Corona Extra, Light, Premier, and Familiar are four Mexican import beers that have made big splashes in US markets. They’re each different in their own right, but what separates them? What makes each of them unique?
Corona Extra, Light, Premier, and Familiar are all Mexican lagers. Although they all use the same ingredients, they vary in taste, ABV, and calories. Extra has 148 calories with 13.9 grams of carbs in a 12-ounce serving. Light has 99 with 4.8 grams of carbs. Premier has 90 with 2.6 grams of carbs and Familiar has 156 with 14.6 grams of carbs.
These four brands are meant to individually intrigue a wide variety of beer drinkers. Each has a distinct taste and its own alluring qualities. Keep reading for a comparison of the Corona beer portfolio.
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Corona Extra vs Light vs Premier vs Familiar comparison overview
The Corona beer brand has four beers in its portfolio. These beers collectively appeal to any type of beer drinker, from those that prefer a fuller taste to those that want something lighter and more refreshing.
Corona Extra and Light are the two more popular Corona beer brands. They are the oldest of the four and have the most appeal to beer drinkers in the United States because they are light and refreshing but retain great flavor.
Corona Premier and Familiar are the lightest and heaviest brands, respectively. They are designed to reach different demographics. Premier has 90 calories with 2.6 grams of carbs while Familiar has 156 calories with 14.6 grams of carbs.
The Corona brand has a beer for all beer drinkers, but the distinct taste isn’t for everyone, especially if the beer becomes skunked, which is a frequent occurrence for clear-bottled beer. Of Corona’s line-up, only Familiar is packaged in a dark bottle.
| Comparison | Corona Extra | Corona Light | Corona Premier | Corona Familiar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 148 | 99 | 90 | 156 |
| Carbs | 13.9 grams | 4.8 grams | 2.6 grams | 14.6 grams |
| ABV | 4.6% | 4% | 4% | 4.8% |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast, and non-malted cereals | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast, and non-malted cereals | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast, and non-malted cereals | Water, barley malt, hops, yeast, and non-malted cereals |
| Taste | Balanced taste, sweet, Mexican lager flavor | Light and crisp, light malt and slight hoppiness | Very light, bland but smooth | Rich and full, bright citrus |
| Aroma | Slight honey, corn, malt | Sweet honey and fruit, malty | Mild fruit, bread, corn | Fruity, notes of caramel |
| Cost | $10 per 6-pack | $11 per 6-pack | $9 per 6-pack | $14 per 6-pack |
| Popularity | 6th most popular in the country; 8.1 million barrels shipped, 3.95% market share (2019) | One of the most popular light beers; 1.2 million barrels shipped, 0.6% market share (2017; sales increased after 2020, but updated data is currently unavailable) | Not as popular as Light or Premier; still young, substantial data is yet to be released | The least popular Corona beer; only sold in select markets |
| History | First brewed in 1925 | First released in 1989 | First released in 2018 | First released in the U.S. in 2018 |
What are the differences between Corona Extra, Light, Premier, and Familiar?
The Corona beer portfolio consists of four well-balanced beers that each serve a unique purpose for beer drinkers. Whether you need a super light option or a full and rich beer, the Corona line has you covered.
The main differences between Corona Extra, Light, Premier, and Familiar are the:
- Corona Extra vs Corona Light vs Corona Familiar vs Corona Premier calories
- Corona Extra vs Corona Light vs Corona Familiar vs Corona Premier carbs
- Corona Extra vs Corona Light vs Corona Familiar vs Corona Premier alcohol content (ABV)
- Corona Extra vs Corona Light vs Corona Familiar vs Corona Premier ingredients
- Corona Extra vs Corona Light vs Corona Familiar vs Corona Premier taste, flavors, and aroma
- Cost
- Popularity and sales
- History
The quantifiable differences reside in things like calories, carbs, ABV, and ingredients. Other, more subjective differences between these four beers are in their tastes and aromas.
We’ll also catch you up on the history of each beer, including how and when each brand came to be.
Corona Extra
Since its introduction to the United States in 1981, Corona Extra has taken the American beer market by storm, competing year in and year out with domestic powerhouse brands like Coors Light and Bud Light.
Corona Extra is a full beer with mild malt, citrus, and honey aromas and flavors. It has a 4.6% ABV with 148 calories and 13.9 grams of carbs. It is widely available in cans and bottles and on draft at bars and restaurants. Despite being an import, it is in the top ten for the most popular beers in the United States.
