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Modelo Especial
Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V.


Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V.
- Mexico
- Style:
- American Adjunct Lager
Ranked #127 - ABV:
- 4.4%
- Score:
- 67
Ranked #29,925 - Avg:
- 2.87 | pDev: 22.65%
- Reviews:
- 738
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Today at 03:02 AM
- Added:
- Aug 22, 2001
- Wants:
- 45
- Gots:
- 823
SCORE
67
Poor
67
Poor


Notes:
Brewed as a model of what good beer should be, this rich, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager delivers a crisp, refreshing taste.
Well-balanced taste and light hop character with a crisp, clean finish. Modelo Especial is characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb.
Well-balanced taste and light hop character with a crisp, clean finish. Modelo Especial is characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by bbtkd from South Dakota
3.96/5 rDev +38%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
3.96/5 rDev +38%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V. Modelo Especial American Adjunct Lager, 4.4% ABV. Pours golden with a 1.5 finger off-white head that left decent lacing. Nose is malty. Taste follows, slightly sweet, faintly bitter. Excellent mouthfeel, overall very good. Quite refreshing.
Today at 02:56 AMReviewed by Father-of-two from California
4.66/5 rDev +62.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
4.66/5 rDev +62.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
Presentation: 12 ounce can poured into a pint glass
Look: deep Golden color with a surprisingly large head.
Smell: rich flowery hops aroma. Faint roasted malt smell. Very nice aroma overall.
Taste: initially it has a crisp hops flavor. Followed by subtle malty flavors. Minimal aftertaste. The taste is very nice and refreshing. More flavorful than the other big name Mexican beers.
Feel: smooth but light mouthfeel.
Overall: this is an excellent beer. Looks nice. Smells nice. Tastes great. Easy to drink. I cannot think of any major criticism. Would highly Recommend this beer to anyone. By far the best Mexican Lager.
Sunday at 09:01 PMLook: deep Golden color with a surprisingly large head.
Smell: rich flowery hops aroma. Faint roasted malt smell. Very nice aroma overall.
Taste: initially it has a crisp hops flavor. Followed by subtle malty flavors. Minimal aftertaste. The taste is very nice and refreshing. More flavorful than the other big name Mexican beers.
Feel: smooth but light mouthfeel.
Overall: this is an excellent beer. Looks nice. Smells nice. Tastes great. Easy to drink. I cannot think of any major criticism. Would highly Recommend this beer to anyone. By far the best Mexican Lager.
Reviewed by Sheppard from Massachusetts
3.56/5 rDev +24%
look: 5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
3.56/5 rDev +24%
look: 5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
This is a bright golden orb of a beer. Slight amounts of skunky hops on the nose, this after all comes in clear glass. For a AAL, this is a beer you can actually drink. It's crisp, clean, and doesn't have that weird flavor that some other AALs can have. It's got more body than other beers in the style which makes it quite a treat. The clear bottles do make this beer worse though as there is some skunky hop presence. Overall, one of my favorite AALs that'll enjoy when I am in the rare AAL mood.
Sunday at 02:00 PMReviewed by AleManDan from California
3.78/5 rDev +31.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
3.78/5 rDev +31.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
People don't know what's crackin'...this is a solid Pilsner and it has a lot more hoppy character than most pilsners you can grab in a grocery store or gas station. Medium mouthfeel, creamy almost, and then finishes pretty dry. Don't hate, just buy our other style if you don't like amazing Mexican made German-style pilsners!
Pours a crystal clear brilliant gold color with long lasting white foam. Smells of baked bread, subtle honey, and a floral and herbal hop aroma. The palate drinks very smooth and is balanced nicely thanks to refreshing carbonation and just the right amount of bitterness, in fact it's the bitterness of this pilsner that turn off some....
Def smell the Pilsner malts and noble German hops.. herbaceous and then honey, malts, and corn...really still pretty wimpy but that's because most want a session beer, a "sipper."
