MD 20/20

MD 20/20
TypeFlavored fortified wine
ManufacturerMogen David
DistributorMogen David
OriginUnited States
Alcohol by volume13–18%
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. It is commonly referred to by the nickname "Mad Dog".

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. Like competitors Thunderbird and Night Train Express, its sweet flavors, strength, and low cost are often associated with alcoholism among the homeless and destitute but also make it popular with college students and other underage drinkers.

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.

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. The date MD 20/20 entered production is obscure; however, by the 1970s, it accounted for over 50% of Mogen David's sales.

See also

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.