When it comes to iconic dark beers, few can compare to the smooth, rich flavor of Negra Modelo. This Vienna-style lager, brewed in Mexico, has been a staple for dark beer lovers since its introduction in 1925.
With its slightly sweet taste, hints of caramel, and toasted maltiness, it’s no wonder that Negra Modelo is a popular choice for those who enjoy a darker brew.
But what if you’re looking to branch out and try something new? In this blog post, we’ll explore five fantastic alternatives to Negra Modelo that are sure to please your palate. These beers include:
1. Dos Equis Ambar
2. Bohemia Obscura
3. Samuel Adams Boston Lager
4. Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel
5. Sapporo Black
So, grab a seat, pour yourself a cold one, and let’s dive into these delectable dark beers!
1. Dos Equis Ambar
Origin and Brew Method
Dos Equis Ambar is another Mexican gem that deserves a spot on this list. This Vienna-style lager was first brewed by the Moctezuma Brewery in Monterrey, Mexico, in 1897. Brewed with roasted malts and a blend of caramel and dark malt, Dos Equis Ambar offers a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness.
Tasting Notes
As an experienced beer taster, I can attest to the fact that Dos Equis Ambar is a fantastic alternative to Negra Modelo. With its deep amber color, this lager has a rich, malty aroma with a hint of caramel. The flavor profile is complex, with notes of toasted bread, caramel, and a subtle hoppy bitterness. It’s a smooth, easy-drinking beer that’s perfect for those who love Negra Modelo but want to try something new.
2. Bohemia Obscura
Origin and Brew Method
Bohemia Obscura is another excellent Mexican beer that’s similar to Negra Modelo. Introduced by the Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Brewery in Monterrey, Mexico, in 2005, this Munich Dunkel-style lager is brewed with a mix of dark and caramel malts, giving it its distinctive dark color and rich flavor.
Tasting Notes
Upon tasting Bohemia Obscura, you’ll notice its dark brown color and creamy, off-white head. The aroma is a delightful blend of toasted malts, caramel, and a hint of chocolate. The flavor profile is full-bodied and well-rounded, with a perfect balance of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness. It’s an outstanding alternative for fans of Negra Modelo seeking a darker, more robust brew.
3. Samuel Adams Boston Lager
Origin and Brew Method
While not a Mexican brew, Samuel Adams Boston Lager is a fantastic choice for those who enjoy the smooth, malty flavors of Negra Modelo. First introduced by the Boston Beer Company in 1984, this Vienna-style lager is brewed with a blend of two-row pale malt and caramel 60 malt, along with noble hops for a balanced bitterness.
Tasting Notes
Samuel Adams Boston Lager boasts a beautiful amber color with a thick, creamy head. The aroma is a mix of caramel, toasted malts, and floral hops. When you take your first sip, you’ll be greeted with a well-balanced mix of malt sweetness and hoppy bitterness, with no one flavor overpowering the other. It’s an excellent choice for those who love Negra Modelo but want to venture into the world of American craft beer.
4. Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel
Origin and Brew Method
If you’re looking for a German alternative to Negra Modelo, Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel is a fantastic choice. Brewed by the Ayinger Brewery in Aying, Germany, this Munich Dunkel-style lager is made with a blend of dark malts and noble hops, resulting in a rich, flavorful beer that’s sure to impress.
Tasting Notes
Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel has a deep, dark brown color with a thick, tan head. The aroma is a lovely mix of roasted malts, chocolate, and a hint of dark fruit. The flavor profile is complex and rich, with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a touch of raisin. The finish is smooth, with just enough hoppy bitterness to balance out the sweetness. It’s an excellent choice for those who love the flavors of Negra Modelo but want to try something from Germany.
5. Sapporo Black
Origin and Brew Method
Sapporo Black is a Japanese take on a dark lager, offering a unique and delicious alternative to Negra Modelo. Introduced by the Sapporo Breweries in 2016, this dark lager is brewed with roasted dark malts and a blend of European hops, giving it a smooth, balanced flavor profile.
Tasting Notes
When you pour a glass of Sapporo Black, you’ll notice its deep, dark color and creamy, tan head. The aroma is a mix of roasted malts, chocolate, and a hint of coffee. The flavor profile is smooth and balanced, with notes of dark chocolate, roasted malts, and a subtle coffee bitterness. It’s an exciting and refreshing alternative for those who love the flavors of Negra Modelo but want to try something from the world of Japanese beer.
Conclusion
Negra Modelo is a fantastic beer, but there’s a whole world of delicious dark beers out there just waiting to be discovered. All five of these alternatives – Dos Equis Ambar, Bohemia Obscura, Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Ayinger Altbairisch Dunkel, and Sapporo Black – offer unique and delightful flavor profiles that are sure to please fans of Negra Modelo.
If I had to pick just one recommendation for a Negra Modelo alternative, I’d go with Dos Equis Ambar. It’s an excellent Mexican Vienna-style lager with a rich, malty flavor profile that closely resembles Negra Modelo. Give it a try, and you might just find a new favorite brew! Cheers!
FAQs
What category is Modelo beer?
Modelo beer is categorized as a Mexican-style lager.
Does Modelo taste like Dos Equis?
No, Modelo and Dos Equis have distinct flavor profiles. Modelo is a Vienna-style lager with a rich, malty taste and a slightly sweet finish. On the other hand, Dos Equis is a Mexican pale lager that is lighter and crisper, with a mild hop bitterness. While both are popular Mexican beers, they have different characteristics and taste profiles.
What does Modelo beer taste like?
Modelo beer is a Mexican lager that is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. It has a balanced flavor profile with notes of malt and hops, offering a mild sweetness and a touch of bitterness. The beer has a smooth and light body, making it highly drinkable. Overall, Modelo beer is often described as clean, well-rounded, and enjoyable.
What beer tastes similar to Dos Equis?
A beer that tastes similar to Dos Equis is Negra Modelo. It is a Vienna-style lager with a rich, malty flavor profile and a smooth finish, similar to Dos Equis.
Which is better Modelo or Modelo Negra?
Both Modelo and Modelo Negra are popular Mexican beers, but they have distinct flavor profiles. Modelo is a crisp, refreshing lager with a light and slightly hoppy taste. On the other hand, Modelo Negra is a darker, Munich-style beer with a richer, maltier flavor and hints of caramel. The choice between the two depends on personal preference.
What beer is Modelo like?
Modelo is a Mexican lager that is similar to other popular Mexican beers like Corona and Dos Equis. It has a light and crisp flavor with a mild hop bitterness. Modelo is known for its smooth and refreshing taste, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy light, easy-drinking beers.
