What Type of Beer Is Blue Moon?
Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier, a wheat beer characterized by its use of unmalted wheat, coriander, and orange peel. This combination creates a refreshing, subtly spiced, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
Blue Moon’s Origins and Inspiration
Blue Moon Belgian White, often simply called Blue Moon, emerged in 1995 from the imagination of Keith Villa, a brewmaster at the Coors Brewing Company (now Molson Coors). Villa, holding a Ph.D. in brewing from Belgium, sought to introduce the distinctive flavors of Belgian witbier to a wider American audience. He recognized the American market’s appetite for lighter, more approachable beers but saw an opportunity to offer something more complex and flavorful than the typical domestic lagers. The result was a beer that balanced Belgian tradition with American preferences, aiming for both authenticity and mass appeal. The beer was first brewed at the SandLot Brewery at Coors Field, a small-batch brewery located within the stadium.
Distinguishing Characteristics of a Belgian Witbier
To understand Blue Moon, it’s crucial to know the hallmarks of a Belgian witbier. This style originates from Belgium and traditionally relies on:
- Unmalted Wheat: Contributes to the beer’s hazy appearance and soft mouthfeel.
- Coriander: Adds a subtle, spicy, and somewhat citrusy note.
- Orange Peel: Typically, Curaçao orange peel is used, imparting a distinct orange aroma and flavor.
- Other Spices (Optional): Some brewers may incorporate other spices in smaller quantities to enhance the complexity.
- Top-Fermenting Yeast: Fermentation at warmer temperatures by a top-fermenting yeast strain contributes unique esters and phenols, adding fruity and spicy character.
The Blue Moon Brewing Process
The brewing process for Blue Moon closely follows the traditional witbier method. The key steps include:
- Mashing: Combining malted barley, unmalted wheat, and hot water to convert starches into sugars.
- Lautering: Separating the sweet wort (sugar-rich liquid) from the spent grains.
- Boiling: Boiling the wort with hops for bitterness and flavor.
- Spice Addition: Adding coriander and orange peel during the boil.
- Fermentation: Cooling the wort and adding yeast to begin fermentation.
- Conditioning: Allowing the beer to condition and mature, developing its characteristic flavors.
- Filtration (Minimal): Blue Moon is often lightly filtered to retain some of its characteristic haze.
Why Blue Moon Is So Popular
Several factors contribute to Blue Moon’s widespread popularity:
- Approachable Flavor: The subtle spice and citrus notes make it appealing to a broad audience, even those unfamiliar with craft beer.
- Easy Drinkability: The light body and refreshing character make it a sessionable beer.
- Distinctive Presentation: The signature orange slice garnish enhances the aroma and visual appeal.
- Marketing Success: Molson Coors has effectively marketed Blue Moon as a premium, yet accessible, beer option.
- Craft Beer Gateway: For many consumers, Blue Moon served as their first introduction to the world of craft and Belgian-style beers.
Comparing Blue Moon to Other Witbiers
While Blue Moon shares the core characteristics of a witbier, it does differ slightly from some traditional Belgian examples. It is often perceived as sweeter and less tart than some authentic Belgian witbiers. Its flavor profile is generally considered more approachable and less intensely spiced.
| Feature | Blue Moon | Traditional Belgian Witbier |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Higher | Lower |
| Tartness | Lower | Higher |
| Spice Intensity | Moderate | Higher |
| Haze | Moderate | Higher |
| Availability | Widely Available | More Limited |
Potential Misconceptions About Blue Moon
One common misconception is that Blue Moon is simply a generic wheat beer. While it’s true it is a wheat beer, its defining characteristic is its Belgian witbier style. The inclusion of unmalted wheat, coriander, and orange peel sets it apart from other wheat beer styles, such as German hefeweizen, which uses different yeast strains and typically showcases banana and clove flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Blue Moon
To fully appreciate Blue Moon’s flavor, consider these serving tips:
- Serving Temperature: Serve chilled, ideally between 40-45°F (4-7°C).
- Glassware: A traditional wheat beer glass or a tulip glass is ideal for showcasing the beer’s aroma and appearance.
- Garnish: Always serve with an orange slice to enhance the citrus aroma and flavor.
- Pairing: Blue Moon pairs well with light dishes, such as salads, seafood, chicken, and spicy cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Blue Moon
Is Blue Moon a craft beer?
The classification of Blue Moon as a craft beer is a point of debate. While it possesses some characteristics associated with craft beers, such as a unique flavor profile and a brewing process that deviates from mass-produced lagers, it is owned by Molson Coors, a major brewing corporation. The Brewers Association, a US trade group, defines craft breweries as being small, independent and traditional. This makes Blue Moon fail to meet that criteria.
What gives Blue Moon its orange flavor?
Blue Moon gets its signature orange flavor primarily from the addition of Curaçao orange peel during the brewing process. This type of orange peel is specifically chosen for its distinct aroma and slightly bitter-sweet taste. The coriander also contributes to the overall citrus profile.
Is Blue Moon filtered?
Blue Moon is lightly filtered, but not to the extent of many mass-produced beers. This minimal filtration helps to retain some of the beer’s characteristic haze, contributed by the unmalted wheat and yeast. The slight cloudiness is part of its appeal.
What is the alcohol content of Blue Moon?
The alcohol content of Blue Moon Belgian White is typically around 5.4% alcohol by volume (ABV). This puts it in the mid-range for beer alcohol content, making it relatively easy to drink.
Can I drink Blue Moon if I am gluten-sensitive?
Because Blue Moon contains wheat and barley, it is not gluten-free. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid drinking it. There are gluten-free beers available made with gluten-free grains like sorghum or rice.
What are some similar beers to Blue Moon?
If you enjoy Blue Moon, you might also like other Belgian witbiers such as Hoegaarden, Allagash White, or St. Bernardus Witbier. These beers share similar characteristics but may offer slight variations in flavor intensity and spice profiles.
Is Blue Moon available in different flavors?
Yes, Blue Moon offers a variety of flavored beers in addition to its flagship Belgian White. These include varieties like Mango Wheat, Strawberry Wheat, and seasonal offerings such as Pumpkin Wheat and Winter Abbey Ale.
Why is Blue Moon served with an orange slice?
The orange slice garnish is intended to enhance the citrus aroma and flavor of the beer, complementing the Curaçao orange peel used in the brewing process. It also adds visual appeal and has become a signature characteristic of Blue Moon.
What foods pair well with Blue Moon?
Blue Moon’s refreshing and slightly spicy flavor profile makes it a versatile beer for food pairing. It pairs well with light salads, seafood, grilled chicken, and spicy dishes such as Thai or Mexican cuisine. Its subtle sweetness also complements fruit-based desserts.
How long does Blue Moon stay fresh?
Like most beers, Blue Moon is best consumed fresh. It is generally recommended to drink it within six months of the bottling or canning date to ensure optimal flavor. Check the label for a “best by” date.
Where can I buy Blue Moon?
Blue Moon is widely available in most supermarkets, liquor stores, and bars across the United States and in many other countries. Its popularity ensures that it’s usually easy to find.
Is Blue Moon a year-round beer?
Yes, Blue Moon Belgian White is a year-round beer, meaning it’s available for purchase throughout the entire year. However, some of its flavored varieties are seasonal and only available for a limited time.