In the vibrant array of Mexican beers, Modelo Especial stands out as a competent industrial recipe in the Pilsner style Lager. Always refreshing and delivering a crisp, refreshing taste. In this series of reviews of the Modelo brand, this golden foiled bottle stands as a proud icon of Mexico’s brewing tradition. This beer will have probably been any gringo’s first introduction to Mexican brews. Prepared for the first time in 1925, this lager has carved out its place as a staple in international beer drinking culture.
The clear and vibrant golden hue of this brew reminds me of my first adventures down here in Mexico. I had recently gotten married and we had decided to honey moon with our southern neighbors. We had planned on driving all the way to southern Mexico, but as faith would have it, we ended up stopping halfway across the territory in the Nayarit/Jalisco states. Back then there was a lot of jungle and very poorly paved roads. It was at a restaurant on the beach where I first encountered this brew. After a long drive, hungry and thirsty, the white and gold bottle promised refreshment. It didn’t dissapoint then and it doesn’t now.
There’s something that Modelo Especial does that I don’t think any other similar-style industrial or craft beer in Mexico has achieved. It strikes a very delicate balance between flavor and crushability. It might not seem at first thought, but these two tend to be mutually exclusive. The 4.4% ABV doesn’t hurt it at all, lagers that tend to be have a lower percentage start cruising towards a very watery composition.
One of it’s defining qualities, taste-wise is the subtle herbal/grassy notes. Maybe it’s the golden hue that blinds you when you’re taking one out of the fridge, but I can swear there’s something of a honey taste to it. It makes me think of a dried barley field, golden in color, sweet cereal. Not a single note in this concoction is overwhelming, true balance for the palate. If memory (and google) serves me right, Especial is made with Saaz hops, a staple of this style of beer worldwide. I’m no hop expert but I think Saaz has my favorite bitterness profile in all the beer world.
In terms of body, it strikes a very nice balance right in the middle from the water to syrup scale. Maybe not right in the middle, but as far as this style of beer is presented usually, it’s perfectly balanced in my book.
Circling back to the first memories of one of the first times I tried this brew, I must have tried it with some Pescado Zarandeado, a wood or charcoal grilled fish. It’s a traditional dish of the Mexican Pacific coast population. Fatty and rich in the subtle but hearthy way fish can only be. This made especial the perfect companion for a dish like that in the sense that they both share the a moderate but forward taste and texture profile. It comes to me now that the color and design of the bottle resembles a typical Pacific sunset.
It’s amazing how ubiquitous this beer is around the world, I’ve traveled to Europe and Asia, mostly in the 90’s, and there wasn’t a place I can recall where you couldn’t easily find this beer. I think in the realm of industrial beers, I might hold Especial in one of my top 5 spots. It has a significant place in Mexican and worldwide drinking culture. I’d say it’s perfect for any ocasion, something that you dear reader, will find is not the case for all brews.
I think it’s success has been based in the middle of the road flavor profile, not to bold, not to watery. Consistency is also paramount, a lot of bad things can be said about the waste that these monumental supply chains produce, but an Especial is an Especial regardless of where you go.
Beyond its taste, Modelo Especial holds a significant place in Mexican beer culture. It is often enjoyed during festive gatherings, family celebrations, and cultural events across Mexico. Its popularity extends beyond borders, finding appreciation among beer enthusiasts worldwide who seek a taste of Mexico’s brewing heritage.
Modelo Especial’s success lies not only in its flavor profile but also in its consistency and quality. Brewed with meticulous attention to detail and using the finest ingredients, it embodies the craftsmanship that has defined Grupo Modelo’s legacy for nearly a century. This dedication to excellence ensures that every bottle of Modelo Especial delivers the same satisfying experience, time after time.
Whether you are discovering Mexican beers for the first time or are a seasoned enthusiast, Modelo Especial offers a gateway into the heart of Mexico’s brewing tradition. Its easy-drinking nature, balanced flavors, and cultural significance make it an indispensable choice for those who appreciate authenticity and craftsmanship in their beverages.
In conclusion, Modelo Especial transcends being just a beer; it is a symbol of Mexican industrial brewing prowess and a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted lagers. With its subtle herbal notes, moderate body, and universal appeal, it continues to hold its place as an icon in the world of Mexican beers, inviting all to savor its rich heritage with every sip.
Don’t miss out my next beer review!
