Corona (beer)

Corona (labeled Corona Extra) is a brand of pale lager owned and produced by Grupo Modelo in Mexico. It is the top-selling beer in Mexico and is one of the top selling beers worldwide. Corona beer is available in over 150 countries. All Corona beer is produced in Mexico. In the United States, Corona Extra is the top selling imported beer. Outside of Mexico, Corona is often served with a wedge of lime or lemon inserted into the neck of the bottle. As of February 2009, Corona will be available on tap in Australia and New Zealand through a deal recently struck with Carlton & United Beverages.

Corona beer is available in a variety of bottled presentations, ranging from the 190 ml (6.4 U.S. fl oz; 6.7 imp fl oz) ampolleta (labeled Coronita and just referred as the cuartito) up to the 940 ml (31.8 U.S. fl oz; 33.1 imp fl oz) Corona Familiar (known as the familiar or Litro). A draught version also exists, as does canned Corona in some markets.

Unlike many beers, Corona is bottled in a clear bottle, increasing the opportunity for spoilage. Exposure to sunlight or light from fluorescent bulbs such as those used in refrigerated display cases significantly damages the taste of beer, yielding a taste that is often described as "skunky". This is the result of the essential hop oils spoiling due to UV exposure. However, during distribution, Corona is not typically stored in direct sunlight.