Beer · Mexican Beer & Cerveza

Modelo Negra

Name: Modelo Negra
Brand: Grupo Modelo (Constellation Brands, US import)

A Munich Dunkel-style dark lager — rich, smooth and brewed twice as long for depth

Grupo Modelo (Constellation Brands, US import)

Distillery

Mexico

Country

5.40%

ABV

7.8/10

Rating

★★★½★

7.8/10

Mexico City, Mexico Est. 1925 5.40% ABV

Tasting Notes

Colour & Appearance

Deep amber-brown with a warm off-white head

Nose & Aroma

Slow-roasted caramel malt, toasted bread, a little dark chocolate and gentle hop spice

Palate & Taste

Medium-bodied with rich caramel and toffee malt, light roast, a whisper of sweetness and a smooth, rounded texture. Full of flavour yet remarkably easy to drink for a dark lager

Finish

Medium length, smooth and lightly toasty with caramel fading gently. Never heavy

History & Background

Negra was the very first beer poured when Cerveceria Modelo opened in 1925, making it the original expression of the brand. Built in the Munich Dunkel tradition, it is brewed roughly twice as long as the rest of the Modelo range to develop its slow-roasted caramel malt character. For decades it was a specialist choice, but as US drinkers discovered darker lagers it has become the go-to dark cerveza for Mexican food and beyond.

Production & Maturation

Production Method

Brewed from water, barley malt, non-malted cereals and hops, with slow-roasted caramel malts giving the amber hue and depth. Brewed longer than standard Modelo beers.

Aging & Maturation

Extended cold lagering for a smooth, rich dark-lager character. No barrel ageing.

Distillery

Grupo Modelo (Constellation Brands, US import)

Founded

1925

Modelo Negra Price Guide 2026

Prices are indicative and may vary by retailer, store, and current stock. Last verified: September 2026.

United States Prices

New York $13.21

California $12.87

Illinois $12.41

Florida $11.83

Texas $11.49

About These Prices

Prices are indicative, not quotations. They are compiled from publicly available retail listings and state excise price lists, and are provided for reference only.
Alcohol pricing in India is set state by state. Excise duty, VAT and retail margins differ in every state and union territory, so the same bottle can vary by 40% or more between Goa and Kerala. Always check the price where you are buying.
Prices change without notice. State excise policies are typically revised annually, and retailers may price above or below the listed MRP depending on stock and demand. The figures above were last reviewed in September 2026.
We do not sell alcohol. The Spirit Atlas is an independent reference site. We take no orders, hold no stock, and have no commercial relationship with the distilleries or retailers documented here. Nothing on this page is an offer to sell.
Tasting notes and ratings are editorial opinion. They reflect the reviewer's assessment and are not endorsed by the producer.
For readers of legal drinking age. The legal drinking age in India varies by state, from 18 to 25. Please respect your local law and drink responsibly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Modelo Negra a heavy beer?

No. Despite its deep amber-brown colour, Modelo Negra is a Munich Dunkel-style lager, not a stout or porter. It is medium-bodied with rich caramel malt but a smooth, drinkable finish. Many drinkers who assume dark beers are heavy are surprised by how easy Negra is to drink. At 5.4% ABV it sits just above Especial in strength.

Modelo Negra vs Modelo Especial — which should I buy?

Choose Especial for a crisp, light, everyday golden lager and Negra when the meal calls for more malt. Especial (4.4%) is the versatile flagship; Negra (5.4%) has slow-roasted caramel depth that pairs beautifully with richer, spicier and grilled foods. A great trick is to buy both and drink them with the same plate to decide which malt level you prefer.

What does Modelo Negra pair with?

Modelo Negra's caramel malt makes it a superb partner for rich and spicy Mexican dishes — mole, barbacoa, carnitas, enchiladas and anything with a smoky char. It also works with grilled steak, roast pork and aged cheeses. The malt sweetness balances heat and complements caramelised flavours.

What is the price of Modelo Negra in the US?

Modelo Negra typically runs around $18.99 for a 12-pack in lower-tax states like Texas, rising toward $21-22 in higher-tax states like New York. A 6-pack is roughly $11.49 in Texas. Prices vary by state excise duty and retailer, with California, New York and Illinois generally the most expensive of the big states.

Similar to Modelo Negra

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About the Author

Shivam Sharma

I am the founder and editor of The Spirit Atlas. With a deep appreciation for fine spirits, I built this platform to be the most helpful and honest spirits guide for Indian readers — covering everything from Scotch and Indian single malts to rum, gin and tequila, along with prices across every major Indian state. My goal is simple: to make the world of spirits a little more approachable for everyone.

Website Last updated: September 2026