The Origin of the Name: Mogen David and 'Mad Dog'
For decades, the moniker "Mad Dog" has been synonymous with MD 20/20, but the origin of the name is far less ferocious. The "MD" actually stands for Mogen David, the company that originally produced the wine. Mogen David is a historical Jewish wine company that, in an effort to expand its market beyond sacramental wines, introduced the MD 20/20 line around the late 1960s. The "20/20" part of the name is often misunderstood. It originally referred to the wine’s 20% alcohol by volume (ABV) and its packaging in a 20-ounce bottle. However, the product specifications have changed significantly since then. The infamous nickname "Mad Dog" is a colloquialism likely derived from the beverage’s powerful, disorienting effects, and the abbreviation of its formal name.
From Kosher Wine to Cult Classic
Mogen David began as a producer of kosher wine, a niche market that ultimately proved too small for the company's ambitions. By the 1960s, the company was looking for a new demographic and found it by introducing brightly colored, artificially flavored fruit wines. These sweet, high-alcohol beverages were specifically targeted at younger consumers, including college students, who sought an inexpensive and potent drink. The strategy worked, and MD 20/20 soon accounted for a significant portion of the company's sales. Over the years, MD 20/20 has maintained its cult status, often associated with a younger, less discerning crowd. While some might deride it as "bum wine," its enduring presence in liquor store aisles speaks to its ability to satisfy a particular taste and budget.
Modern MD 20/20: The Current Landscape
Today's MD 20/20 is a different beast from its 1960s predecessor. Metrication in the United States led to the discontinuation of the 20-ounce bottle, which was replaced by a 750ml size. The alcohol content has also been adjusted, typically ranging from 13% to 18% ABV depending on the flavor, with most varieties hovering around 13%. Despite these changes, the core appeal remains the same: a sweet, fruit-flavored fortified wine at an accessible price point. The brand continues to produce a wide array of flavors to keep up with changing consumer preferences, from classic grape to more exotic varieties.
A Look at Flavor Profiles
MD 20/20 has an extensive list of flavors, each with a distinctive (and often artificial) taste. Here is a selection of some popular and noteworthy options:
- Red Grape: Considered a classic, offering a sweet, rich dark fruit flavor. Some varieties retain a higher ABV.
- Blue Raspberry: A famously garish electric-blue liquid with an intensely sweet, artificial raspberry flavor.
- Electric Melon: A newer entry that provides a tangy, candied watermelon flavor with some strawberry notes.
- Orange Jubilee: This flavor is characterized by a burst of citrus that mellows into a smooth, vanilla-like finish.
- Kiwi-Lemon: A vibrant green drink that delivers a strong, almost-real lemon taste balanced by kiwi.
- Banana Red: A unique combination of artificial banana candy notes layered over a red fruit punch base.
Comparison of Fortified Wines: MD 20/20 vs. Competitors
| Feature | MD 20/20 | Thunderbird | Night Train Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Producer | Mogen David / The Wine Group | E. & J. Gallo Winery | E. & J. Gallo Winery |
| Alcohol Type | Flavored Fortified Grape Wine | Fortified Wine | Fortified Wine |
| Flavor Profile | Sweet, artificial fruity flavors | Strong, medicinal taste | Sweet, strong, cheap red wine |
| ABV | Varies by flavor (13%-18%) | Varies by version, often higher | Typically 17.5% ABV |
| Bottle Size | 750ml | Typically 750ml | Typically 750ml |
| Market Association | College students, low-budget drinkers | Associated with "bum wines" | Associated with "bum wines" |
More Than a Drink: Cultural Impact
MD 20/20's affordable price and high alcohol content cemented its place in American drinking culture, particularly among younger, budget-conscious consumers. The beverage is often associated with early, experimental drinking experiences during high school or college, where its garish colors and sugary taste made it a memorable, if not always pleasant, choice. The cultural legacy of MD 20/20 is one of an unpretentious, straightforwardly effective drink. Despite its reputation among critics for its artificial flavor profile, it maintains a nostalgic appeal for many who remember it as a rite of passage. It has also developed a notable cult following in other countries, such as Scotland, further demonstrating its unusual reach.
How to Serve and Enjoy (Responsibly)
For those interested in revisiting this classic beverage, or trying it for the first time, serving it correctly can make a big difference. The intense sweetness and artificial notes are best balanced by chilling the drink thoroughly. Serving temperatures between 45-50°F can enhance the fruity notes and minimize the harsh, artificial flavors. Some drinkers also recommend mixing it in simple cocktails to cut the sweetness. Its powerful flavor makes it a good base for concoctions, like mixing the Blue Raspberry with coconut rum and pineapple juice for a tropical-themed drink. Food pairings are also possible, with the sweetness surprisingly complementing spicy Asian foods or cutting the saltiness of potato chips and pretzels. However, it is always important to remember the potency of a fortified wine and consume it responsibly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a 20 20 drink is the American fortified wine MD 20/20, a budget-friendly and famously sweet beverage with a long and storied history. From its origins as a kosher wine produced by Mogen David, it evolved into a cult classic, known by the nickname "Mad Dog." While its original specifications of 20% ABV and 20-ounce bottle have changed, its appeal as an inexpensive, flavorful, and potent option has endured. Whether enjoyed for nostalgia or for its straightforward effects, MD 20/20 remains a distinctive and often misunderstood piece of drinking culture. For more information, you can explore the Wikipedia page for MD 20/20.
