Beer Review: Chuckanut Mexican Style Dark Lager
Brewery: Chuckanut Brewery (Burlington/Bellingham, WA)
Style: Mexican-Style Dark Lager (Vienna-Style variant)
ABV: 5.0% | IBU: 18
Chuckanut Brewery is often cited by brewers as the “gold standard” for lagers in the United States. While their flagship Helles and Dunkel get much of the spotlight, their Mexican Style Dark Lager (formerly known as 2 Amigos) is a masterclass in balance, offering a “heartier” alternative to their standard Mexican Lager while remaining impossibly light on its feet.
Appearance
It pours a beautiful, clear, deep amber to light mahogany. Unlike a Schwarzbier (which is opaque black), this beer glows with clarity and reddish hues when held to the light. It is topped with a thin, effervescent tan head that dissipates quickly, true to its refreshing nature.
Aroma
The nose is subtle but inviting. Expect clean scents of toasted grain, light caramel, and a hint of corn sweetness. There is zero “roast” or “char” here; instead, it smells like fresh-baked brown bread and sun-warmed fields.
Tasting Notes
The Lead: A smooth, bready malt sweetness hits first. Because it’s brewed with flaked corn (maize) alongside high-quality Skagit Valley malts, the sweetness feels “creamy” rather than sugary.
The Mid-Palate: Hints of toffee and light nuttiness emerge. It has more “oomph” than a standard pale lager, yet it retains a remarkably thin, crisp body that prevents it from feeling heavy.
The Finish: This is where Chuckanut shines. It finishes bone-dry and effervescent. There is a very low hop bitterness—just enough to scrub the palate clean and prepare you for the next sip.
Mouthfeel
The body is light to medium and has a soft, velvety texture. The carbonation is high and “spritzy,” making it incredibly crushable even on a hot day—proving that dark beer isn’t just for winter.
This is the ultimate “food beer.” It has enough malt character to stand up to spicy mole or grilled meats, but it’s refreshing enough to act as a palate cleanser for salty chips and salsa. It is a sophisticated, technically perfect take on a style that is often overlooked.
Best Paired With:
Carnitas tacos, spicy chicken enchiladas, or a lime wedge (though it certainly doesn’t need one).