Of course it lacks the complexity of some other German-style pilsners that are more "legit" or hopped up. I personally love a new fangled hazy/hoppy pilsner, but that's whole 'nother story. Those come in 4 pack pints and cost $20!
This I can get virtually anywhere and it's pretty damned good!
May 27, 2023Pours a crystal clear brilliant gold color with long lasting white foam. Smells of baked bread, subtle honey, and a floral and herbal hop aroma. The palate drinks very smooth and is balanced nicely thanks to refreshing carbonation and just the right amount of bitterness, in fact it's the bitterness of this pilsner that turn off some....
Def smell the Pilsner malts and noble German hops.. herbaceous and then honey, malts, and corn...really still pretty wimpy but that's because most want a session beer, a "sipper."
Of course it lacks the complexity of some other German-style pilsners that are more "legit" or hopped up. I personally love a new fangled hazy/hoppy pilsner, but that's whole 'nother story. Those come in 4 pack pints and cost $20!
This I can get virtually anywhere and it's pretty damned good!
Reviewed by Wyattldavis from Texas
2.76/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
2.76/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
Deep gold with little head. Almost sweet to the nose, not bitter. Not a super strong flavor compared to some craft Pils - more neutral, watery, fizzy. Somewhat bland compared to some of the craft Pils I have recently tried.
May 20, 2023Reviewed by JanetCDavis from Texas
3.84/5 rDev +33.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
3.84/5 rDev +33.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
Attractive to the eye. I prefer the smell of this pilsner style to others I have tried. It has more bite. Great mouthfeel. Light taste, but nothing especial. If I was at a party and this was the beer being served I would not be sad. Especially on a hot day.
May 20, 2023Reviewed by LagerMan_US from Maine
2.45/5 rDev -14.6%
look: 2.25 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 2.75
2.45/5 rDev -14.6%
look: 2.25 | smell: 2.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 2.75
Thin, with virtually no taste; a weak version of a pilsner/lager. If you think this is full flavored ? you must be stranded on a desert island - with nothing to drink for weeks. Short version: harmless, refreshing carbornation . .
May 16, 2023Reviewed by James_w from Illinois
3.42/5 rDev +19.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
3.42/5 rDev +19.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Picked up a 6-pack on a whim at Target. Poured from a bottle into a pilsner glass.
Look - (3) Amber with a nice flow of bubbles. Very clean. A small head that disappeared almost immediately.
Smell - (3.5) Bready with a note of citrus.
Taste - (3.75) Taste follows nose. Bready up front with a slight honey sweetness. A subtile orange note in the middle. Finished with a hint of hops and lime.
I let it warm for a few minutes and sipped again. It grew a lot sweeter as it warmed, almost too sweet. It reminded me of supermarket dinner rolls. This beer would be best drank cold.
Feel - (3) A little watery. Some pleasant carbonation.
Overall - (3.5) Refreshing and tasty! Nothing complex, but it doesn't need to be! Just a friendly little beer. The bottle with the gold foil also feels really fancy to open, which is a plus.
Apr 13, 2023Look - (3) Amber with a nice flow of bubbles. Very clean. A small head that disappeared almost immediately.
Smell - (3.5) Bready with a note of citrus.
Taste - (3.75) Taste follows nose. Bready up front with a slight honey sweetness. A subtile orange note in the middle. Finished with a hint of hops and lime.
I let it warm for a few minutes and sipped again. It grew a lot sweeter as it warmed, almost too sweet. It reminded me of supermarket dinner rolls. This beer would be best drank cold.
Feel - (3) A little watery. Some pleasant carbonation.
Overall - (3.5) Refreshing and tasty! Nothing complex, but it doesn't need to be! Just a friendly little beer. The bottle with the gold foil also feels really fancy to open, which is a plus.
Rated by hybridentropy from Angola
3.35/5 rDev +16.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.35/5 rDev +16.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
its ok
Mar 28, 2023Rated by KyleBeerDrinker
5/5 rDev +74.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +74.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
I bought a six pack of this beer... After drinking three I began to hang new drywall throughout my entire trailer. Was a wonderful experience.
