Is Blue Moon Domestic Beer? Decoding Its Crafty Origins
Blue Moon is a complex case: While brewed in the United States by a division of Molson Coors, its deliberate crafting as an ‘artisanal’ beer and branding suggest a departure from typical mass-produced domestic brands.
The Cloudy History of Blue Moon
Blue Moon has carved out a distinctive niche in the American beer market, blurring the lines between mass-produced and craft brewing. Understanding its origins is crucial to answering the “domestic” question. Introduced in 1995 by Keith Villa, a Ph.D. in brewing from the University of Leuven in Belgium, Blue Moon was originally brewed at the Sandlot Brewery, a microbrewery located inside Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. Villa aimed to create a Belgian-style witbier that was both flavorful and approachable for American palates.
The name “Blue Moon” itself was intended to suggest a unique and memorable experience, playing on the phrase “once in a blue moon.” Initially, Coors promoted Blue Moon through its existing distribution network but positioned it as a premium offering, distinct from its mainstream beers.
The Molson Coors Connection
Here’s where the picture gets muddier. While starting as an in-house experiment, Blue Moon quickly gained popularity. Consequently, Coors (later Molson Coors) scaled up production. It’s now brewed on a much larger scale, though its original recipe remains largely unchanged. This larger-scale production, however, means it falls under the umbrella of a major, international brewing corporation.
- Coors: Initially brewed and distributed by Coors Brewing Company.
- Molson Coors: Following a merger, Blue Moon became part of the Molson Coors portfolio.
- Tenth and Blake: The craft and import division of Molson Coors that oversees Blue Moon.
This corporate association often leads to the debate over whether Blue Moon can truly be considered a craft beer, or by extension, whether it should be viewed as a purely domestic brand like Coors Banquet or Miller Lite.
The “Craft” Argument
Blue Moon is often perceived as a craft beer, primarily due to its flavor profile and marketing. Its unfiltered nature, spiced with coriander and orange peel, offers a distinctly different drinking experience compared to mainstream lagers. Its marketing consistently emphasizes its artisanal brewing process, associating it with smaller-scale, independent breweries.
- Unfiltered: Leaving yeast in suspension creates a cloudy appearance and fuller flavor.
- Spiced: The addition of coriander and orange peel creates a complex and refreshing aroma.
- Marketing: Brand imagery and messaging often highlight the brewing process and ingredients.
However, the Brewer’s Association, a leading voice in the craft beer industry, has specific definitions for what constitutes a craft brewery, including factors like production volume and independence. Because Blue Moon is owned by Molson Coors, it does not meet these criteria. This doesn’t necessarily negate the quality of the beer, but it impacts how it’s classified.
Domestic vs. Imported: The Brewing Location Factor
Brewing location is a key component of determining if a beer is domestic. If Blue Moon were brewed outside of the United States, it would undoubtedly be considered an import, regardless of Molson Coors’ ownership.
- Brewed in the USA: Blue Moon’s principal brewing operations are located in the United States.
- Distribution Network: Primarily sold and distributed within the United States.
- Ingredients: Most ingredients are sourced and processed domestically.
The fact that Blue Moon is brewed in the United States is a significant factor in classifying it as a domestic beer, despite its arguably more craft-like characteristics.
Consumer Perception and Branding
Ultimately, the perception of whether Blue Moon is “domestic” can be subjective and influenced by branding. Many consumers equate “domestic” with mass-produced lagers like Budweiser or Coors Light. Blue Moon intentionally distances itself from this image. Its packaging is more sophisticated and its advertising campaigns often feature images of orange slices and wheat fields, evoking a sense of natural ingredients and artisanal quality.
Consumers who appreciate craft beer may be more likely to view Blue Moon as a stepping stone into the craft beer world, while others may simply consider it a flavorful alternative to mainstream domestic beers.
Tables
| Feature | Blue Moon | Typical Domestic Lager |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Complex, spiced, fruity | Clean, crisp, light |
| Brewing Process | Unfiltered, witbier style | Filtered, lagered |
| Marketing | