Noche Buena - Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma, S.A. de C.V.

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.3/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Served in a Chicago Bears shaker pint glass.

Finishing my night with this beer. How appropriate, no? It pours a clear sunrise garnet topped by a finger of dirty off-white foam. The nose comprises light roasted malts, light cocoa powder, graham crackers, and biscuits. The taste holds notes of caramel, light mandarin orange syrup, honey-dripped biscuits, and very light chocolate powder. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation, a mostly smooth feel, and a fairly dry finish. Overall, not a spectacular brew by any stretch, but a very drinkable, generally enjoyable one. Not bad.

Serving type: bottle

11-21-2011 05:24:42 | More by TMoney2591

zeff80

Missouri

3.55/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A - Poured out a clear, dark brown color with a one-finger, egg-shell white head of foam. It left some sudsy trails of lace on the glass.

S - It smelled malty and somewhat roasty.

T - It tasted malty with toffee and caramel flavors. There was a slight roast character, too.

M - It was crisp, sharp and smooth. A medium bodied ale with a dry, clean finish.

O - This is a nice bock. Seems different than most German bocks and less sweet than American ones.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2012 01:53:54 | More by zeff80

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

3.35/5  rDev -0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

This poured out as a typical looking reddish brown color with a thin cream colored head on top. The head fades and doesn't leave too much on the glass. The smell of the beer had some dark malt aromas with a light element of spice in there. The taste was pretty decent actually. I enjoyed the beers hint of holiday flavor it had. The mouthfeel was drinkable and well carbonated. Overall this brew wasn't too bad.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2011 04:44:45 | More by Knapp85

Gueuzedude

Arizona

3.65/5  rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A solid pour into my Lost Abbey Teku produces a two-finger thick, pale amber tinged, tan colored head that even leaves some lacing on the sides of my glass. The beer is a deep amber, sort of root-beer looking color that shows an absolutely brilliantly clear, garnet color when held up to the light. The aroma smells spicy from a mx of hops and malt and there is an almost raisin like note towards the end; this last is contributed by the malt and really isn't fruit-like. The spiciness suggest cinnamon to me for some reason and now that I noticed that I am noticing that the hops definitely are contributing a berry-like character to the nose; that even smells a bit like concord grape juice.

Fairly dry up front, this picks up a faint sweetness as it rolls across the tongue, which accentuates a light, concord grape like flavor. Both the carbonation and a hop bitterness contribute a nice bite to this beer from beginning to end; this is almost the dominant note in this beer. The beer is quite clean, like one would expect from a lager, and finishes fairly non-descriptly with a faintly metalic, grassy combination of malt and hop. Clean malt contributes a touch of lightly accented umami malt character, a wisp of caramelized whole grain; this does manage to have a sort of diluted richness of malt character that a good bock would have and it works quite well here. Fairly light bodied, but still has a touch of viscousness that manages to linger a bit on the palate; the body is enough that this would stand up well to food. At times this has a sort of berry flavor to it, which nicely compliments the softly sweet malt character.

Not bad, and certainly better than Negra Modelo, I wish this beer was as ubiquitous as that when I went out to Mexican restaurants. While nothing to get overly excited about, this is a nicely enjoyable brew that I would be happy to be drinking as I am cooking food up in the kitchen, which is exactly what I happen to be doing at the moment.

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2010 15:29:42 | More by Gueuzedude

emerge077

Illinois

3.2/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Dark reddish copper color, lasting tan foam, even ten minutes after the first pour. Spotty lace around the edges, long drippy trails as the glass is drained. Bright clarity.

Brown sugar and malt-o-meal cereal, not too far off from oatmeal.

Thin and watery, though there's a vague amount of flavor here. Flaked oats, nutty malts, though unfortunately there's a metallic twang to the finish. Nothing sweet here that would suggest a bock, though there are some vague caramel flavors. Dry, papery aftertaste, clean finish. Simple and easy drinking. Nothing groundbreaking. Worth a try, though Indio is a far better beer from this brewery.

