Negra Modelo - Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V.

BeerAdvocate

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +18.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From BeerAdvocate Magazine Volume II, Issue V:

Don't even think about it, get that damn lime away from this beer and pour it into a glass. Just because this beer comes from Mexico does not mean it needs a wedge of citrus to make it taste better.

A wholesome-looking two fingers of head stand at attention for the duration. Deep tawny color is clear and shows off the darkness it possesses. Hints of lemon, toasted bread crust and brown bread in the aroma. Extreme smoothness gently rolls the medium body over the palate. Sweetness from the malt is predominate to start, but slowly drops off as a toasted graininess takes over. Mild hop bitterness has a slight sharpness to it with very little flavor, just bitterness, which is fine as it lets the malt prevail. Semisweet finish with a lingering cloaked caramel maltiness.

Delicious in a simple way. Remember, just say no to limes! Hands down one of the best Mexican beers that has ever crossed the border, legally.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2010 13:04:08 | More by BeerAdvocate

ElGuapo

New Jersey

3.98/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

ten times the beer that corona ever will be. i have a new respect for mexican beer after this one. a fine dark that went down great and was just what i wanted. not too heavy at all as it had a fine little hint of roastiness in the backround.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2002 09:38:46 | More by ElGuapo

palma

New York

3.98/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this brew at a well known mexican restaurant in Queens. Dark brown body with a thin head that didnt last very long. Smell was mildly hoppy with a light herbal aroma. I was surprised by the taste. I was expecting a lot less from a Mexican import. It was very malty and roasty. Light and easy drinking. I enjoyed this beer a lot and would have definately had another if I stayed at the restaurant a little longer.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2004 00:41:54 | More by palma

edmundfitzoil

Florida

3.98/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is one that I reach for quite frequently when out at one of Salem's countless Mexican cousine restaurants. For Cinco De Mayo, I took two people from my staff across the parking lot to La Guadlajara. I made sure I told the bartender that I didn't want any lime and to bring an unfrosted glass.

The beer poured the color of the bottle with a thin and fizzy head. The beer's smelled of a clear and clean, not overly sweet maltiness. The flavors were the ones I've come accustomed to over time, after our simple, but secret love affair began and started to blossom: the carbonation plays across the tongue as a jab of hops and then a smooth malt finish.

This one might never really receive the credit its due, nor might the Munich Dunkel style, but I'll continue to reach for this one time and time again in the right situations. This is also one of my regular beers when the lady and I visit Siesta Key in Florida.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2006 16:49:55 | More by edmundfitzoil

UberWasser

Arizona

3.98/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle served in a pint glass.

Pours an attractively deep penny color with a fizzy head that dissipates a bit too quickly.

Smell is light but has a pleasent note of molasses with a touch of brown sugar.

Taste follows suit, with a light sweet sugar note on the front of the tongue that is followed by a subtle molasses and slight alcohol flavor on the middle of the tongue that finishes with a subtle medicinal and coffee bitterness. Mouthfeel is thin until it reaches the back of your mouth, where it decides to hang around for a while.

A very nice lager from our Southern neighbours. As much of a thirst quencher as most other Mexican beers that make it north of the border but with more flavor than most.

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2006 02:22:15 | More by UberWasser

Strix

Wisconsin

3.98/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Smells of carmel and malt, nice and dark. Malt and carmel dominate the taste as well. Mouthfeel is very smooth. Overall, quite drinkable. Nothing too complex, but a very pleasant flavor. And widely distributed too, this beer has often saved me from drinking a macro.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2007 23:24:56 | More by Strix

barleysandwich

British Columbia (Canada)

3.98/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This is a great beer and was a big surprise for me. My only experience with Mexican beers had been Corona, which I like with a wedge of lime, but this beer surprised me.

The color is dark, like an amber ale or maybe even darker.

The smell was nice with no nasty notes.

Poured nicely with little head that disipated quickly.

Flavour was really nice and smooth with the nutty malty flavour usually associated with dark beers.

It is a bit heavy and I found it quite filling, so its not the kind of beer I would have several of at one time, but was excellent none-the-less.

Serving type: bottle

01-14-2009 01:03:41 | More by barleysandwich

tjd112

New Jersey

3.98/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

My favorite Mexican beer!!! Pours a dark colour with touches of ruddiness with little head and lacing. It has a somewhat of a toasted smell to it, and hints of toffee and cocoa as well as a delightful smokiness embody this beer. It has a medium mouthfeel with a slightly dry finish. Overall, one of the best Mexican beers.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2009 21:24:59 | More by tjd112

JISurfer

South Carolina

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Well, I don't know if it was the atmosphere that I was in or the beer, but I first had this in a strip club down in Charleston. Oh well, but the beer was primo! It was dark, as the name implies, and had a nice little head to it. Good deep rich taste to it, kinda like stout light. Good finish with no bitterness and goes down smooth.

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2003 18:01:47 | More by JISurfer

dpend

Florida

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

I believe this to be one of the better Mexican beers out there.It's also highly available due to the distribution by Budweiser.

