When you go out for dinner at your favorite Mexican restaurant, you can count on a handful of standby beers to be available. While the ubiquitous Bud Light is a solid standby, Mexican beer is the obvious choice to wash down your fajitas. When it comes down to it, where do you stand in the battle of Dos Equis vs Modelo?
Dos Equis and Modelo have more in common with each other than with other commercial beers. Modelo is slightly more popular overall, despite having more calories, more carbs, a higher ABV, and costing slightly more. This can probably be attributed to Modelo’s slight sweetness and the occasional skunkiness you’ll get with Dos Equis.
Keep reading for a detailed comparison of the distinguishing characteristics of these two beers.
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Dos Equis vs Modelo comparison overview
Both Dos Equis Lager Especial and Modelo Especial are brewed in a Pilsner style. Despite this important similarity, they are two different beers.
Dos Equis Lager Especial is a light lager in a Pilsner style. It has a light malt profile that tends towards cracker flavors. It is overall refreshing, light, and easily drinkable. Its lightness is shown in its lower-than-average calories and ABV.
Modelo Especial has some nice notes of orange and honey on the flavor profile and aroma. This lends it a refreshing crispness and light sweetness. It has a slightly stronger alcohol content while still being easily sessionable.
| Comparison | Dos Equis | Modelo |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 131 | 143 |
| Carbs | 11 grams | 13.6 grams |
| ABV | 4.2% | 4.4% |
| Ingredients | Water, malted barley, Corn syrup, hops, ascorbic acid | Water, yeast, non-malted cereals, barley malt, hops |
| Taste | Light malt, hints of corn sweetness | Slightly sweet, corn, light hop bitterness |
| Aroma | Light malt, a hint of skunk | Honey, grain |
| Cost (6 pack) | $9-9.50 | $9-10 |
| Popularity (in popular opinion Q1 2023 US) | 26th | 20th |
| History | Introduced in the US in 1983 | First brewed in 1925 |
What is the difference between Dos Equis and Modelo?
When it comes to these two beers there are many factors we can use to compare them.
Using the below aspects, let’s break down the differences between Modelo and Dos Equis.
- Dos Equis vs Modelo calories
- Dos Equis vs Modelo carbs
- Dos Equis vs Modelo alcohol content (ABV)
- Dos Equis vs Modelo ingredients
- Dos Equis vs Modelo taste, flavors, and aroma
- Cost
- Popularity and sales
- History
The first few aspects – calories, carbs, alcohol content, and ingredients – help to determine the objective differences between the recipe and the final product.
Then we can break down why people like one over the other. By covering the two beers’ taste, flavors, and aromas, we can highlight some of the subjective reasons for people’s preferences.
Lastly, we’ll cover the marketing and history of the two beers. That will include the cost, popularity, and sales of Corona and Dos Equis.
Dos Equis Lager Especial
Arguably, Dos Equis Lager Especial is better known for its commercials than its actual beer.
While you may not be The Most Interesting Man in the World, you can still keep reading to find out all about his favorite beer.
Calories, carbs, and other nutrition facts
A 12-ounce can of Dos Equis contains 131 calories, 11 grams of carbs, 4 grams of protein, and 0 grams of fat.
To put that calorie count into context, a personal container of 2% Greek yogurt is 130 calories. To reach the average recommended daily calorie intake of 2,000 you would have to drink about 15 beers.
Alcohol Content (ABV)
Each 12-ounce can of Dos Equis has 4.2% alcohol by volume (ABV).
This is slightly lighter than the average 4.5% ABV for lagers. In reality, a 0.3% difference is quite small. Use inebriation cheat sheets to determine how many beers it might take to become impaired.
Ingredients
The exact quantities and specific ingredients of Dos Equis are not revealed to the public, but we do know the basic ingredient list.
Dos Equis is brewed with water, barley malt, ascorbic acid, corn syrup, and hops. As with all fermented beverages, yeast is used in the brewing process. However, most of the yeast is filtered out after fermentation.
The adjuncts of corn syrup and ascorbic acid are listed. The corn syrup adds consistency to the beer as it is easy for the yeast to ferment.
Ascorbic acid or vitamin C acts as an antioxidant. This helps to prevent off-flavors in the final product.
Taste, flavors, and aroma
There is little to no bitterness in this beer. The mouthfeel of Dos Equis is quite light and watery. That said, this beer is incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
Dos Equis Especial tastes of light malt flavors, often a cracker note. Other flavors include corn sweetness and occasionally light skunkiness. The aromas are similar to the taste–primarily light malts.