Corona Extra is the “regular” version of Corona. It’s heavier than Corona Light and Premier, but lighter than Corona Familiar.
Calories, carbs, and other nutrition facts
Corona Extra is the original beer in the Corona portfolio. It’s the basis for all the other beers in the Corona line.
Corona Extra has 148 calories and 13.9 grams of carbs in one 12-ounce serving.
Alcohol Content (ABV)
Corona Extra has the second-highest ABV of the Corona beers.
Corona Extra has a 4.6% ABV and 18 IBUs. It is not bitter.
Ingredients
Corona Extra uses the four main ingredients used in any beer. However, the specifications for the types of these ingredients remain secretive.
Corona Extra is brewed with water, barley malt, hops, non-malted cereal, and yeast.
While the official recipe for Corona Extra hasn’t been released, you can try to brew your own taste-alike using this clone recipe.
Taste, flavors, and aroma
Corona Extra is a pale Mexican lager.
Corona Extra has a balanced profile with subtle flavor notes of citrus and honey. It is commonly garnished with lime.
This beer has a notoriously skunky taste coming from the clear bottle it’s packaged in. Buy it in a can for fresher Corona Extra (and most other beers, especially mass-produced ones).
Cost
The average cost for Corona Extra depends on the packaging and the location of your purchase.
On average, a 6-pack of Corona Extra costs around $10.
It is available in 12-ounce slime cans and 12-ounce bottles in 12 and 24-pack cans and bottles.
Popularity and sales
Corona Extra was the only Corona beer on the most-popular list and was bested by brands like Bud Light and Coors Light.
Corona Extra is the 6th most popular beer in the country as of 2019, according to 24/7 Wall Street. The brand shipped 8.1 million barrels in 2019 with a 3.95% market share.
Looking for more beers like Corona Extra? I’ve gathered some recommendations in this article!
History
Corona Extra was first brewed in 1925 in Mexico City, Mexico. It was first introduced in the United States in 1981.
Corona is owned and operated in the U.S. by Constellation Brand; Anheuser-Busch runs the business outside the U.S.
Corona Light
Corona Light is one of the most popular light beers in the country.
Corona Light was first brewed in 1989 as a light version of Corona Extra. In 2017, it was the 24th most popular beer in the United States. According to data, 95% of beer drinkers are familiar with the brand. Its competitors are other light beers like Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Michelob Ultra.
Corona Light is available in 12-ounce slim cans and 12-ounce bottles. It has quickly become a popular and fewer-calories alternative to Corona Extra and is available nationwide.
Calories, carbs, and other nutrition facts
Corona Light is a light beer designed to have minimal calories and carbs.
Corona Light has 99 calories with 4.8 grams of carbs in one 12-ounce serving. It has zero grams of fat.
When compared to other light beers, it’s fairly average regarding both calories and carbs.
Alcohol Content (ABV)
Because Corona Light is a light beer with few calories and carbs, it also has a low alcohol content.
Corona Light has a 4% ABV with 18 IBUs. It is slightly bitter.
This is slightly on the lower side of alcohol content, even by light beer standards.
Ingredients
This beer is brewed with the usual beer ingredients – nothing out of the ordinary.
Corona Light is brewed with water, barley malt, hops, yeast, and non-malted cereals.
Taste, flavors, and aroma
This is a refreshing beer with a crisp taste that pairs well with a lime garnish and a hot summer day.
Corona Light has a light bread taste from the malt used. The overall flavor is muted because of the reduced use of ingredients in the beer.
Corona Light is a light pilsner-style beer.
Cost
The average cost of this beer is higher than some other light beer products because it’s an import with high demand.
Corona Light costs $11 on average for a 6-pack. It’s mostly sold in slim 12-ounce cans and regular 12-ounce bottles.
Other packing options include 12 and 24 packs of cans and bottles, or single 24 oz. cans.
Popularity and sales
One of the most popular light import beers on the market, almost everyone has at least heard of Corona Light.
According to YouGovAmerica, Corona Light is the 14th most popular beer in the country with a 95% fame rate (almost everyone in the country that can drink beer has at least heard of it).
Corona Light has a rating of 49 out of 100 on Beer Advocate, which is actually considered “Awful” by that website’s ranking.
History
As the demand for beers with fewer calories surged throughout the 80s, Corona followed suit and developed one of its own.
Corona Light was first brewed in 1989 as a light version of Corona Extra.
Corona Premier
Although an industry newcomer, Corona Premier is making waves in the light beer market as a smooth, extra-light version of Corona Extra.