Appearance is clear dark reddish brown with a quickly dissipating head. Aroma was of weak malts and barely a hops presence.Tastes of sweet malts and a tinge of dryness at the end. Thin beer with a slightly butteriness. High drinkability leads to a very good dinner beer and can also pass as a session beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2003 14:05:58 | More by dpend

fido

Mexico

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a nice dark color, Smell is malty and herbal, maybe some hop aroma, Taste is almost similar to the smell, roasted malt flavor and some spices, Light carbonation and little bit creamy, easy to drink.

ABV is 5.3 %

It's a good dark lager and one of the best Mexican beers.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2006 04:40:16 | More by fido

ernie

Russian Federation

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Tasted it twice before I catched the real thing. The first two bottles were probably out-of-date and contained dark liquid with zero carbonation and very few signs of taste/smell. Then I learned to enjoy Negra Modelo.

Nice bottle, first of all. Nice color, too - dark red with a brownish streak. Carbonation is low and the head is coffeish, long-lasting, leaving a sophisticated lacework.

Smell is malty-fruity, just proper for a Vienna Lager. Start malty, with that good old roasty note. Fruity tones give way to the hops in the finish. aftertaste malty again.

Very healthy beer! Recommended

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2006 17:57:44 | More by ernie

eweneek83

West Virginia

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Pours a very dark brown with minimal sized head. Doesn't appear very thick, not bad.

S: Actually a very good smell. Can smell dark malts. Very crisp smell, surprised me for a Mexican beer.

T: Very good taste as well. Can taste the dark chocolate malts. A pretty dry beer, with a nice little malty aftertaste. a bit like a stout... but not quite.

D: reasonably high drinkability. Not overwhelming or heavy and very enjoyable. would go good with grilled foods....

Serving type: bottle

08-08-2008 00:45:19 | More by eweneek83

secondtooth

Indiana

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pouring a deep bourbon-brown, and tasting sweetly malty (like a brown ale), Negra Modelo is my go-to choice when frequenting Mexican restaurants. It's uncharacteristically dark, when compared to most Mexican brews (which tend to be light lagers), but nicely satisfying, especially when consumed alongside a good burrito or fish taco. A classic and favorite of mine.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2010 03:24:58 | More by secondtooth

ChrisCage

Alberta (Canada)

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A- So I was expecting a thick creamy head as per the Negra Modelo website, but I didn't even get a layer of foam! The color is a perfectly clear dark amber that has hues of red. There is some mild lacing that brings the score up somewhat but it's pretty "eh" as far as looks go.

S- Overall fairly mild aromas but what I do smell is primarily toffee like malts and possibly some melted brown sugar. It is slightly toasty and slightly of dark ripe fruit...plum like. Hops are very subdued and don't really make any impact.

T- Reasonably similar to the aroma, but with some yeasty qualities added. The malts are really strong at first, but then gets slightly citrus like on the finish. The hops are non-existent but the beer tastes really good in general.

M- It's fairly light bodied but is extremely smooth on the palate, with rich and plentiful, however fine, carbonation. The warmth of the flavors give it a desert like feel that is not unwelcome.

D- With the cold weather coming on, this is an ideal beer to consume. The alcohol is well hidden and would be great to enjoy over an evening....with friends or while watching the tube at home. I recommend this one and think is one of the best Mexican beers out there!

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2010 23:07:05 | More by ChrisCage

cervezango

Bolivia

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

i really like this.

bittersweet a little burnt bread, well rounded.
really nice color, mine didnt have a great head but i didnt have a good glass , but really nice dark rusty color.
delightful beer.

not too demanding of the palate but,not too simple either.
very drinkable
best Mexican beer Ive had so far.

Serving type: bottle

03-07-2011 05:07:41 | More by cervezango

vfgccp

New York

3.95/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

A – Medium grade maple syrup. Lightly off-white head settles quickly but leave a nice lace.

S – Green grapes jump to the forefront, backed by sweet brown sugar and raisin.

T – Great, medium roast, bready malt throughout the profile. Mild green grapes and yellow raisins make cameos from the nose. A light acidity ties the beer together nicely. Soft bitter note on the backend. On whole, the profile is edges sweet.

M – Medium / light body with a light cilantro-like bitterness that accompanies a semi-sweet finish.

O – More than just the best beer you can find at most Latin American restaurants, Negra Modelo is a solid beer in its own right. Pairs fantastic with chili, mole, and grilled meats.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2011 00:02:51 | More by vfgccp

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The "Black Model" isn't actually quite that dark. The clear, deep copper body borders on becoming brown and displays magnificent ruby highlights when held to the light. The short, foamy white head dissipates rather quickly, dropping to just a thin creamy collar, but it does leave some lace about the glass. The nose suggests a semi-sweet and mildly fruit-tinged, lightly toasted malt. Very clean. The body is light/medium with a fine and moderate carbonation that's lightly zesty on the tongue. The flavor is reminiscent of a Vienna lager, but lighter and drier, and displays a well-balanced, lightly toasted malt with a hint of fruit and spice. It finishes dry with a light touch of caramel, a hint of spice, and an underlying hoppiness. Really well done, with alot of finesse. This, however, is a beer that needs to be enjoyed fresh. After only a few months in the bottle it's character dulls leaving a lack-luster version of it's former self.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2003 18:33:22 | More by NeroFiddled

