Try?
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. Here’s what Modelo says about Negra Modelo:
Better known as the "cream of beer", Negra Modelo® was first sold in
Mexico as a draft beer in 1926.
This Super Premium beer, which is distributed throughout Mexico, is the
country's biggest-selling dark beer. It is also one of Grupo Modelo's® five
export brands.
Negra Modelo® - an internationally popular —Munich-style— beer - was first
exported to the USA at the beginning of the 1980s and has now found great
success in Europe, Australia, and Central and South America.
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 Model 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.
Negra Modelo pours to a bright brownish orange color with a generous head
formation and a sweet slightly nutty malt nose. The palate is smooth and
creamy, not overpowering but very flavorful. It has a fair amount of
slightly toasty, nutty malt flavors that the style is known for and just a
hint of chocolate. In the finish the slight sweetness is balanced with a
gentle touch of hop bitterness.
The key here is drinkability with flavor. The malt flavors are soft and
delicious, refreshing and nicely accented by the hops. You can drink a lot
of this beer and never get tired of it. There are no off-putting adjunct
flavors, and there is enough body to satisfy the seasoned drinker. But the
newcomer won’t be put off either.
If you usually drink light colored lagers, don’t be afraid to try a Negra
Modelo at your favorite Mexican restaurant. It truly is Mexico in a bottle.
Update 5/22/17: 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.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
