Corona vs Modelo

When it comes to Mexican beers, two brands that immediately come to mind are Corona and Modelo. Both are popular choices in the United States and around the world, but how do they compare to each other?

In this article, we will take a closer look at the differences between Corona and Modelo, from their taste and aroma to their nutritional components and types.

Corona Extra is a pale lager that has been brewed in Mexico since 1925. It is known for its light, crisp taste and its distinctive clear bottle. Modelo, on the other hand, is a brand that encompasses several different types of beer, including Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, and Modelo Chelada. Each of these beers has its own unique flavor profile and characteristics. While Corona is often associated with a beachy, summery vibe, Modelo is often seen as a more sophisticated choice.

When it comes to taste, many beer enthusiasts argue that Modelo has a richer, fruitier flavor than Corona. On the other hand, Corona is known for its crisp, clean taste and its refreshing qualities. Of course, taste is subjective, and what one person enjoys may not be the same as what another person prefers. Nonetheless, understanding the differences between these two popular Mexican beers can help you make an informed decision the next time you’re faced with the choice between Corona and Modelo.

History

Corona and Modelo have been popular Mexican beers for almost a century. The origin of both beers can be traced back to the Cervecería Modelo brewery in Mexico City, which was founded in the 1920s.

The brewery was started by a group of Mexican businessmen, including Pablo Diez Fernandez, who had experience in the brewing industry.

Corona was first brewed in 1925 and quickly became popular in Mexico. The beer was named after the crown (corona in Spanish) that adorns the top of the bottle. Corona’s popularity grew in the 1970s when it was introduced to the United States market. Today, Corona is one of the best-selling beers in the world, and it is distributed in over 180 countries.

Modelo, on the other hand, was first brewed in 1925 as Modelo Especial. The beer was originally only available in Mexico, but it gained popularity in the United States in the 1980s. In 2013, Grupo Modelo, the company that owned the brewery, was acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev, a multinational brewing company. Today, Modelo is the second best-selling Mexican beer in the United States, after Corona.

Both Corona and Modelo are brewed using the same ingredients, including water, malted barley, corn, and hops. However, they have different flavor profiles. Corona is known for its light, crisp taste, while Modelo has a richer, fruitier flavor.

Comparison: Corona vs Modelo

When it comes to Mexican beer, Corona and Modelo are two of the most popular brands.

While they share some similarities, there are also some notable differences between the two. Here’s a breakdown of how Corona and Modelo compare:

Similarities

• Both Corona and Modelo are lagers, which means they are light and easy to drink.
• They are both brewed in Mexico, with Corona being produced by Grupo Modelo and Modelo by Constellation Brands.
• They are both commonly served with a wedge of lime in the bottle or on the rim of the glass.
• They are both widely available in the United States and around the world.

Differences

• Taste: Corona is known for its light, crisp flavor with a subtle citrus taste, while Modelo Especial has a richer, maltier flavor. Negra Modelo, on the other hand, is a darker beer with a more complex flavor profile that includes notes of caramel and chocolate.
• Alcohol content: Corona Extra has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 4.6%, while Modelo Especial has an ABV of 4.4%. Negra Modelo has a slightly higher ABV at 5.4%.
• Nutritional components: Corona has 149 calories per 12-ounce serving, while Modelo Especial has 144 calories. Negra Modelo has 172 calories per serving.
• Types: While Corona only has one type of beer (Corona Extra), Modelo has several different types, including Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, and Modelo Chelada.

Taste Test

In a blind taste test conducted by VinePair, Modelo Especial was the clear winner over Corona Extra. The judges noted that Modelo had a richer, more complex flavor profile, while Corona was described as “watery” and lacking in flavor.

Brewing Process

Both Corona and Modelo are Mexican beers that are brewed using similar methods.

The brewing process for these beers involves four main steps: malting, mashing, boiling, and fermentation.

Malting

The first step in the brewing process is malting. During this stage, barley is soaked in water and allowed to germinate. This process activates enzymes in the barley that break down the starches into sugars that can be fermented later on.

Mashing

The next step is mashing, which involves mixing the malted barley with hot water to create a mash. This mixture is then heated to specific temperatures to activate the enzymes that convert the starches into sugars.

Boiling

After mashing, the mixture is boiled to sterilize it and extract the bitter compounds from the hops that are added to the mixture. This process also helps to concentrate the sugars in the mixture.

Fermentation

The final step in the brewing process is fermentation. During this stage, yeast is added to the mixture, which then converts the sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process takes several days to complete and is done at specific temperatures to ensure the proper flavor and aroma.

Both Corona and Modelo are lagers, which means they are brewed using a specific type of yeast and fermented at lower temperatures than ales. This results in a beer that is crisp and clean, with a smooth finish.

Water is an important ingredient in the brewing process, as it affects the flavor and aroma of the beer. Both Corona and Modelo use water from local sources in Mexico to brew their beer.

Barley malt is the primary ingredient in both Corona and Modelo, as it provides the sugars that are fermented into alcohol. The type of barley used can affect the flavor and aroma of the beer.

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, both Corona and Modelo are similarly priced, with some slight differences depending on the location and store. Generally, both beers are considered affordable and accessible for most consumers.

In the United States, the average price for a six-pack of Corona Extra ranges from $7.99 to $10.99, while a six-pack of Modelo Especial can cost between $8.99 to $11.99, depending on the store and location. However, it is worth noting that prices may vary depending on the state and local taxes.

For those who prefer to buy in bulk, both beers offer larger packaging options at a reasonable price. For example, a 24-pack of Corona Extra can cost around $20 to $25, while a 24-pack of Modelo Especial can cost between $23 to $28.

It is also worth noting that both beers offer various seasonal and limited edition options that may come with a slightly higher price tag. For example, Corona offers a variety of flavored beers, such as Corona Refresca and Corona Premier, which can be slightly more expensive than their classic Corona Extra. Similarly, Modelo offers a variety of beers, including Modelo Negra and Modelo Chelada, which may be more expensive than their classic Modelo Especial.