MD 20/20

Last updated
MD 20/20
MD 2020.jpg
Type Flavored fortified wine
Manufacturer Mogen David
Distributor Mogen David
Country of origin United States
Alcohol by volume  13%-18%
Proof (US) 26-36

MD 20/20 is a discount flavored fortified wine produced by Mogen David. 20/20 originally referred to 20%abv and a 20 oz bottle. [1] It is commonly referred to by the nickname "Mad Dog". [2]

Contents

The wine is produced in a variety of flavors, sold in 750ml bottles, and alcohol content varies by flavor from 13%abv to 18%abv. [3] Like competitors Thunderbird and Night Train Express, its sweet flavors, strength and low cost are often associated with alcoholism among the homeless and destitute [1] but also make it popular with college students and other underage drinkers. [3]

Despite being made in the US, MD 20/20 enjoys a cult following in Scotland. In 2019, after a new flavor "Electric Melon" became available, patrons lined up around the block at shops to purchase the beverage; in some cases, the crowds were so large they blocked traffic. [4]

History

Mogen David originated to serve a niche market by supplying wine to observant Jews for religious holidays but needed to expand their market to remain in business. [3] The date MD 20/20 entered production is obscure, however by the 1970s it accounted for over 50% of Mogen David's sales. [5]

References

  1. 1 2 Veseth, Mike (17 July 2013). Extreme Wine: Searching the World for the Best, the Worst, the Outrageously Cheap, the Insanely Overpriced, and the Undiscovered. Bloomsbury Publishing PLC. pp. 19–20. ISBN   978-1-4422-1924-3.
  2. Myers, Peter L. (11 April 2011). Alcohol. ABC-CLIO. p. 5. ISBN   9780313372483 . Retrieved 5 September 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 Judd, Rolland (17 February 2024). "How 'Mad Dog 20/20' Went From Kosher Wine To College Staple". Foodie. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
  4. Erskine, Rosalind (8 May 2019). "Scots go wild for latest flavour of MD 2020 | Scotsman Food and Drink". The Scotsman Food & Drink. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
  5. Watson, Alex (30 December 2021). "Scotland may be keeping the spirit of Jewish-American tonic wine MD 20/20 alive". Press and Journal. Retrieved 5 September 2025.

See also