Modelo Especial has quietly become one of the most popular beers in America, and it is easy to see why. It is a pilsner-style Mexican lager with a bit more going on than the ultra-light crowd, smooth and balanced enough to please almost anyone while still being easy to drink by the case at a cookout.
Modelo Especial at a glance
| Style | Mexican lager (pilsner-style) |
| ABV | 4.4% |
| Calories | 143 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 13.6g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Grupo Modelo, Mexico |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, non-malted cereals, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it is brewed from barley |
| Typical price | About $13.49 for a 6-pack, roughly $2.25 per 12oz |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Modelo sits right in the comfortable middle: enough malt and body to taste like something, still crisp and clean enough to session.
The full review
In the glass it is clear gold with a decent white head. The nose is bready malt with a light grassy hop note, more inviting than the paler lagers next to it. It looks and smells like a beer that means to have some flavor.
The taste backs that up. It is smooth and well balanced, with toasty grain and a hint of honeyed sweetness that rolls into a clean, mildly bitter finish. There is enough body to feel satisfying without ever becoming heavy, which is the sweet spot for a lager you want to drink more than one of.
It is often served with a lime, and while a wedge brightens it, Modelo does not really need one the way a lighter lager might. It is fuller and more flavorful than Corona while staying just as easy going. If lagers are your thing, our guide to the best lager beers has more like it.
The rare crowd-pleaser that tastes like more than it costs.
- Smooth, balanced and genuinely flavorful for a mainstream lager
- Toasty malt with a clean, mildly bitter finish
- Easy to drink but not watery
- Pairs brilliantly with Mexican food and the grill
- Higher in calories and carbs than the light lagers
- Not complex, this is still an easy-drinking macro
- Best ice cold, loses its edge warm
Who it is for
Anyone who finds the ultra-light lagers boring but still wants something easy going. Perfect with tacos, carne asada or anything off the grill. If you are watching carbs, a Michelob Ultra will suit you better.
Modelo Especial FAQs
What does Modelo Especial taste like?
Smooth and balanced, with toasty, bready malt, a touch of honeyed sweetness and a clean, mildly bitter finish. It is fuller and more flavorful than lighter lagers like Corona.
Should you drink Modelo with a lime?
You can, and a wedge brightens it, but Modelo has enough malt and body that it does not need one the way a lighter lager might. Try it both ways and see.
How many calories are in Modelo Especial?
About 143 calories and 13.6g of carbs per 12 fl oz, a bit higher than the light lagers because there is more malt and body in the glass.
Is Modelo Especial gluten free?
No, it is brewed from barley and contains gluten.
What is the alcohol content of Modelo Especial?
4.4% ABV, right in the normal range for a lager. You can work out the strength of any beer with our ABV calculator.
Is Modelo Especial vegan?
Yes, it is listed as vegan-friendly, with no animal products used in production.
What kind of beer is Modelo Especial?
A pilsner-style Mexican lager: gold in color, smooth and balanced with a clean finish.
Where is Modelo made?
It is brewed in Mexico by Grupo Modelo. In the United States it is distributed by Constellation Brands.
Where can I buy Modelo Especial?
Supermarkets, liquor stores and online alcohol delivery services all stock it widely.
What are the best Modelo alternatives?
If you like Modelo, try Modelo Negra for something darker, or Pacifico, Corona Extra, Dos Equis or Tecate for other easy-drinking Mexican lagers.
Where to buy Modelo Especial
Modelo Especial is stocked just about everywhere, from supermarkets to liquor stores, and you can have it delivered too. Use the button above to check the price and buy.
The verdict
One of the best value everyday lagers you can buy. More flavor and body than the light macros, still smooth and easy to drink, and a natural match for the grill. A solid four out of five. Browse our other beer reviews and guides for more.
See where Modelo Especial lands against its rivals in our Mexican lager guide guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Modelo Especial?
Modelo Especial is a Mexican lager (pilsner-style), at 4.4% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Modelo Especial?
Modelo Especial has an ABV of 4.4%.
How many calories are in Modelo Especial?
Modelo Especial has 143 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Modelo Especial gluten free?
Modelo Especial: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Modelo Especial have carbs?
Yes, Modelo Especial has 13.6g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Modelo Especial taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
How much does Modelo Especial cost?
Modelo Especial typically runs About $13.49 for a 6-pack, roughly $2.25 per 12oz. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Modelo Especial without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Modelo Especial?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Mexican lager (pilsner-style) like Modelo Especial. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
Want something darker and maltier from the same Mexican lager family? Read our Indio review.
