9 Facts About Modelo That Will Make You Want To Pop Open a Chela

There’s nothing better than cracking open a cold cervecita on a hot summer day.

Picture this: it’s 90 degrees outside and you’re lounging by the pool with friends when one of them pops open the cooler to offer you a choice of beer between Bud Light and Modelo. WWYD? Well, chances are you’d probably go for the Modelo.

Not only because it’s the chosen elixir of our people by our people. But also because it has surpassed Bud Light as the number one top-selling beer in the U.S. for the past month. Modelo acquired 8.4% of beer sales, while Bud Light trailed them at 7.3%.

While this win may come as a result of the Dylan Mulvaney boycott controversy, Modelo sales have continued to skyrocket over the last few years, reflecting the growth of the Latinx community in America. This victory has been a long time coming.

In honor of Modelo’s meteoric rise to beer stardom, here are nine things you need to know about the boozy brand.

Modelo has been around for nearly a century

Starting in 1925, the brand is older than your bisabuelo and should be treated with the same respect. It has stood the test of time while being responsible for so many fun and hilarious hijinks. Like all the drunken karaoke nights spent belting out Juan Gabriel’s greatest hits with a cold one in hand.

There’s also a deep sense of community and belonging when drinking Modelo, considering it’s the same beer your parents and grandparents drank. Now it’s your turn. Lucky you.

Modelo is based in Mexico

First founded in Tacuba, Mexico, Modelo maintains operations in the motherland exclusively, with headquarters now in Mexico City. It boasts nine breweries in cities nationwide, such as Guadalajara, Tijuana and Zacatecas.

We love a homegrown beer that prides itself on great flavor and authenticity, staying true to its humble roots no matter how famous it gets. Don’t be fooled by the hops that it’s got; it’s still, it’s still Modelo from the block.

Modelo plays well with others

Grupo Modelo, the umbrella brand, merged with Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2013. They maximized their production and profits using the old you scratch my back-I scratch yours method. In a partnership with Constellation Brands, Modelo is imported and distributed to the U.S., while Anheuser-Busch InBev’s beer, like Bud Light and Budweiser, are exported to Mexico. Sounds like a beer marriage made in beer heaven.

Modelo Especial is indeed very special

Modelo Especial was the first beer brewed by Modelo in 1925, and in 2023, it’s still everyone’s favorite. The Pilsner-style lager was originally packaged in a glass bottle sealed with gold, and it maintains its signature look today.

The taste can be described as delicately hoppy and crisp, with notes of honey and corn. If you’re suddenly craving one, you’re not alone. This is the specific brand of Modelo beer that just took the number one spot from Bud Light. Sorry, not sorry.

The brand is in cahoots with your other favorite beer

If you guessed Corona, you’re right. Modelo and Corona were brewed in Mexico at the same cervecería in the 1920s. Over the decades, a healthy rivalry developed between them, although they both gained a partnership with Constellation Brands and were playing on the same team.

Of course, not that they aren’t pitted against each other like two tipsy tias at a quinceañera. Some prefer the refreshing taste of a Corona with lime, while others enjoy the richness of a Modelo. Whichever one you prefer, you’re right.

Modelo also offers a bunch of different specialty beers

These include, but are not limited to, Negra Modelo, Modelo Ambar, and Montejo, which vary greatly in terms of flavor profiles. The aptly named Negra Modelo is a dark lager with nutty notes, while Modelo Ambar is medium bodied with delicate grassy notes. Montejo is smooth and citrusy, with a gorgeous golden color. Go ahead and take your pick! After all, para los gustos se hicieron los colores.

Modelo’s roots can be traced back to Austrian emperor, Maximilian I of Mexico

While his colonial rule was short-lived, ultimately dying at the hands of the Mexican Republic in 1864, we can at least thank Maxmilian for one thing: introducing Mexico to German and Austrian-style lagers. This cross-cultural tradition has been in effect for over 150 years, firmly cementing that beer truly brings people together. Danke schoen, Maximilian. Danke schoen.

Their label features a meaningful and intricate design

Let’s go on a tour of the label together. Beneath the brand’s name, there is a banner displaying the year “1925”— when the beer was first brewed. There are also leaves of barley adorning both sides. Two golden lions can be seen holding up the banner, which is a nod to Mexico City’s coat of arms.

If you look right below that, a description of the beer’s flavor profile reads, “golden, full-flavored pilsner-style lager with a clean, crisp finish.” With Modelo, what you see is literally what you get, and what you get is delicious.

They have their own line of Cheladas

Who could say no to the classic pairing of lime, salt and beer? We certainly can’t and Modelo knows it. This is why they’ve released their line of Cheladas. A canned cocktail drink, their flavors range from classic salt and lime to mango and chile to piña pageant, perfect for fans of sweet and spicy.

Just when we think you can’t possibly get any better, Modelo, you go and surprise us. Which is precisely why we can never get enough.