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Beer · Dark Lager (Munich Dunkel)

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: July 2026.

United States Prices

New York $13.21

California $12.87

Illinois $12.41

Florida $11.83

Texas $11.49

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

modelo-especial,modelo-oro,modelo-noche-especial

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.

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Last updated: July 2026