Serving type: bottle

12-06-2011 04:50:19 | More by emerge077

Billolick

New York

3.18/5  rDev -5.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12 ounce bottle, w/o freshness/bottling date/best before info.

Pours clear dark amber, medium tan head that quickly departs and leaves just a few bits of lace.

Nose is just faintly of some powdered sugar and dark malt.

Thin brew, with limited flavors being exposed to the palate. A hint of chocolate, caramel, and then a dry and as somebody mentioned, a metallic note to finish things off. Wasnt expecting a whole lot but still somewhat disappointed here.

Best thing I can say is that it worked fine as part of a marinade for chicken thighs...

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2011 00:27:43 | More by Billolick

Beerandraiderfan

Nevada

3.43/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

One of the better mexican brews. Pours a deep auburn to caramel, minimal head, off white with little lace or retention. Aroma had cinammon and/or nutmeg, fit the season

Taste, not much for hops or carbonation, but was a smooth malt beer to make up for it, wouldn't call it a malt bomb by any means, but it is a nice alternative to really heavy winter ales. Caramel carries this beer. Wish it was a little more price friendly, but there is no denying it is up there with Negra Modelo in terms of quality.

Serving type: bottle

07-30-2010 00:53:16 | More by Beerandraiderfan

DoubleJ

California

3.45/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I was surprised to see this at a Xmas party. At points, the label has a very similar look to that of Bohemia. It comes in a brown 12 ounce bottle, so...on to the beer:

It's got an amber brown color with lasting head and solid formation of lace sticking around. The nose has a little toffee, also some stale malt. Flavor is meh towards the begining; light amounts of toffee crisp, caramel, bread, and a kiss of hops. As the beer warms up these flavors intensify and overall becomes sweeter. This bolder flavor matches well with the mouthfeel which is surprisingly fuller than I thought, and rather smooth.

Here's a sleeper from a Mexican brewing giant. It's a step up from Dos Equis Amber, but Noche Buena is only around during the winter season.

Serving type: bottle

12-18-2011 03:11:27 | More by DoubleJ

Gusler

Arizona

3/5  rDev -11%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

As it sets in the glass a transpicuous mahogany color with a substantial light tan head that is semi-creamy in texture with a fine veil of lace to obscure the glass. Sweet malt nose with light hints of caramel, clean and crisp with the front sweet and lightly malted, top is thin in its feel. Finish has a moderate carbonation and the hops apropos to the style with the aftertaste being dry, drinkable, but a bit thin waisted for me. A new beer for me from Mexico, just when I think I've had them all, received this one at the "Strong Ale Fest Beer Swap".

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2003 00:50:22 | More by Gusler

plaid75

New York

3.54/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured a crystal clear amber hue with a one finger foamy white head. There was very good retention and lacing.

The smell featured sweet corn, light caramel and a grassy hop.

The flavor likewise featured a sweet adjunct with some deep earth tones and cleaned up with a grassy hop.

The mouthfeel was toward the thinner side of the style.

Overall a pretty decent bock. A nice surprise.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2013 02:28:33 | More by plaid75

RoyalT

Ohio

4/5  rDev +18.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance - This beer poured a light brown in color and was very clear. It had a nice off-white head that showed good retention.

Smell - This one has a nicely toasted aroma and is very clean. I can also pick up some dark molasses which rightly completes the bouquet.

Taste - That has a big, hard-hitting molasses flavor without a hint of sugar. The malt base is firm and strong giving this beer a lot more heft than I expected.

Mouthfeel - This is light-bodied, flows easy in the mouth, and has enough carbonation to keep things interesting.

Drinkability - I wouldn't say that this is a session beer but it is an easy drinker. It's light and refreshing but has powerful punch that demands respect.

PS: This may seem like a strange beer to pick for my 1,900th review, but I was down in Mexico City having celebrated the bicentennial and was working out the week at a car wash owned by a friend, actually there more to learn from his cooking techniques as they serve food at the car wash and he is an amazing chef. We cooked the night away and I kept my mouth from getting dry by drinking Noche Buenas and I have to say they made for quite the refreshing evening.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2010 01:17:36 | More by RoyalT

jrallen34

Illinois

3.38/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I drank this from a bottle into a pint glass in Puerto Vallarta.

