Negra Modelo Dark Tastes Lighter than it Looks

For my post-Cinco de Mayo Your Next Pint post, I thought I'd blog about Mexican Beer, Negra Modelo – dark brown in color, but light like a golden lager in taste.

The Washdown:

- nutty brown color, subtly sweet, and crisp Negra Modelo (Mexico)

- wanna drink-you-up, super fresh, not too spicy Salsa Fresca

- don't-just-dip-but-drizzle-me-on Salsa Trio: Verde, Roja, and Naranja

- Sweet 'n Savory Tacos al Pastor con Pina (Pork with Pineapple)

- Tangy Pollo en Mole Roja Tacos

- Creamy Pescado Frito Tacos

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While there were plenty of Cinco de Mayo specials all over LA yesterday, I couldn't resist the best deal in town – $1 Taco Wednesdays all night at Candela Taco Bar & Lounge.

Candela's has a great selection of Mexican beers – Dos Equis, Pacifico, Bohemia, etc. – but last night, Negra Modelo ($5, Munich Dunkel, 5.4% ABV) seemed the best option to wash down my tacos. Here's why: although the 'delo may be a rich, dark honey brown color, and the label even reads "Dark Beer," it tastes anything but. It's super crisp and refreshing like a lager with a hint of caramel malt sweetness. It's the perfect beer to enjoy on a hot summer day – and ladies, you'll love it. 

Now on to the complimentary Chips 'n Salsa Dips. The Salsa Fresca is some of the best I've had. Super fresh and not too spicy, it's so refreshing I literally wanted a spoon or cup to drink it up. The also-complimentary Trio of Dipping Salsas are just as delish, but for maximum effect, I recommend drizzling the dip directly on your chip, instead of trying to shove it in the small container. The Verde is light 'n tangy, the Roja is spicy (probably too much for some to handle), and the Naranja has a creamy red pepperiness to it that's addictive.  

Of the 12 different kinds of Tacos ($1 on Wednesdays), I decided to go with the Tacos al Pastor con Pina (tender chunks of Pork and sweet Pineapple), Pollo en Mole Roja (tangy Shredded Chicken with a Mole Sauce that's more red peppery than chocolatey), and Pescado Frito (crispy Baja Style Fried White Fish with Chipotle Creamy Sauce).

Out of the three tacos, Negra Modelo pairs best with the Tacos al Pastor con Pina because it brings out its subtle sweetness – they're also the most popular, and my favorite, item on the menu.

Enjoy!