Negra Modelo

Put down that Corona! If that’s your idea of Mexican beer then think again. There’s much more to beer in Mexico, just as in the United States beer is not limited to Budweiser. A great example of this is Negra Modelo, a surprisingly good Vienna-style Lager. Ironically Negra Modelo is brewed by the same company as Corona: Grupo Modelo, which just happens to be partially owned by Anheuser-Busch, the makers of Budweiser. Small world, eh?

Mexico does not share the rich beer diversity that exists in the United States, at least not as of yet. But they can claim to be brewing a great style of beer when such was quite rare in the United States during the sixties and seventies.

Negra Modelo comes in distinctive bottles that are stubby and elongated at the bottom. But it’s the beer inside that sets the brand apart from its more popular brother Corona. This is an approachable beer that many can enjoy, and in fact many do. I recall my days working in a liquor store, and we had a small contingent of Mexicans in the area. They would eschew most of the best selling brands in favor of Negra Modelo.

Obviously, Mexican food comes to mind when pairing this beer with food, though that is really psychological. Still, Negra Modelo does work well to wash down tacos and refried beans. Realistically, this is broadly a German style and would work as well with bratwurst and sauerkraut.

Modelo is to be applauded for preserving this style for so long. I seem to recall Michael Jackson lauding it at one point for being the only example available in North and South America, though that is no longer the case. Although a German style, Negra Modelo has a Mexican character all its own, and is a symbol of what Mexican brewing can do. As such, I’ve chosen it to represent Mexico in my series of reviews entitled, Around the World in Eighty Brews.

Update May 22, 2017 Negra Modelo at Taco Mac! Smooth, nutty malty, toasty, chocolate. Soft grassy finish. All about the malt and a fine Vienna Lager. An old favorite I 'm glad I revisited for just $5.75.

Update March 12th, 2026 Another Negra Modelo on tap at Taco Mac. This time they served it with a lime wedge, which added a bit of tart citrus brightness, though I only added the lime in at the end. Malty, slightly sweet, delicious and still a bargain at $6.08 for a 23-ounce mug. Total Wine sells it for $10.99 a six-pack in bottles, but you can get a 12-pack of them for just five bucks more. Best deal is a 12-pack of cans for $14.09.

About Modelo

It all started in 1922 in Tacuba, Mexico, when twelve men came together under the leadership of Braulio Iriarte Goyeneche to establish Cervecería Modelo. Each of those men left their homes in Spain to pursue a better life, a pursuit that many people can relate to today. Starting from scratch as clerks and assistants, each man worked their way to individual prosperity through tireless perseverance, tenacity, and grit.

They continued to seek opportunities, coming together to create the highest-quality beer in one of Mexico's most modern breweries.