Blue Moon is one of the most recognizable beer labels on the market, a staple in both bars and supermarkets across North America and beyond. While it enjoys massive popularity, there’s still quite a bit of confusion surrounding what type of beer Blue Moon actually is. Is it a wheat beer? A Belgian-style ale? Something else entirely? In this article, we’ll explore the origins, brewing process, flavor profile, and market positioning of Blue Moon to answer the central question: what type of beer is Blue Moon?
The Origins of Blue Moon: A Craft-Born Classic
Despite being mass-produced today, Blue Moon originated from a more artisanal approach. It was first brewed in 1995 at the SandLot Brewery, located inside Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. The brewer behind it, Keith Villa, who held a Ph.D. in brewing from Belgium, was heavily inspired by the Belgian brewing tradition. He aimed to create an approachable yet authentic Belgian-style beer for American palates.
This goal is the key to understanding what type of beer Blue Moon truly is: it is a Belgian-style witbier. “Witbier” literally means “white beer” in Dutch, referring to the cloudy appearance caused by suspended yeast and wheat proteins.
What Defines a Belgian-Style Witbier?
To understand Blue Moon, we must first explore what constitutes a true witbier. A traditional Belgian witbier typically includes a large proportion of unmalted wheat, giving it a hazy appearance and a soft, bready mouthfeel. It’s also flavored with a unique blend of spices—most commonly coriander and Curaçao orange peel.
Blue Moon stays true to this style with its use of Valencia orange peel and a proprietary blend of spices. Unlike more hop-forward beer styles like IPAs, witbiers emphasize yeast character, spice, and citrus over bitterness.
Key Characteristics of a Witbier
- Unfiltered and cloudy
- Light-to-medium body
- Moderate carbonation
- Spiced with citrus and herbs
- Low hop bitterness
Blue Moon’s Ingredients and Brewing Process
Blue Moon is brewed using malted barley, white wheat, oats, coriander, and orange peel. The oats contribute to its creamy mouthfeel, while the wheat adds to its cloudiness and light grainy flavor. A special yeast strain is used to impart fruity esters that work in tandem with the spices and citrus.
Notably, Blue Moon recommends serving the beer with an orange slice, which accentuates the citrus profile of the brew. This is more than just a marketing gimmick—it complements the Valencia orange peel used in the brewing process.
How Does Blue Moon Taste?
Flavor-wise, Blue Moon offers a harmonious blend of subtle spice, soft sweetness, and a citrusy zing. It has a creamy body, low-to-moderate bitterness, and a dry finish. The flavor profile makes it extremely drinkable, especially for those who are new to craft beer or not fond of bitter styles.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Light citrus, sweet grain, and coriander spice
- Palate: Mild sweetness, creamy texture, citrus burst
- Finish: Clean, slightly dry, lingering spice
Where Does Blue Moon Fit in the Beer Spectrum?
Given its ingredients and flavor, Blue Moon falls squarely in the Beer Types category of Belgian-style wheat beers. However, it straddles an interesting line between craft and mainstream. Although it was born out of a craft sensibility, it is owned by Molson Coors, one of the largest beer conglomerates in the world.
This dual identity has drawn criticism from purists but also helped expose millions of people to craft-style beers. Its broad distribution and marketing muscle have enabled it to act as a “gateway beer,” introducing drinkers to more complex and diverse beer styles.
How Strong Is Blue Moon? Alcohol Content Explained
Blue Moon has a moderate alcohol content, clocking in at 5.4% ABV (alcohol by volume). This puts it in line with many traditional Belgian witbiers, which typically range from 4.5% to 5.5%. The alcohol level is enough to deliver body and flavor without overwhelming the palate or causing fatigue after one or two servings.
For those exploring Beer Alcohol Percentage metrics, Blue Moon offers a good middle ground between session beers and stronger ales. It’s approachable for casual drinkers while retaining enough complexity for seasoned beer enthusiasts.
What About Beer Calories?
Blue Moon is not a light beer, nor is it excessively heavy. A standard 12 oz serving contains around 170 calories. This is primarily due to the wheat, oats, and slightly higher alcohol content. While it’s not the best choice for those watching their caloric intake, it’s certainly not the worst either.
If you’re looking to understand Beer Calories across various styles, Blue Moon falls into the mid-range. It has more calories than a lager or light ale but significantly fewer than high-alcohol IPAs or stouts.
Comparison to Other Beer Brands
Within the spectrum of Beer Brands, Blue Moon competes with both craft and commercial labels. It’s often compared to Allagash White (a more traditional witbier), Shock Top (a similar mass-market Belgian-style beer from Anheuser-Busch), and Hoegaarden (a Belgian import with deep roots in the style).
Among these, Blue Moon typically stands out for its smooth drinkability and citrus-forward flavor, but it may lack the depth and nuance of smaller-batch witbiers. Nonetheless, its consistency and accessibility make it a top seller in its category.
Versatility in Pairing and Occasions
One of the reasons for Blue Moon’s enduring popularity is its versatility. It pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of foods, particularly lighter fare like seafood, chicken, salads, and soft cheeses. The orange and spice flavors can also complement spicy cuisines like Thai or Mexican.
Whether at a barbecue, a casual dinner, or simply unwinding after work, Blue Moon fits into a wide range of social settings. It’s also a reliable base for beer cocktails, such as shandies or beer mimosas.
Common Misconceptions About Blue Moon
Despite its clarity of style, many people mistakenly label Blue Moon as a “fruit beer” or even a “light beer” due to its orange garnish and low bitterness. In truth, it is neither. The addition of orange is stylistic and intended to enhance, not define, the beer. And while it’s easy-drinking, its caloric and alcohol content exceed those of true light beers.
Another myth is that Blue Moon is a “craft beer.” While it was born in a craft setting, its acquisition by Molson Coors removes it from the official Brewer’s Association definition of craft, which requires independence and small-scale production.
Conclusion
So, what type of beer is Blue Moon? It’s a Belgian-style witbier that balances authenticity with approachability. Its smooth mouthfeel, citrus and spice notes, and creamy finish make it a widely enjoyed beer that resonates with both newcomers and seasoned drinkers. While it may not satisfy the purists in search of more traditional or complex witbiers, it excels at being consistent, drinkable, and widely available.
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