Review: Sol Mexican Beer (2008)
Sol, where have you been all my life?
On a lark, I ordered a bottle of Sol — a brand I’d been wholly unfamiliar with — during a quick Mexican dinner this evening. That rapidly turned into a second, which disappeared as quickly as the first.
Sol is a traditional Mexican brew that dates back to 1924. It’s slightly darker — a moderate gold rather than the usual pale yellow — than most Mexican beers, a hint to its deeper and richer taste.
Sol doesn’t offer any huge surprises, but it’s got smoky and nutty hints where other Mexican beers can come across as thin and weedy. It’s rich without being heavy, with a good mouthfeel and a comforting, light creaminess. It’s lightly bitter and doesn’t venture into the sweet arena at all. The name is quite apt: It’s sunshine bright and quite relaxing, with no skunkiness to it at all.
I enjoyed both bottles ice cold and without lime — didn’t even think to ask for a wedge. Sol’s plenty good on its own. Mexican beer fans are well advised to track it down.
4.5% abv.
UPDATE: It’s come to my attention that Sol is almost universally reviled by beer pros… did I luck out and get an especially fresh batch? Has something in the production changed at Sol HQ? Planning to track down the beer again from a different source so I can ensure this wasn’t just a fluke.
A- / $8 per six-pack / sol.com [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]
Sol Mexican Beer (2008)
$8
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Gotta’ say, this is the first positive review I’ve ever seen on Sol. My word, have they changed the formula? This has (had?) always been a “light” Mexican beer, basically tasteless. If it’s been ramped up, I’m impressed But I fear that it was just the moment. Even Budweiser can taste great at the right time and the right place — just haven’t found that place yet.
I’m partial to lighter style beers but I’d call this far from tasteless. No idea if the recipe has changed but you’re right… could be a fluke. Will have to try it again under different circumstances.
It could be however that it actually tasted good and you liked it! Try it again and let us know how it is.
I personally have tried “Sol” and thought it was decent, but not “tasteless”.
I’d also like to quote a line from an article I recently read on blind Whisky taste-testing:
“These results suggest that, although “uisgebeatha” has unique properties, the inexpert drinker should choose his whisky to suit his taste and pocket and not his self image.”
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1550199
Just because “Sol is almost universally reviled by beer pros”, as you have stated above, doesn’t mean that one can not like or enjoy it.
I’ve enjoyed Sol on occasion for over 20 years, and it has always been an excellent beer as long as it is fresh. It doesn’t have any magical properties, though, so as long as it comes in clear bottles there’s a risk of getting a skunky one, just like every other beer that comes in a clear (or green) bottle. Perhaps some people are confusing it with Corona, which really is a nothing beer, even when fresh.
Hi! DSKEYoIg
what is a beer pro exactly? The beer is a typical mexican beer and was (IMO) better than Carona.
what is a beer pro exactly? The beer is a typical mexican beer and was (IMO) better than Corona.
that is As well great, when it comes in india hope it could make a Rocking place for youngster.. hope that
come accurate.
Second day of drinking Sol and I must say i am hooked as of now. Super bowl is in 2 days and I have bought a 12 pack which should compliment the BBQ nicely.
Drinking one as i’m writing, kinda good. Light but not tasteless, good taste really :)
screw the pros-i love the stuff
I’ve been a huge Sol fan for thirty years. I find it to be like a big hit of high mountain spring water. Reminds me glacier and granite. I like that it is so very mild. A hint of bitter, but wow on a hot day it’s the snit.
Also love ales and hand crafted porters. Depends on the mood. Wanna clear your palate though, have a ICY COLD Sol. Good stuff.
I’m a homebrewer who has tried a lot of beer and I also enjoy the Mexican cerveza. I decided to try one tonight and it taste like Corona lite. Not bad at all but not a lot of flavor either.
Best beer so far i love it i never like beer befor but i like this ? good job sol
Best feer so far I drank smooth and great taste good job