Arches Brewing Brewmaster Jamey Adams Talks Mexican Empire

We spoke with Arches Brewing Brewmaster Jamey Adams about Mexican Empire.

BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
The two chemists at Arches Brewing (Jeffrey Dake and myself) collaborated over 7 years ago as homebrewers to create this beer.

BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
The aroma and flavor that comes from using Vienna malt as the base, the balance of malt and bitterness that is only obtainable by using the clean profile of noble hops, and finally the drinkability of this slightly darker-than-amber beer that surprises most first-time drinkers.

BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
The history of the style itself. When Napoleon III began his conquest of Mexico, which in turn brought about the second “Mexican Empire,” he brought with him Viennese brewers as this style was his favorite style of beer. They in turn taught local brewers how to brew Vienna lagers. Think Negra Modelo​.

BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
No, but it is great on the beach!

BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Deep amber, nutty and bready malt specificity, noble hop subtlety.  

BC: Do you know a story – or have a personal story – that revolves around this beer?
My wife was following a strict Paleo Diet for 6+ years which excluded all beer. She slipped up one afternoon and it took a week to wean her off the power of the “Mexican Empire!”

BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
This beer serves as a bread replacement with any dish. Especially good with spicy foods such as Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and, of course, boiled crawfish. 

Read Review