Modelo Especial 355 ml - 6 Bottles

Modelo Especial is Mexico’s premier pilsner-style lager and one of the most remarkable success stories in the modern beverage world. First brewed in 1925 in Mexico City by Grupo Modelo, it was crafted to prove that Mexican lager could stand toe-to-toe with classic European models. An authentic International Pale Lager, it has grown to become the top-selling beer in the United States and a staple export globally. Housed in its iconic, squat, foil-wrapped glass bottle, Modelo Especial balances a rich, golden grain backbone with a crisp, refreshing finish that elevates it well above standard light lagers.

Beer Description

Modelo Especial pours a rich, glowing golden-straw color with bright clarity, a steady stream of fine carbonation, and a fluffy white head that leaves light, thin lacing behind.

Aroma: The nose is clean, sweet, and surprisingly rich for a macro lager. It leads with dominant notes of sweet corn husks, toasted grain, and honeyed pilsner malt, accompanied by a faint, herbal whisper of European noble hops. There are no heavy fruity esters, presenting an aroma that is crisp, bright, and inviting.

Palate: On the tongue, it is medium-bodied with a velvety yet snappy carbonation. It opens with a distinct wave of sweet corn and biscuit malt, giving it a heavier, more satisfying mouthfeel than lighter Mexican lagers. The mid-palate introduces a subtle hint of citrus zest and faint spice, concluding with a clean, dry, and balanced finish marked by a very mild, refreshing hop bitterness.

Profile: It sits at an approachable 4.4% ABV and a gentle bitterness of approx. 18 IBU, offering a richer grain character while maintaining high crushability.

Technical Notes: The unique body and color of Modelo Especial come from its blend of filtered water, two-row malted barley, and corn/cereal adjuncts. The use of corn lightens the finish while adding a characteristic sweet grain note. It is fermented cold with a clean bottom-fermenting lager yeast and hopped delicately with Galena and Saaz hop varieties, giving it just enough structural bitterness to balance the residual malt sweetness without dominating the palate.