San Diego's Best Spots To Buy Noche Buena Beer

Noche Buena is a seasonal bock beer made by Mexico's Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, which was acquired in 2010 by Heineken International. It is considered one of Mexico's most eagerly awaited seasonal beers and its only traditional Christmas beer. While Noche Buena was previously exported to the United States, including to San Diego, the beer's makers decided to stop exporting it in 2018, citing a lack of demand. As a result, those seeking Noche Buena in San Diego will need to cross the border into Tijuana, Mexico, where it can be found in supermarkets and other stores.

Noche Buena beer in Tijuana

Noche Buena is a seasonal bock beer made by Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, a Mexican brewery acquired by Heineken International in 2010. While Heineken USA used to distribute this Christmas beer in the United States, they have since stopped importing it, citing a lack of demand. However, for those in San Diego willing to make the trip, Noche Buena can be found just across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.

In 2011, a 12-pack of Noche Buena was available at the Playas de Tijuana Calimax supermarket for 209.90 Mexican pesos, or approximately $10.31. Federal law allows each U.S. citizen to bring back up to three liters of alcohol from Mexico, which equates to eight 12-ounce bottles. So, if you bring a friend, you can split the 12-pack without having to discard any, as one traveller had to do.

Noche Buena is considered an exceptionally easy-drinking bock beer. It is light in body, sweet without being overly cloying, and smooth without falling flat. It has a bubbly texture without being overly effervescent, making it a perfect complement to your holiday feast without overshadowing the main course. With an alcohol content of 5.9%, it pairs well with dishes like turkey, where you don't want the beer to make you feel too full.

So, if you're in San Diego and craving a taste of Noche Buena, grab a friend and head south to Tijuana. Just remember to follow the alcohol limits when bringing it back across the border!

US alcohol import limits

If you're looking to buy Noche Buena beer in San Diego, you may be out of luck. While it was previously available at BevMo in Oceanside, it appears that Noche Buena is no longer being imported into the US. One source from 2018 states that Heineken USA has stopped importing the beer due to a lack of demand. However, if you're willing to cross the border into Tijuana, you can find Noche Buena at some local supermarkets. Just keep in mind the alcohol import limits when bringing it back to the US.

When it comes to US alcohol import limits, there are several regulations and restrictions to keep in mind. Here are the key points to remember:

• Age Requirement: You must be 21 or older to import alcohol into the US.
• Federal Limits: While there is no federal limit on the amount of alcohol you can bring into the US for personal use, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may flag you if you're carrying more than a case (12 bottles) of wine. Larger quantities may be suspected of commercial use and require an import license from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).
• State Laws: Each state has its own guidelines and restrictions on the amount of alcohol that can be brought in. Some states may allow less than a case, so it's important to check with your state's Alcohol Beverage Control board or the TTB for specific limitations.
• Duty-Free Allowance: You are generally allowed to bring one liter (or one bottle) of alcohol per person into the US without paying additional taxes. This is known as the duty-free allowance.
• Duty Taxes: If you bring more than the duty-free allowance, you may be subject to duty taxes, which vary depending on the cost, quantity, and alcohol content of the additional alcohol. These taxes are typically paid to CBP during the clearance process at the port of entry.
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Restrictions: The TSA limits carry-on liquids to 3.4 ounces (100 ml). However, exceptions are made for liquids, including alcohol, purchased after clearing security at the airport. If you have a connecting flight within the US and go through security again, the alcohol will need to be checked.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Rules: The FAA allows up to five liters per person of unopened bottles with alcohol by volume between 24% and 70%. For alcohol with lower alcohol content, you can bring more than five liters, but it may be taxed by Customs. Alcohol with over 70% alcohol by volume is not allowed in checked bags or carry-ons.
• Absinthe Restrictions: Absinthe is highly regulated and must be thujone-free. It cannot be labeled as "absinthe" and cannot have any hallucinogenic depictions on the packaging.
• Shipping Alcohol: Shipping alcohol to the US can be expensive and may involve additional fees and taxes. US postal laws prohibit shipping alcohol through the mail, so you'll need to use a courier service.

