available in various places, including Amazon, major retail stores, and local convenience shops throughout Mexico.
Is it a Dark Beer?
- Despite its dark bottle, Corona Familiar is not a dark beer. It has a light amber color, slightly darker than the traditional Corona beer familiar to many. The bottle's color can be misleading, giving the impression of a deeper hue.
Alcohol Content
- Corona Familiar has a relatively low alcohol content, bottled at 4.5% ABV. This makes it a light beer, both in terms of alcohol strength and taste. It's known for its smoothness without any harsh or intense flavor notes.
Is Corona Familiar a Lager?
- Contrary to common belief, Corona Familiar is categorized as a Pilsner-style beer by Cerveceria Modelo, the brewer. While Pilsners are a type of lager, they typically use more hops and different yeasts, resulting in a spicier and more flavorful beer. However, many perceive Corona Familiar as tasting more like a plain lager, focusing less on distinct flavors and more on mass production.
Is it Gluten-Free?
- As with most beers, Corona Familiar is made using ingredients like barley and sometimes wheat, both of which contain gluten. Although the gluten content may decrease during the brewing process, standard beers usually have a gluten content above 20 ppm. Therefore, Corona Familiar is not suitable for those concerned about gluten consumption.
Does it Have Sugar?
- Beer generally does not contain sugar, and Corona Familiar is no exception. However, it is important to note that beer can be high in calories. A whole bottle of Corona Familiar contains around 400 calories, which should be considered when consumed with food, especially calorie-dense items like tacos.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories per bottle
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Gluten: Above 20 ppm (not gluten-free)
- Type: Pilsner-style beer (light amber color)
- ABV: 4.5%
Additional Considerations
- Corona Familiar is a mass-produced beer, widely available and consumed in Mexico. Its appeal lies in its smooth, easy-drinking character, making it a popular choice for casual drinking occasions. However, those with dietary restrictions, especially regarding gluten, should consider alternative beverages.
