Decoding Corona Beer Production Codes
The production or best before date code on a Corona beer bottle follows a format that can indicate the date of production. Understanding these codes can be crucial for consumers and industry professionals alike. This article will explain how to read and interpret the production codes on Corona bottles, specifically focusing on the codes LE068101 and GB09119.
Understanding the Codes
Let's take a look at the codes provided:
LE068101
The first two letters LE usually represent the brewery location or production line. The next two digits 06 indicate the day of the year, which corresponds to the 6th day of January (01 January). The following digits 8101 may indicate the year and possibly the time of production. Here, 81 could indicate the year 2021 and 01 could indicate the first batch of that year. Therefore:
LE068101 would suggest that the beer was produced on January 6, 2021.GB09119
The same pattern applies to the code GB09119:
The first two letters GB likely refer to the brewery location. The following part 09 indicates the day of the year, which could correspond to January 9th. The last part 119 might indicate the year and batch number with 1 likely indicating the year 2021 and 19 possibly being the batch number. So, GB09119 could indicate a production date of January 9, 2021.General Tips for Decoding Beer Production Codes
Best Before Date
The best before date is often printed somewhere else on the bottle and generally indicates the date by which the beer is best consumed for optimal flavor. This date is crucial for consumers to ensure they are enjoying their beer at its peak.
Locating Codes
Codes can be found on the neck of the bottle or on the label. They may vary by region, so it's good to refer to the specific brewery's guidelines if available. If you have a specific bottle and need more accurate information, checking the brewery's website or contacting them can provide more accurate information about their coding system.
Additional Information for the U.S. Market
An example code for any Constellation Brands beer distributed in the U.S., which includes Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo, and brands Victoria and Pacifico, is A084B029. This code can be broken down as follows:
The first letter A denotes the month (A January, L December). The next two digits 08 denote the date (8th day). The next digit 4 denotes the year (4 2014). The next letter B denotes the shift (A first, B second, etc.). The next two digits 02 denote the line (02 line 2). The final digit 9 denotes the brewery (9 Nava).So, the example code A084B029 stands for January 8, 2014, second shift, line 2, Nava brewery.
For a bottle distributed in the U.S., this format ensures that consumers have clear and accurate information about where and when the beer was produced.