It's important to stay informed about any changes or updates to these regulations, as they may evolve over time. Additionally, always drink responsibly and follow local laws and guidelines when consuming alcohol.

Noche Buena beer alternatives in San Diego

Noche Buena, a seasonal bock beer made by Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, is no longer available in the US. However, if you are in San Diego and craving a beer similar to Noche Buena, you can try Navidad, a beer brewed under the Puesto label. It is described as a very similar and delicious bock. You can also try crossing the border to Tijuana, Mexico, where Noche Buena is readily available.

If you're looking for a beer to complement your Thanksgiving turkey, choose one that is moderately to aggressively carbonated. This will cut through the richness of the meal, while gentle spice notes will harmonize with the dressing. Some examples include Chimay Première, Rodenbach Grand Cru, and Hennepin from New York state’s Brewery Ommegang.

For a local option, Longship Brewery in San Diego features a different beer personality every Sunday. You can also try the Christmas ale from the 122-year-old Anchor Brewery in San Francisco, which was purchased by Sapporo in 2017. The brewmaster claims that despite the change in ownership, they are "still brewing to the best of [their] ability with traditional methods and ingredients." Their annual Christmas ale is slightly different each year, with the 2018 edition featuring a Korean pine on the label and milder spices in the brew.

History of Noche Buena beer

Noche Buena is a Mexican-German beer and the first bock-style lager made in Mexico. It was first brewed in the early 20th century, specifically in 1924, in Orizaba, Veracruz, by a group of Germans who founded a brewery and began making the beer for themselves. Eventually, they started giving it as gifts to coworkers and family, and this sparked demand among the general public. The beer was initially called "Reserve of the House" and was produced only during the winter.

The name 'Noche Buena' translates to 'Christmas Eve' in Spanish, and the beer was introduced as a special, limited-edition holiday beverage. It is a bock-style beer, which is a class of beers that originated in Germany and typically have a dark, dense and calorie-rich profile. Noche Buena has a reddish-brown or deep amber hue and features a blend of caramel, malt, chocolate, red fruits, prunes, toasted malts, and herbal hops flavours. It has an alcohol content of 5.9% by volume.

The Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery, now a subsidiary of Heineken International, debuted Noche Buena. The brewery was founded in 1890 by Don José Calderón and Don Isaac Garza, and in 1924, they began brewing Noche Buena with German brewmasters, producing small batches for workers during holiday season meetings. The beer was later sold seasonally, from October to December, with limited availability outside of Mexico, creating a cult following among beer enthusiasts.

Noche Buena beer's popularity

Noche Buena is a popular seasonal beer in Mexico, with a limited release period from October to December. Its name, meaning "Christmas Eve" in Spanish, reflects its close association with Christmas festivities and celebrations in the country. The beer has a cult following and is highly anticipated by locals and visitors alike during the holiday season.

The history of Noche Buena beer dates back to the early 20th century when it was introduced as a special brew by Cervecería Modelo, now known as Grupo Modelo. It is currently produced by Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, one of Mexico's largest breweries, and distributed by Heineken. The beer is characterised by its reddish-amber hue and its blend of caramel, malt, and spice flavours. It is a bock-style lager, typically richer and more robust than average lager, making it a perfect complement to the hearty seasonal cuisine of Mexico.

The complexity of Noche Buena's taste is attributed to the select hops and malt used in its brewing process, which is designed to complement the rich, traditional foods of the Mexican holiday season. The beer's limited availability outside of Mexico and its cultural relevance have made it an object of interest for international beer enthusiasts. Its unique blend of hops and malt gives it a distinctive flavour that sets it apart from other beers.

Noche Buena has become an integral part of Mexican holiday traditions, often served during Las Posadas, a series of traditional Christmas processions that reenact Joseph and Mary's search for shelter. It is considered a quintessential part of Mexican holiday culture, with its presence synonymous with togetherness and merriment during festive gatherings. The beer's label also adds to its popularity, featuring the poinsettia flower, known in Mexico as "Flor de Noche Buena," which plays a significant role in Christmas celebrations.

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