Want to learn more about what Dos Equis Tastes Like?
Cost
A 6-pack of 12-ounce Dos Equis costs between $9 and $9.50. That said, the price can vary greatly depending on your region. A pint at a bar could cost around $5 to $7.
Dos Equis is sold in a wide range of packaging styles. The most common are 6-packs though 12-packs, 24-packs, and 30-packs are also frequently found at liquor stores.
Popularity and sales
According to a YouGov America poll, Dos Equis was the 26th most popular beer in the 1st Quarter of 2023. Dos Equis Especial has a popularity rating of 38% and a fame rating of 78%.
The popularity score is based on Americans that have a positive opinion of Dos Equis. The fame score is based on the percentage of Americans who have heard of the beer.
If you enjoy Dos Equis there are several other popular beers like Dos Equis. Some examples include Sol, Tecate, and Modelo.
History
The brewery that makes Dos Equis was founded in 1890 and named after Moctezuma, the last Aztec ruler.
The Moctezuma Brewery first brewed a beer called Siglo XX or 20th century. Fast forward nearly a hundred years and the brewery’s signature beer is imported to the US for the first time.
The two Xs of Siglo XX became synonymous with the beer. This led to the name “Dos Equis” or “two X’s.” Siglo XX eventually became known as Dos Equis Ambar Especial.
As for the Lager Especial, it eventually became the fastest-growing import beer in the US in 2009. This was likely due to the success of the marketing campaign depicting “The Most Interesting Man in the World” which began in 2006.
Modelo Especial
Personally, I always order a Modelo Especial when I go out to my favorite Mexican restaurant. Don’t get me wrong – I love a dark, complex craft beer, but there’s just something perfect about a sizzling fajita plate paired with a cold Modelo.
Let’s take a look at what this beer has going for it.
Calories, carbs, and other nutrition facts
A 12-ounce can of Modelo contains 143 calories, 13.6 grams of carbs, 1.1 grams of protein, and 0 grams of fat.
To put that in context an average handful of Goldfish crackers has 140 calories. Roughly 15 potato chips add up to 160 calories. To reach the recommended daily calorie intake for a woman (2,000 calories), you would need to drink roughly 14 12-ounce Modelo Especials.
Alcohol Content (ABV)
Each 12-ounce can of Modelo has 4.4% alcohol by volume (ABV).
This is slightly lighter than the average 4.5% ABV. In reality, a 0.1% difference is negligible. Use inebriation cheat sheets to determine how many beers it might take to become impaired.
Ingredients
The exact quantities and specific ingredients of Modelo are not revealed to the public.
Modelo is brewed with water, yeast, non-malted cereals, barley malt, and hops. As with all fermented beverages, yeast is used in the brewing process. However, most of the yeast is filtered out after fermentation.
While not specified, one of the non-malted cereals is likely corn.
Taste, flavors, and aroma
The body of Modelo is effervescent with a light to medium mouthfeel overall. It is a crisp beer that is highly refreshing.
Modelo Especial tastes slightly of sweet corn balanced by light hop flavors. There are also malty notes both on the tongue and nose. Other aromas include honey, herbal notes, and floral notes.
Want to learn more about what Modelo tastes like?
Cost
A 6-pack of 12-ounce Modelo costs between $9 and $10. That said, the price can vary greatly depending on your region. A pint at a bar could cost around $5-6.
As with Corona, Modelo is sold in a wide range of packaging styles. The most common are 6-packs though 12-packs, 24-packs, and 30-packs are also frequently found at liquor stores.
Popularity and sales
According to YouGov America, Modelo is the 20th most popular beer in the 1st Quarter of 2023. Modelo Especial has a popularity rating of 40% and a fame rating of 70%.
The popularity score is based on Americans that have a positive opinion of Corona Extra. The fame score is based on the percentage of Americans who have heard of the beer.
If you enjoy Modelo there are several other popular beers like Modelo. Some examples include Sol, Tecate, and Dos Equis.
History
Modelo Especial was first brewed in 1925 by Casa Modelo, a brand of Grupo Modelo. The first brewery was in Tacuba, Mexico.
The name, which means Special Model, was meant to speak to its high quality and character.
Modelo Especial was one of the fastest-growing beer brands in its early years. Today, it continues to perform well as the official sponsor of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.