Mexican Lager is one of the trendiest beer categories in recent years. But what defines these styles, and what makes them different from other lager categories?

Join a panel of brewers and industry experts from Mexico and the US as they explore the four Mexican Lager styles recently added to the Brewers Association Style Guidelines: Light, Pale, Amber and Dark Mexican Lager. Together, they will discuss the history behind these styles, the characteristics that define them, and practical brewing considerations for creating quality examples.

Whether you're already brewing Mexican Lagers or considering adding one to your portfolio, this session will provide useful context, technical insights and brewing advice.

The key characteristics of the four Mexican Lager styles

The historical roots and evolution of these beers

What sets Mexican Lagers apart from broader International Lager categories

Ingredient and process considerations for brewing these styles

A native Texan, Jacob Sembrano is the brewmaster and co-founder of Cruz Blanca Brewery in Chicago, as well as a beer judge and multiple beer competition award winner. With over 20 years in the hospitality and brewing industry, Jacob blends culinary expertise and brewing craftsmanship to create beers that resonate with the community and celebrate Mexico through an American beer lens. His journey for recipe creation began at the Texas Culinary Academy. After working in renowned restaurants for several years, creativity became a passion. His shift to brewing was sparked at Goose Island Brewery in Chicago, where he quickly excelled during a transformative five-year tenure. For the last 10 years, Jacob has redefined American-brewed cerveza at Cruz Blanca. From small batches that evoke lively gatherings to experimental releases that push boundaries. He ensures every beer tells a story and honors the traditions of Mexico that inspire his work. For him, beer is a medium that fosters connection, sparks conversation, and documents his travel.

Alex Ancona is a Mexican beer and wine sommelier, international beer judge, homebrewer, consultant, and educator with over a decade of experience in brewing, sensory evaluation, and training. He is the founder and director of Beer’s Cool – Escuela de Cerveza, has judged at more than 40 competitions including the World Beer Cup and Great American Beer Festival, and works to showcase the quality and diversity of Mexican beer worldwide. He helped develop the formal style structure for Mexican Lagers and created the Día de Muertos International Beer Cup, introducing new Mexican Cultural Seasonal Beer Styles that link craft brewing with one of Mexico’s most iconic traditions.

Ignacio "Nacho" Lomelí is a beer professional from Mexico with over 10 years of experience in the ingredients sector for the brewing industry. He is an Advanced Cicerone and a National Beer Judge Certification Program judge. His other experience includes craft beer distribution, beer production, and beer education to service staff.

Exploring Mexican Lagers: A brewer's panel