Modelo Negra, sold as Negra Modelo in much of the US, is the dark, malty cousin of Modelo Especial and one of the best everyday dark lagers you can buy. Brewed in Mexico since 1925 in a Munich dunkel style, it trades the crisp, light character of the pale lagers for soft caramel malt and a smooth, rounded body. It is still easy to drink, but there is real flavor here. Here is how it tastes, what is in it, and why it earns its following.
Modelo Negra at a glance
| Style | Munich-style dark lager |
| ABV | 5.4% |
| Calories | Around 168 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | Around 14g 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 | Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Negra sits well above the pale Mexican lagers on malt and body, with a soft caramel sweetness and a gentle roast that give it real character.
The full review
It pours a deep amber-brown, clear and topped with a tan head that holds well. The aroma is soft and malty, with caramel, toasted bread and a light nutty note, a world away from the grainy pale lagers.
On the palate it is smooth and medium-bodied, with a rounded caramel-malt sweetness up front, a gentle toasty character through the middle, and a clean, lightly bitter finish that keeps it from being heavy. The 5.4% ABV adds a little warmth without making it a big beer.
This is a lager you can actually savor. It has enough malt depth to reward slow drinking but stays smooth and easy enough to have with food, which is where it really shines, alongside grilled meat, tacos al pastor or mole.
Value is strong. It costs about the same as the pale Mexican imports but gives you far more flavor and body, which is why so many drinkers quietly rate it as the best beer Grupo Modelo makes.
The Mexican lager that finally gives you something to taste.
- Soft caramel malt and real body
- Smooth and easy despite the flavor
- Excellent with grilled and spicy food
- Great value for the character
- Heavier than a pale session lager
- At 5.4% it is not low in calories
- Malt sweetness will not suit crisp-lager fans
Who it is for
Anyone who finds pale Mexican lagers too thin and wants soft malt and body without going full stout. If you like this, a Dos Equis Ambar or a Yuengling are natural comparisons, and a Modelo Especial is the pale version.
Modelo Negra FAQs
What does Modelo Negra taste like?
Smooth and malty with soft caramel sweetness, a light toasty note and a clean finish. Much more body and flavor than the pale Mexican lagers, but still easy to drink.
Is Modelo Negra a dark beer?
Yes, it is a Munich-style dark lager, amber-brown in color, though it is smooth and easy rather than heavy or roasty like a stout.
How strong is Modelo Negra?
It is 5.4% ABV, a little stronger than most Mexican lagers.
How many calories are in Modelo Negra?
Around 168 calories per 12 fl oz, with roughly 14g of carbs.
Is Modelo Negra the same as Modelo Especial?
No. Especial is the pale, crisp pilsner-style lager. Negra is the darker, maltier Munich-style dark lager.
Is Modelo Negra vegan?
Yes. It is made from water, barley malt, cereals, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Modelo Negra gluten free?
No. It is brewed from barley, so it contains gluten.
What food goes with Modelo Negra?
Grilled meats, tacos al pastor, mole and rich Mexican dishes all pair well with its soft caramel malt.
Where to buy Modelo Negra
Modelo Negra is widely sold in the US and you can have it delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Modelo Negra is one of the best everyday dark lagers on the shelf and, for many drinkers, the best beer Grupo Modelo makes. It brings soft caramel malt, a smooth medium body and a clean finish, all while staying easy to drink and superb with food. A strong three point nine out of five. See how it stacks up in our beer reviews and guides.
For the full ranked lineup, head to our best lagers guide.
Want the wider picture? Our best Mexican beers guide ranks every one we have tasted.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Modelo Negra?
Modelo Negra is a Munich-style dark lager, at 5.4% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Modelo Negra?
Modelo Negra has an ABV of 5.4%.
How many calories are in Modelo Negra?
Modelo Negra has Around 168 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Modelo Negra gluten free?
Modelo Negra: No, it is brewed from barley.
Does Modelo Negra have carbs?
Yes, Modelo Negra has Around 14g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Modelo Negra 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 Negra cost?
Modelo Negra typically runs Around $9 to $14 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Modelo Negra 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 Negra?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Munich-style dark lager like Modelo Negra. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