Mar 26, 2023Reviewed by Somnifex from Tennessee
3.88/5 rDev +35.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.5
3.88/5 rDev +35.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.5
On tap, at my neighborhood Mexican restaurant.
Clear golden yellow, with a finger of white head. Smell was bright, citrusy and a touch floral. Tasted like...beer. I get the impression it's meant for drinkin', not contemplating. Smooth, pleasant carbonation, tasty with a twist of lime. Good with chips and salsa, and it helped me make it through my camerones a la Diabla.
I'd drink it again.
Mar 25, 2023Clear golden yellow, with a finger of white head. Smell was bright, citrusy and a touch floral. Tasted like...beer. I get the impression it's meant for drinkin', not contemplating. Smooth, pleasant carbonation, tasty with a twist of lime. Good with chips and salsa, and it helped me make it through my camerones a la Diabla.
I'd drink it again.
Reviewed by Lord_of_the_Boozehounds from California
5/5 rDev +74.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
5/5 rDev +74.2%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Started off with Budweiser and budlight, moved my way through the IPAs...stouts....nitro stuff. But this stuff right here is now my go to. It's light, refreshing, the smell is great and it has a nice clean n crisp taste. The price here in Cali is 15.99 for a 12pk, so not too bad. It's extremely popular, which I think is much deserved. If you're looking for a crisp, easy drinking brew that won't make your head quake...even after drinking a case...look no further than MODELO ESPECIAL...SALUD!!!
Feb 21, 2023Reviewed by TooManyGlasses from Canada (AB)
3.44/5 rDev +19.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
3.44/5 rDev +19.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
12 ounce can - in Tulum.
Pours a bright clear golden/light amber colour with a scant finger of white head.
Grainy malts on the nose, honey, graham cracker, a touch floral.
Taste is grainy and malty and slightly sweet with notes of honeysuckle, honey and cracker with a light bitterness.
For 4.4% this has a nice body - medium mouthfeel with decent carbonation. Maybe this is simply being in Mexico in the sun in February but this is very decent. (Though second bite in a bottle was less endearing). As a beer sipper not a volume gulper, do note this beer is not improved with warming.....
Feb 07, 2023Pours a bright clear golden/light amber colour with a scant finger of white head.
Grainy malts on the nose, honey, graham cracker, a touch floral.
Taste is grainy and malty and slightly sweet with notes of honeysuckle, honey and cracker with a light bitterness.
For 4.4% this has a nice body - medium mouthfeel with decent carbonation. Maybe this is simply being in Mexico in the sun in February but this is very decent. (Though second bite in a bottle was less endearing). As a beer sipper not a volume gulper, do note this beer is not improved with warming.....
Reviewed by Papercut4 from Wisconsin
2.73/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
2.73/5 rDev -4.9%
look: 2.75 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75
Pours out of the can a crystal clear gold with a finger of head with mild retention. Smells like grains, honey, and light malts. Taste follows the nose, good carbonation but a little thin once that subsides. Overall pretty decent.
Jan 29, 2023Reviewed by ravger from Illinois
3.28/5 rDev +14.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.28/5 rDev +14.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
This is a cut above your Corona, Dos Equis, and other American Adjunct Lager fare that originates from Mexico and is marketed in the U.S. It's not a great beer, but drinkable if you're in a location/occasion that calls for a cerveza.
Dec 31, 2022Rated by WB395 from Montana
3.5/5 rDev +22%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
3.5/5 rDev +22%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Pretty Solid Lager Overall.
Dec 13, 2022Reviewed by manojgumber from Washington
4/5 rDev +39.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev +39.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I am usually not a fan of lagers but this one is an exception. It is not watered down like most other lagers but has nice substance and flavor to it. It is very refreshing and perfect for a sunny weather.
Dec 04, 2022
Modelo Especial from Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V.
Beer rating:
67 out of
100 with
2804 ratings
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