It pours a medium brown with a light tan, good lacing and retention.

The aroma is lots of spice with caramal.

The taste is light overall, not what you would think. Mouthfeel is ok, drinkability is ok.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2009 22:58:35 | More by jrallen34

kylehay2004

Florida

3.23/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Little head on this one and no real lacing on a light amber with slight golden hues hazy body. Aroma is mild. Subtlety spicy and earthy. Flavor is more of the same with brown sugar and caramel malt intermixed.this one is Little flat to me with light carbonation and light body. Overall very drinkable and exactly what you would expect from a bock made on Mexico and actually not a terrible beer though.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2012 04:19:32 | More by kylehay2004

twiggamortis420

Texas

3.53/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle pours a medium amber color with a frothy off-white head. Decent retention and nice lacing.

Nose is caramel maltiness and floral hops with a little bit of sweet herbal character.

Nice little floral hop kick with a fair amount of toasty-caramel malt. I dont think there is any spice additions, but the interaction of the herbal hop and toasted malt gives it almost a nutmeg/cinnamon character that fits well with the beer. I am glad to see a Mexican brewery delve into the seasonal beer market. Body is fairly light and it drinks really easy. I am contemplating picking up another 12-pack of this before Christmas rolls around, especially at less than 15 bucks...Im fairly impressed!

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2011 22:41:54 | More by twiggamortis420

nickfl

Florida

3.13/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - poured with a small head of off white foam on a clear, amber brown body. The head settles quickly and leaves little trace on the glass.

S - light malt with a hint of caramel.

T - caramel and toffee malt up front that remains strong through the finish and combines with a touch of roast character in the finish.

M - medium body, average carbonation, and a dry finish.

D - very drinkable, nothing complex, but inoffensive and about what you would expect from a mexican industrial bock.

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2012 04:19:50 | More by nickfl

srandycarter

California

3.3/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Friend gave me on to try. Thanks Jay!

A -Light pekoe tea color, small ring style head. Not much lace, but present.

S - Very disappointing. Adjunct. Stale.

T - Ok. Light malt, nothing really special. Easy to drink.

M - Light bodied, good carb, fine finish.

D - Serve cold with lots of spicy Mex food!

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2011 05:09:38 | More by srandycarter

beerguy101

California

3/5  rDev -11%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Dark brown color. Small white foamy head. Aroma is malty, caramel and toast. A medium bodied Vienna. Malts are nutty and very slightly sweet. Hops are slightly spicy. A crisp and clean beer. It may be a bit watery, but its certainly a nice Mexican beer. It would be a good beer for a warm summer day, to bad it’s a Christmas Beer…. I do like this beer though. Mouthfeel is a touch thin, but rounded. Finish is clean and dry. Aftertaste is slightly bitter.

Serving type: bottle

01-02-2004 01:18:17 | More by beerguy101

UncleJimbo

Massachusetts

3.43/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

2003 Vintage.

This dunkel lager poured a clear, iced-tea brown color with tan, creamy foam that settled. The smell was malty with a hint of biscuit. The taste was malty with some biscuit and a very light sweetness overall. There was a touch of caramel with a light hop bitterness in the finish. The mouthfeel was smooth and creamy with medium body and low carbonation feel. This was a decent lager. Thanks to Borrachito for this one.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2004 21:38:27 | More by UncleJimbo

BretSikkink

Mexico

3.5/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Typical chestnut brown color with reddish highlights, head is bubbly but nothing to speak of. Nose is similar to the original Negra Modelo but has an accent of herbs and maybe a hint of spicing as well.

The flavor here is, again, similar to the ordinary Negra but includes some additional complexities and nods towards the winter warmer style. Moderate herbal character adds something up front, and the finish, while still medicinally abrupt, is heightened by a very mild herbal note.

A little better than the original, and it comes in 12-packs which is kind of nice. Look for it at your local bodega.

