Cusquena Golden Lager 6Pk

Cusqueña Golden Lager 6-Pack is a 100% malt Peruvian lager brewed at 5.0% ABV with Saaz hops and triple-filtered Andean mountain water. Its all-malt composition sets it apart from the majority of Latin American lagers available in the U.S., which typically rely on adjuncts like corn or rice to cut costs and lighten body.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  Origin: Cuzco, Peru  |  Style: All-Malt Golden Lager  |  Brewery: Backus y Johnston

Production & Heritage

Cusqueña has been brewed in Cuzco since 1911 by Unión de Cervecerías Peruanas Backus y Johnston S.A.A., one of Peru's oldest and most established brewing operations. The water source originates at approximately 18,000 feet above sea level in the Peruvian Andes, lending a notably clean mineral profile to the finished beer. The recipe calls for 100% barley malt — no adjuncts — paired with Czech Saaz hops, then run through a triple filtration process designed to preserve delicate flavor compounds while achieving a polished, bright appearance in the glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Light honey and fresh crackers lead, followed by subtle floral hop character and a whisper of citrus zest. The nose is clean and inviting without heavy sweetness.

Taste: Entry is soft and malt-forward, with sweet bread and a touch of honey arriving first. Mid-palate introduces gentle citrus and light toasted grain, while a restrained grassy and floral hop presence builds toward a balanced, mild bitterness. The all-malt body gives it more substance than typical adjunct lagers without veering into heaviness.

Finish: Medium-short and crisp, with lingering grain and a faint echo of floral hops. The triple filtration keeps the close clean and refreshing, encouraging the next sip.

How to Drink Cusqueña Golden Lager

Serve well chilled in a pilsner glass or clean pint glass to showcase its bright golden color and sustain its fine carbonation. A wedge of lime is optional but not necessary — the beer's own citrus character provides balance.

• Michelada: The malt sweetness and clean finish stand up well to tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce without getting lost.
• Shandy: Mix with fresh lemonade for a low-ABV warm-weather drink; the honey and cracker notes add depth beyond a standard lager shandy.
• Beer Margarita (Beergarita): Float Cusqueña atop a frozen margarita — its malt backbone and gentle bitterness complement lime and tequila.

Best For

• Pairing with Peruvian ceviche or other Latin American cuisine
• Introducing friends to premium South American lagers
• Warm-weather cookouts where a step above mainstream lager is welcome
• Building a global beer tasting lineup alongside European pilsners

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cusqueña Golden Lager taste like? It delivers sweet bread and light honey up front, followed by subtle citrus and toasted grain, finishing clean with gentle floral hop bitterness. The 100% malt recipe gives it a fuller body than most adjunct lagers in its category.

How does Cusqueña compare to Corona Extra? Both are Latin American lagers popular in the U.S., but Cusqueña uses 100% barley malt and Czech Saaz hops, while Corona relies on an adjunct-grain recipe that produces a thinner, more neutral profile. Cusqueña generally shows more malt sweetness, toasted grain complexity, and hop character than Corona.

Is Cusqueña good for sipping on its own? Yes — the all-malt body and Saaz hop balance make it satisfying without garnishes or mixers, especially when served cold in a proper glass.

Where is Cusqueña made? Cusqueña is brewed in Cuzco, Peru, by Unión de Cervecerías Peruanas Backus y Johnston S.A.A., a brewery established in 1911 that draws its water from a source high in the Peruvian Andes.

What foods pair well with Cusqueña Golden Lager? Ceviche works exceptionally well, as the beer's citrus hints mirror the lime in the dish. Grilled chicken with ají amarillo sauce complements the malt sweetness. Empanadas benefit from the carbonation cutting through pastry richness. Lomo saltado pairs naturally given the beer's Peruvian roots. Lighter seafood dishes like grilled shrimp also match the clean, crisp profile.

What sizes does Cusqueña come in? The Golden Lager is widely available in 6-packs of 12 oz (355 ml) bottles, and single larger-format bottles can also be found in some markets.

Is Cusqueña worth the price? Cusqueña positions as a premium import lager, typically priced slightly above mainstream Mexican and domestic lagers. The 100% malt recipe, Saaz hops, and Andean water source justify the modest premium for drinkers seeking more character than standard adjunct lagers provide.

Why Cusqueña Golden Lager?

In a U.S. market flooded with adjunct-heavy Latin American lagers, Cusqueña's 100% barley malt recipe is a genuine rarity that delivers measurably more flavor and body. The use of Czech Saaz hops — the same noble hop variety prized in traditional Bohemian pilsners — connects the beer to a European brewing philosophy while its Andean water source and Peruvian heritage give it a distinct identity. Brewed continuously since 1911, the recipe has remained remarkably consistent, and the triple filtration process ensures clarity without stripping the malt and hop character that define it. For anyone exploring South American beer beyond the usual suspects, Cusqueña is the clearest argument that Peru deserves a seat at the table.