MD 20/20
| Type | Flavored fortified wine |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mogen David |
| Distributor | Mogen David |
| 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]
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
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ Myers, Peter L. (11 April 2011). Alcohol. ABC-CLIO. p. 5. ISBN 9780313372483. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ a b c Judd, Rolland (17 February 2024). "How 'Mad Dog 20/20' Went From Kosher Wine To College Staple". Foodie. Retrieved 5 September 2025.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.