Serving type: bottle

11-09-2011 03:47:15 | More by BretSikkink

wagenvolks

Texas

3.63/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Thanks Sam (SSW117) for sharing this at a recent tasting.

Pours with a tawny amber hue, the sticky body fills the sampling glass. A coating of light tan lace adorns the top. Caramel & hops are slight in the aroma, with a little cereal and toasted bread crust.

Flavor is clearly caramel-rich and backed by toasted cereal grains. Nothing too exciting, but it is impressively Bock-like for a Mexican beer. Body is medium-thin and crisp. Big bubbles of carbonation, but still a very drinkable beer. Worth a try if you can find it.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2011 18:20:30 | More by wagenvolks

Pegasus

Texas

3.53/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: Crystal-clear deep amber in color, with a large, dense cream-colored head, with excellent retention. Thick, sticky lacing adorns the glass walls.

Aroma: Toasted and dark caramel malts dominate, although they seem subtle.

Taste: Opens with toasted, nearly burnt malts, soon followed by a wave of earthy hop notes. The hops linger throughout the taste, along with the malt, each complimenting the other, like strands of pearls twined together. Finishes with a slight, lingering metallic note and a late wave of toasted malt.

Mouth feel: Smooth, soft, and pleasant.

Drinkability/notes: I was a fan of this beer years ago, before I discovered craft beer and BeerAdvocate, enjoying it every Christmas season when it was to be had. After that, it disappeared, until this year. Alas, it is not as glorious as I remembered it to be, but then, what is? Still, I cannot help but like it, as it recalls pleasant memories of bygone days.

Presentation: Packaged in a custom twelve-ounce brown glass long-neck bottle with a pry-off crown, and a foil-wrapped neck, served in a standard Pilsener glass.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2012 04:21:42 | More by Pegasus

crossovert

Wisconsin

2.8/5  rDev -16.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

2011 edition. gold-foiled 355ml bottle.

It pours a clear reddish brown with a creamy off-white head.

The smell is actually not too bad. It smells like noble hops and some pleasant carmally malts.

The flavor is more of a disappointment, it shows is Mexicaness. It has a it of metal, herbal notes form the hops, some muddled sweetness, and overall not that great.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 03:23:18 | More by crossovert

JDV

Texas

2.58/5  rDev -23.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

bottle courtesy of fly. Thanks!
Pours a clear maroon color with a medium sized beige head. Smell is toasty caramel like malt. Taste is nutty and toasty flavored malt with a hint of bitterness. Medium bodied and pretty decent actually for what I expected. Flavor ist still on the thin side, but not bad.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2008 18:42:36 | More by JDV

xnicknj

Pennsylvania

3/5  rDev -11%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5

12oz bottle poured into pilsner glass - thanks jess!

Pours a clear caramel brown color with some slightly brighter auburn and burnt orange hues. A thick beige head bubbles up, retaining well with patchy lacing on the glass.

Some toasted malts with grain and faint caramel sweetness. Light suggestions of dark fruit such as dates, and a touch of soapiness.

Fairly soft up front with some toasted malts and caramel. Touches of fruit sweetness and burnt sugar, but very faint. Very subdued flavor in general, to be honest.

Medium body, nice carbonation, slightly creamy and smooth on the tongue. A pretty boring bock flavorwise, although it looked and felt pretty nice.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2011 01:08:44 | More by xnicknj

budgood1

Minnesota

2.98/5  rDev -11.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

pours out a clear mahoghany colour with a some sparse foam and lace. graininess on the nose with some cocoa and nougat aromas...hints of caramel and ripe fruit, too. smells nice enough. the flavour profile is a touch light in the shorts...it has crisp notes of bock related maltiness...some herbal and spice hop nuances. it notches just above a dark lager, but falls a bit short of seeming like a full fledged bock. the mouthfeel is crisp and a touch metallic, with an overall medium light body. it blurs the line between trying to be easily drinkable and full flavoured.

overall this isn't bad, but nothing really stands out as being special. therefor it falls a bit short of being worth seeking out. glad i got my bottles for free.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2012 21:27:15 | More by budgood1