Modelo: America's New Beer King

Matt 0:00

Welcome to Alkohology . I wonder why they call it a cocktail . Yes , I'd like to know more about the Avenus Vinafera . I'm very interested in the terroir . We talking about two carbons , six hydrogen and one oxygen atom . We talking about ethyl alcohol , this episode , the best-selling beer in America , modelo . Yes , that's right , I said Modelo . Picture this it's Fourth of . I said Modelo . Picture this , it's Fourth of July . Fireworks in the sky , burgers on the grill , hot dogs in the bun , people rocking flag apparel they probably shouldn't be wearing . You'd think the beer of choice in everyone's hand would be American Brewed , but no , it's not Bud , it's not Coors , not even Yingling . It's Modelo Especial , a beer brewed in Mexico that is now outselling every single US beer brand . That's right . On the most stars and stripes holiday of the year , more people are hoisting bottles from Cerveceria Modelo than from Budweiser . At this point , modelo is king and it's wearing a gold foil crown . So while you're out there lighting sparklers and celebrating America , just remember that beer in your hand might be saying Merica , with a bit of a Hispanic accent . Honestly , we're here for it . Nothing says America like the freedom of choice and inclusivity .

Matt 1:09

Let's dive into the story of Modelo . Our story begins in 1925 in bustling Mexico City , a Spanish baker named Brulio Arriarte yes , a baker decided to switch from flour to foam , along with industrialist Martin Oyemburu and 22 other investors who got together and launched Cerveceria Modelo . They rolled out three beers right off the bat Modelo Especial and Corona in 1925 , followed by Modelo Negra in 1926 . Not bad for their first two years of business . Then came former Dominican friar turned CEO because that's career pivot Pablo Diaz Fernandez . He joined the company in 1928 and took over leadership by 1930 . Under Pablo's watch , modelo grew without a single peso of debt . And we can't forget Antonio Don Antonio Fernandez , who started out sweeping floors and eventually ran the whole operation . He helped push Modelo to becoming one of Mexico's most powerful beer brands by the 1980s . You could say he really mopped up . Fast forward to 1991 , modelo became

The Birth of Cerveceria Modelo

Matt 2:11

Grupo Modelo , going public in 1994 and attracting the attention of global beer giants . Eventually , beer behemoth AB Imbev bought the company . But here's the twist Because of the antitrust laws in the US , modelo's US rights were sold to Constellation Brands . So if you're drinking Modelo in the US , that's all thanks to Constellation . If you're drinking it in Mexico , that's AB InBev .

Matt 2:32

Territory Beer politics , folks , it's foamy and complicated . Let's talk about Modelo's takeover of America . Modelo was once a sleeper hit among US Hispanic drinkers , but that changed fast . In the 2010s , constellation launched major English-language ad campaigns . You might have seen their slogan you're not just a model to follow , you are the Modelo . And then 2023 happened . Without diving too deeply into that , bud Light stumbled in a high-profile PR mess and Modelo Especial swooped in to take the crown . By summer 2023 , modelo Especial became the best-selling beer in the United States and , as of mid-2025 , yep , it's still holding strong at the top of the charts . Modelo in Spanish means the model of something , so let's meet the model beer family .

Matt 3:22

Modelo Especial is the star light , crisp , golden at 4.4% ABV . It is still served in its clear , iconic bottle with gold foil around the neck . Negra Modelo , a Vienna style dark lager , is smooth , malty and

Modelo's Rise to American Dominance

Matt 3:36

a little toasty . At 5.4% ABV . It comes in a stubby brown bottle that looks like it should be wearing a tuxedo . Modelo Oro is the new light introduced in 2022 . It's a low-cal , low-carb lager . Modelo Reserva is a limited edition brew aged in tequila barrel wood . I'm not sure if you can still get this one , but I would love to try it . And finally , we have Modelo Chiladas ready to drink Micheladas in wild flavors like mango y chile , limón y sal , piña picante and even fresa picante . That's spicy strawberry , and yes , it exists . It's like a beer cocktail in a can just add sunshine and maybe plan for a hangover .

Matt 4:16

Here's a few fun facts to impress your drinking buddies . The clear bottle of Modelo Especial is a deliberate

Meet the Modelo Beer Family

Matt 4:22

choice to show off the beer's color and set it apart . The gold foil A little bling never hurt . The two lines on the label they're not just for show . They symbolize strength and courage and the fighting spirit Modelo likes to celebrate . And get this . Modelo Cholatas are now the number one Cholata brand in the US . That's right . Spicy beer in a can has found its home From a bakery born in 1925 to toppling Bud Light a century later . Modelo's story is one of hard work , flavor and pride . Modelo isn't just a beer , it's a legacy in a bottle .

Matt 4:53

So this 4th of July and every 4th after , invite your neighbors over Fire up the grill . Don't serve subpar drinks , be it Modelo or your favorite drink of choice . Raise a glass to that simple freedom to gather , to share a laugh and to drink whatever you would like , because this holiday isn't just about fireworks . It's about people all kinds from all walks of life that came together to form a nation .

Fun Facts and Fourth Celebration

Matt 5:16

At Matt and Friends , we celebrate that mix , that beautiful blend of flavors and folks . Every single time we say cheers . So here's to independence , inclusion and ice cold beverages . Happy 4th , friends .

Matt 5:32

This podcast is a production of Unfiltered Studios . If you would like to know more about joining Unfiltered Studios , please visit our website at unfpodcom for more information . If you're looking to travel for this holiday , or any holiday for that matter , contact our sponsor , the Poppins Travel Company . You can call them at 407-494-4070 . It's 407-494-4070 . Or visit poppinstravelcompanycom . It's poppinstravelcompanycom . Don't forget to like and subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts and visit us on social media . It's Matt and Friends DTU on all your favorite social media platforms . As always , thank you for listening .