Since the craft brewing movement began, we have seen breweries that have brought the beer traditions and styles from some of the great beer countries of the world to America. Odell’s specializes in English style ales, The Lost Abbey creates unique Belgian beers, and many other breweries offer beers in the English, German, Czech, or Belgian styles (and sometimes all of the above). Before we had our own American breweries recreating these styles, the only way to get them was to brew them yourself, visit the countries, or buy the imports.

Yet despite the notoriety of these beers, the most popular import in America does not come from Europe. Instead, it is a light lager from our neighbors to the south. When you think of Mexican lagers, what comes to mind first? Chances are you’re thinking about a series of television ads with no dialogue that each offer their version of paradise (all with a Corona, of course.) Corona and a handful of other Mexican imports have dominated this space, and Corona is currently the #1 import beer in the United States. However, while they offer a product slightly different from the American domestics, they are generally low on flavor and complexity.

Despite the overwhelming popularity of this style, there haven’t been many attempts to enter this style of beer into the craft beer space, creating a unique opportunity for Denver’s Del Norte Brewing Company. Del Norte is a craft brewery whose focus is Mexican style lagers. Their beers offer a unique and higher end alternative to the simpler Mexican lagers consumers have become used to. Some may argue that Del Norte’s beers aren’t the most complex you’ll find in the craft beer space, but they offer a significant upgrade from the current Mexican lagers in the market. Their beers are great for converting Mexican beer lovers to craft beer lovers.

Del Norte has identified the most popular import beer style in America and has modified it to fit in the craft beer space. What other import categories are as of yet untapped?