Victoria bills itself as the first beer of Mexico, brewed in a Vienna style since the 1860s and now part of Grupo Modelo. It sits between the pale Mexican lagers and the dark Negra: a soft amber lager with a light caramel-malt sweetness that gives it more warmth and character than a Corona, while staying easy and sessionable. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and where it lands.
Victoria at a glance
| Style | Vienna-style Mexican lager |
| ABV | 4.0% |
| Calories | Around 140 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 12g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Grupo Modelo, Mexico |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, non-malted cereals, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $13 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Victoria sits between the pale and dark Mexican lagers, with a light caramel-malt sweetness that gives it soft amber character.
The full review
It pours a light amber-gold, clear with a white head. The aroma is soft and malty with a gentle caramel-and-bread note and just a whisper of hops, warmer than the grainy pale lagers.
On the palate it is smooth and easy with a light caramel-malt sweetness, a soft body and a clean, gently bitter finish. It has more warmth and roundness than a Corona but stays light and sessionable, helped by the modest 4.0% ABV.
This is a friendly, easy-drinking amber lager that suits both sunshine and food. A wedge of lime works if you want it, though the extra malt means it holds up fine without one. It is a step up in character from the pale crowd without asking anything of you.
Value is fair for an import. It costs about the same as the pale Mexican lagers but gives you a little more flavor and warmth, which makes it an easy recommendation for anyone bored of the usual suspects.
The easygoing amber middle ground of the Mexican lagers.
- Soft caramel-malt character
- More warmth than pale lagers, lighter than Negra
- Easy, sessionable 4.0% ABV
- Good with food and sunshine
- Still a fairly light lager
- Low 4.0% ABV
- Not as widely stocked as Corona
Who it is for
Anyone who wants a soft, lightly malty Mexican amber lager with more character than a Corona but less body than a Negra. If you like this, a Modelo Especial or a Dos Equis Ambar are natural comparisons.
Victoria FAQs
What does Victoria taste like?
Soft and easy with a light caramel-malt sweetness, a gentle body and a clean finish. Warmer and a little maltier than a pale Mexican lager, but lighter than Negra.
Is Victoria a dark beer?
No, it is a Vienna-style amber lager, sitting between the pale Mexican lagers and the darker Modelo Negra in both color and flavor.
How strong is Victoria?
It is 4.0% ABV, on the lighter side for a lager.
How many calories are in Victoria?
Around 140 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 12g of carbs.
Is Victoria vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Victoria gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
Where is Victoria brewed?
In Mexico, by Grupo Modelo. The brand dates back to the 1860s and calls itself the first beer of Mexico.
What is the difference between Victoria and Modelo Especial?
Victoria is a Vienna-style amber lager with light caramel malt. Especial is a crisp, pale pilsner-style lager.
Where to buy Victoria
Victoria is sold across the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Victoria is a likable, easy-drinking Vienna-style amber lager that gives you a little more warmth and malt character than a Corona without the weight of a Negra. It is still a light beer, but the soft caramel note and easy 4.0% ABV make it a genuinely nice change of pace. A solid three point five out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
See where Victoria lands against the field in our best lager beers guide.
Want the wider picture? Our best Mexican beers guide ranks every one we have tasted.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Victoria?
Victoria is a Vienna-style Mexican lager, at 4.0% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Victoria?
Victoria has an ABV of 4.0%.
How many calories are in Victoria?
Victoria has Around 140 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Victoria gluten free?
Victoria: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Victoria have carbs?
Yes, Victoria has Around 12g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Victoria taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Victoria cost?
Victoria typically runs Around $9 to $13 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Victoria without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Victoria?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Vienna-style Mexican lager like Victoria. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
