Stone Buenaveza 6Pk Cans

Stone Buenaveza Salt & Lime Lager 6Pk Cans is a 4.7% ABV Mexican-style lager brewed with real lime and Bavarian sea salt, sold in a six-pack of 12 oz cans. Scored 92/100 by Craft Beer & Brewing, this sessionable lager stands apart by incorporating lime and salt directly into the brew rather than relying on post-pour garnish.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.7%  |  Origin: Escondido, CA & Richmond, VA  |  Style: Mexican-Style Pale Lager  |  Brewery: Stone Brewing

Production & Heritage

Stone Brewing, founded in 1996 in San Marcos, California and now headquartered in Escondido, grew into one of the largest independently owned craft breweries in the United States before its 2022 acquisition by Sapporo. Buenaveza was created by brewer Ben Sheehan while working at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station in San Diego. The beer is brewed using Liberty hops alongside real lime and high-quality Bavarian sea salt, producing a clean, crisp lager where the citrus and mineral character are fully integrated into the liquid rather than added as an afterthought at the glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh-squeezed lime dominates the nose, followed by a moderate cracker-like malt backbone and a faint corn chip character. The salt is subtle on the nose, letting the citrus lead.

Taste: Lime arrives immediately on entry and carries through the mid-palate with a light, pleasant tartness. A touch of sweet malt balances the citrus, while the Bavarian sea salt adds a savory, mineral undertone that amplifies the beer's refreshing quality. Bitterness from Liberty hops stays restrained, keeping everything clean and drinkable.

Finish: Short and drying with a salty-sour interplay that lingers briefly. The aftertaste carries a sweetish quality tempered by a final salty tang, prompting the next sip.

How to Drink Buenaveza

Serve ice-cold, straight from the can or poured into a chilled pilsner glass to let the lime aromatics open up. Because the salt and lime are already built into the beer, no additional garnish is needed — though a lime wedge on the rim adds visual appeal. A Michelada using Buenaveza as the base works naturally since the salt and lime are already present, requiring less doctoring. A simple Beer Margarita (blending frozen margarita mix with the lager) benefits from Buenaveza's integrated citrus and salinity. A Shandy made with fresh lemonade plays off the existing lime notes for a double-citrus summer cooler.

Best For

• Backyard barbecues and taco nights where a thirst-quenching lager is essential
• Beach or pool days that call for low-ABV, high-refreshment drinking
• Introducing craft beer drinkers to a flavorful alternative to mass-market Mexican lagers
• Casual gifting for fans of lime-forward, sessionable beers

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Buenaveza taste like? Buenaveza delivers a clean, lime-forward flavor with a slight tartness, subtle malt sweetness, and a savory Bavarian sea salt finish that keeps the beer ultra-refreshing and balanced.

How does Buenaveza compare to Corona? Both are Mexican-style lagers often associated with lime, but Buenaveza integrates real lime and sea salt directly into the brewing process, resulting in more pronounced citrus and mineral character than Corona, which relies on a post-pour lime wedge for its signature flavor. At 4.7% ABV, Buenaveza is slightly higher in alcohol than Corona's 4.6% and uses Liberty hops for a more craft-oriented profile.

Is Buenaveza good for beginners? Buenaveza is an excellent entry point for anyone exploring craft beer, as its light body, familiar lime-and-salt flavor profile, and low 4.7% ABV make it immediately approachable without sacrificing flavor complexity.

Where is Buenaveza made? Buenaveza is brewed and canned by Stone Brewing at its facilities in Escondido, California, and Richmond, Virginia. The recipe was originally developed at Stone's Liberty Station brewpub in San Diego.

What foods pair well with Buenaveza? Fish tacos and ceviche mirror the beer's lime-salt character. Grilled shrimp with chili-lime seasoning amplifies the citrus notes. Elote (Mexican street corn) complements the salty, slightly sweet malt profile. Chips and fresh guacamole echo the beer's clean, bright acidity. Carnitas or al pastor benefit from the lager's crisp, palate-cleansing finish.

What sizes does Buenaveza come in? Buenaveza is commonly available in 12 oz six-pack cans, 12-pack cans, and single 19.2 oz stovepipe cans, though availability varies by market.

Is Buenaveza worth the price? Buenaveza positions as a craft alternative to mass-market Mexican lagers, sitting in the accessible craft beer price tier. Its use of real lime and Bavarian sea salt, combined with a 92/100 score from Craft Beer & Brewing, makes it a strong value within the flavored lager category.

Why Buenaveza?

What separates Buenaveza from the crowded field of Mexican-style lagers is its decision to brew the lime and salt into the beer itself, eliminating the need for garnish while delivering more consistent flavor from first sip to last. Earning a 92/100 from Craft Beer & Brewing and amassing over 142,000 ratings on Untappd, it has clearly resonated with both critics and casual drinkers. Developed by brewer Ben Sheehan at Stone's Liberty Station location, the recipe reflects the San Diego coastline culture that inspired it — bright, salty, and effortlessly refreshing. For drinkers who reach for a Corona with lime or a Modelo with salt, Buenaveza delivers that experience in a more thoughtfully constructed package.