Corona Extra – Mas Fina! Itadaki maaas!

One Woman loves the Corona Extra, even though plenty of folks like to hate on this number one best-selling beer in Mexico, and the number one imported beer in the US. The pale, straw-colored pilsner with the energetic foam that rushes out of the bottle if you're not careful is a great choice for Japanese food, like the awesome yellowtail and avocado roll topped with eel, aka the Manpuku Roll that I enjoyed this evening. Manpuku, by the way, is One Woman's favorite local sushi/noodle joint, Korean American owned, and Mexican and American rolled in Berkeley, CA.

The reason (or, One Woman's theory) for this particular affinity for Japanese flavors: the slight bitter taste in Corona, which turns some people off, complements the sweetness in flavorings like the BBQ eel sauce, sushi rice, and pickled ginger. I favor the addition of the oh-so-controversial slice of citrus, because it brings out the best of the Corona, as well as in foods with natural and not so natural oils, from avocado to a buttery slice of yellowtail sashimi to a righteous tempura battered shrimp. I also like the malty smell of the Corona that's assertive enough, but not overpoweringly so. If you want to do flavor theory, a Corona with a citrus wedge covers at least 3 of the 4 bases (sweet, sour, bitter out of sweet/sour/salty/bitter), complements the remaining salty, and enhances that mythologized fifth flavor, umami.

As for the taste of the Corona itself, it just makes me think of the very basic ingredients of beer: malts, hops, and yeast. No micro/craft/fancy brew spice combinations or incantations by monks. That's what you taste, and one of the reasons that I like this beer.

Another perk: bottle design! As a beer that many choose to drink out of the bottle, the lip is essential. All the way from color (clear) to the gentle curve on the lip that sits and sips marvelously.

Kanpai!

 

Musical pairing: Deer Hoof, Apple O – partially born in Japan, but experiencing a creative blossoming in the US, like the rainbow roll and the fried California roll. Rock 'n' roll.

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Did you know?
Corona, Pacifico, and Negra Modelo (among many other brands) are all produced, distributed and marketed by Mexican beer giant Grupo Modelo?