Dmann

California

3.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

This was a tasty beer. It poured a dark red color with a small head that did not last long. The smell was very malty and sweet, quite inviting. The flavor was quite good with a nice strong malt backbone and a pinch of hop bitterness. Reminded me of a watered down double bock in some respects. Anyways it went well with my fish tacos and I would drink this one again if it were available.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2004 08:58:27 | More by Dmann

soulgrowl

United Kingdom (England)

3.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Pours a brickish, earthy root beer-brown with a red-orange tint. Head is a dull, pale parchment color, audibly fizzy, with mediocre retention. There's nothing really "negra" about this beer, unless maybe you're having it in a very dark bar.

Smell: Corn, red wine, an earthy autumn-leaf edge. Hop character is fruity and citric. Malts are vaguely nutty and somewhat weak. Overall, the nose is crisp but underwhelming.

Taste: A vinous red grape taste, herbal-lime hops, and a solid, sweet malt base. Alcohol is surprisingly present. A very earthy yet refreshing beer. One of my favorites with Mexican food, and I recently discovered it goes great with Caramello bars!

Mouthfeel: Moderately chewy, frothy and full in the mouth, but kind of cloying.

Drinkability: This is a very drinkable beer, and like I said, great with Mexican. Its delicious flavor and widespread availablilty makes it a mainstay at hip Los Angeles parties (i.e., the ones I go to).

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2006 03:02:34 | More by soulgrowl

kjyost

Manitoba (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle dated 010610 poured into a beer mug at ~7C, let rise to 11C during session.

A: A clear copper red brew with a small head that isn't lacing, but leaves a nice ring about the edge.
S: Biscuit, Earthy hop, sweet caramel malt
T/M: Thick sweet malt body finishes long and lingering sweetness. Could be considered cloying at times. Touches of bread and malt also play into the beer. Lighter carb then expected, but it suits the sweetness.
D: Enjoyable, a beer to reach for when you want something that has a nice body, but not a beer to drink quickly when parched...

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2011 04:00:52 | More by kjyost

SSJPhatMatt

Oklahoma

3.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Negra Modelo pours with an off-white, medium head. The body is clear with a rich amber/copper color. The aroma is sweet with hints of apple. The impression at the first sip is sweet. This gives way only a bit to some hops bitterness which gives some balance but leaves the beer firmly in the sweet category. It has no real lager snap at the end, just lingering hops. This actually makes the second sip more balanced than the first.

There is some complexity and depth here but the flavors are very delicate. They are obliterated by the aggressive flavors of the Mexican food that Modelo is often served with making it a sweet balance to the savory and sometimes hot cuisine.

Serving type: bottle

04-21-2011 00:17:54 | More by SSJPhatMatt

wac9

Pennsylvania

3.93/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

it been a while since i had this , must be the frist time i poured it into a glass , not as dark as i remember but still a great color , but thw best thing about it was it has a great smell , best smelling beer i have had in a while and a nice taste this beer would be good on a hot summer day or anytime so enjoy

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2012 21:02:11 | More by wac9

BeerBob

Nebraska

3.9/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Negra Modelo pours a nice deep mahogany from a 12oz stubby brown glass bottle. Light tan head goes to over two fingers then settles to a nice cap of small firm bubbles which leave bits of lace along the glass wall.

Nose is a pleasant malt with a slight note of alcohol. Palate is a dry toasted malt, a bit of bitter coffee and a smidgen of dark bitter chocolate.

No thin watery beer here, Negra Modelo “Dark Ale” has plenty of good roasted and toasted malt flavor to slake ones craving for a good dark brew.

Serving type: bottle

12-02-2002 16:02:44 | More by BeerBob

RedBaron

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

My favorite Mexican beer--hands down.

The beer poured nicely, with the exact amount of carbonation I would expect from a well-crafted lager, broadly in the Vienna-style (though the label confusingly says "dark ale"). The rocky head faded somewhat a few minutes after the pour, but there was a persistent ring of an off-white trace during the sample.

The wonderful color to this beer is of a dark, transparent bronze. It is a well made lager, and our amigos down south know what they're doing with this product--it kicks the crap out of more mainstream Mexican swill, and gives the drinker something much more to enjoy.

The initial taste was of caramelized, perhaps burnt, malts with a nice and pleasant sweetness, with a good roasty (and faintly chocolate) overtone. The sweetness rotates into a tried-and-true blending of several malts and bittering hops (Saaz?) towards the back of the palette, though the malt sweetness predominates. The mouthfeel is of a medium to full-bodied beer, and it really is a beer crafted with character.

The drinkability factor is high here, and I would recommend this beer to drink paired with spicy chile rellenos over most other south-of-the-border brews.

Gracias!

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2004 02:53:19 | More by RedBaron