Corona Premier was first introduced in 2018. It is the newest beer from Corona and is an even lighter version of Light but with the same 4% ABV. It has 90 calories and 2.6 grams of carbs. It is extremely light tasting and should be served ice cold.
Premier is heavily associated with sports and fitness brands as a choice for anyone looking to consume fewer calories.
Calories, carbs, and other nutrition facts
Corona Premier is the even-lighter version of Corona Light.
Corona Premier has 90 calories with 2.6 grams of carbs and zero grams of fat.
Corona Premier is the lightest version of Corona available.
Alcohol Content (ABV)
Corona Premier and Light share the same ABV.
Corona Premier has a 4% ABV with 7 IBUs. It is not bitter.
Ingredients
Corona Premier is brewed with the same ingredients as Extra, Light, and Familiar.
Premier is brewed with water, barley malt, hops, non-malted cereals, and yeast.
The specific types of grains and other ingredients used are undisclosed.
Taste, flavors, and aroma
Premier has a similar taste and aroma profile to Extra and Light.
Corona Premier has a smooth mouthfeel with flavors and aromas of light citrus and bread. Malt aromas are low and hop flavor and aroma are low to nonexistent.
Cost
The average price for Corona Premier depends on where you buy and can fluctuate from year to year.
The average cost for a 6-pack of Corona Premier is $9.
It is also available in 12 and 25 oz. cans and 12 oz. bottles.
Popularity and sales
Corona Premier is a relatively new beer and, according to WISK.ai, it’s doing pretty well all things considered.
Corona Premier is the 45th most popular beer in the United States. It’s available in all 50 states.
Corona Premier is not as popular as Extra or Light, but it is a great alternative for an even lower calorie count.
History
Corona Premier was first brewed in 2018. It was the first new Corona brand in 29 years.
Premier was released as an even lighter option to Light with 90 calories and an impressive 2.6 grams of carbs. The brand is directed toward sports fans.
In April 2019, it became an official multi-year partner of the United States Golf Association.
Corona Familiar
Corona Familiar is one of the new kids on the block in the US beer market. It’s only available in select markets and holds greater appeal to craft beer fans than domestic light beer enjoyers.
Corona Familiar is a full-bodied Mexian-style lager with a rich caramel flavor and aroma. It has 156 calories and 14.6 grams of carbs in one serving with zero fats. It was first sold in the United States in 2018.
Corona Familiar and Premier were both released in the US in the same year.
Calories, carbs, and other nutrition facts
Corona Familiar is the biggest (literally) beer out of the four Corona brands.
Familiar has 156 calories with 14.6 grams of carbs and zero grams of fat in one 12-ounce serving.
Familiar is mostly available in 32-ounce packaging, but one serving is 12 ounces.
Alcohol Content (ABV)
Familiar has the highest ABV of the Corona products at 4.8%.
Because it has the highest ABV, it can be assumed that it uses the most ingredients during brewing, especially malt which explains its fuller malt flavor.
Ingredients
Corona doesn’t disclose ingredient specifics for each beer, but it gives us some general information.
Corona Familiar is brewed with water, barley malt, non-malted cereal, hops, and yeast.
Given the intensity of the flavor, it’s likely that this recipe uses a higher proportion of malt than the lighter beers in this line.
Taste, flavors, and aroma
Corona Familiar has a complete taste than other Corona products.
It is rich and malty with a crisp finish. It has a full body with medium carbonation and smells like caramel and biscuits.
Familiar is the only Corona beer to use brown bottles, minimizing the chance of “skunking” the beer and keeping it fresher in bottles for longer. It has 19.5 IBUs – the most out of the Corona beers.
Cost
You pay for what you get with beer, and Familiar is no different. The highest ABV Corona product is also the most expensive, but it’s well worth it.
Corona Familiar costs around $14 per 6-pack on average depending on where you live.
It is also sold in 32-ounce single bottles.
Popularity and sales
Corona Familiar is probably the least popular Corona beer as it’s an outcast compared to the other portfolio brews, perhaps because it’s the most different of the line.
Corona Familiar has a 70 out of 100 rating on Beer Advocate. That is an incredibly high rating compared to Extra, Light, and Premier.
Although it does not sell as much as its sibling beers nationwide, it is more popular among the craft beer community.
History
Corona Familiar made its way into US markets just a few years ago in those big, stubby 32-ounce brown bottles you see on shelves in select states.
Corona Familiar was first introduced in the United States in 2018.