Modelo Especial 24Pk Cans

Modelo Especial 24Pk Cans is a 24-pack of 12 oz cans of Mexico's iconic pilsner-style lager, brewed at 4.4% ABV. First produced in 1925 by Grupo Modelo in Tacuba, Mexico City, this beer has risen to become one of the top-selling imported beers in the United States, earning second place in VinePair's blind tasting of Mexican lagers.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4.4%  |  Origin: Mexico  |  Style: Pilsner-Style Lager  |  Brewery: Grupo Modelo (est. 1925)

Production & Heritage

Grupo Modelo founded its brewery in Tacuba, Mexico City, in 1925, drawing heavily on German brewing traditions and the expertise of European-trained brewmasters. Modelo Especial is brewed with barley malt, non-malted cereals, hops, and water using a time-tested process that prioritizes consistency and balance. The 4.4% ABV was a deliberate choice from the beginning — Mexican brewers recognized that slightly lower alcohol than typical European pilsners (which range from 4.5–5.5% ABV) improved drinkability in Mexico's warm climate, and that design decision remains central to the beer's character today. Grupo Modelo now operates seven brewing plants across Mexico.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Fresh white bread and cracker lead into subtle honey sweetness, with hints of sweet corn and light biscuit rounding out the nose. A faint herbal hop note emerges as the beer warms slightly.

Taste: The entry is clean and malt-forward with a smooth orange blossom honey character. Mid-palate, a light hop bitterness builds just enough to balance the gentle sweetness, while the non-malted cereals contribute a crisp, dry grain quality. The overall impression is one of restraint and balance rather than intensity.

Finish: Short to medium in length with a clean, crisp snap. A trace of herbal bitterness lingers alongside a dry, refreshing close that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Modelo Especial

Straight from the can or poured into a chilled glass, Modelo Especial is best served cold — ideally between 38–45°F. A wedge of lime is the classic accompaniment, brightening the honey-sweet malt and amplifying the beer's clean finish.

• Michelada: The crisp, balanced body stands up well to tomato juice, lime, hot sauce, and Worcestershire, making it a natural fit for this savory Mexican cocktail.
• Chelada: A simpler lime-and-salt preparation that highlights Modelo's inherent citrus and honey notes without overpowering them.
• Beer Margarita (Beergarita): Blended with frozen limeade concentrate and tequila, Modelo's light malt sweetness keeps the drink balanced and drinkable.

Best For

• Stocking a cooler for backyard cookouts and summer gatherings
• Game day hosting where a crowd-pleasing, sessionable lager is essential
• Pairing with taco nights, carne asada, and Mexican cuisine spreads
• Keeping a reliable everyday lager on hand in the fridge

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Modelo Especial taste like? Modelo Especial delivers smooth orange blossom honey sweetness balanced by light hop bitterness and a crisp, clean finish. It is a well-balanced pilsner-style lager with subtle bread and cracker malt character.

How does Modelo Especial compare to Corona Extra? Both are pale lagers from Grupo Modelo and rank as the two best-selling imported beers in the U.S., but Modelo Especial is slightly richer in malt character with noticeable honey sweetness, while Corona Extra tends to be lighter-bodied and more neutral in flavor. Modelo also carries a touch more hop bitterness, giving it a fuller, more balanced profile.

Is Modelo Especial good for casual drinking? At 4.4% ABV, Modelo Especial is highly sessionable and easy to drink over a long afternoon or evening. Its balanced, approachable flavor profile makes it a go-to for drinkers who want flavor without heaviness.

Where is Modelo Especial made? Modelo Especial is brewed in Mexico by Grupo Modelo, which was founded in 1925 in Tacuba, Mexico City. The company operates seven brewing plants throughout Mexico.

What foods pair well with Modelo Especial? Carne asada and grilled meats benefit from the beer's crisp carbonation cutting through charred fat. Fish tacos with lime crema echo the beer's citrus and honey notes. Spicy dishes like chile verde or jalapeño poppers are tempered by the malt sweetness. Ceviche and raw oysters match well with the beer's clean, light body. Nachos and queso dip pair naturally, as the carbonation cleanses the palate between bites.

What sizes does Modelo Especial come in? Modelo Especial is widely available in 12 oz cans (including this 24-pack format), 24 oz single cans, 12 oz bottles, and draft. Multi-pack options include 6-packs, 12-packs, 18-packs, and 24-packs.

Is Modelo Especial worth the price? Modelo Especial positions as a premium import lager, sitting slightly above domestic macro lagers in price but well within the everyday drinking range. The 24-pack format represents solid value per unit for a beer with genuine character and a nearly century-old brewing heritage.

Why Modelo Especial?

Modelo Especial has remained largely unchanged since its 1925 debut, and that consistency is its greatest asset. The German-influenced brewing process, combined with the intentionally lower 4.4% ABV designed for warm-weather refreshment, gives it a distinct identity among Mexican lagers — fuller than Corona, more balanced than many American-brewed alternatives. Its second-place finish in VinePair's blind tasting of Mexican lagers confirms what nearly a century of drinkers already knew: this is a beer that earns its place on flavor, not marketing alone. The 24-pack format makes it a practical choice for anyone who wants a dependable, flavorful lager within reach at all times.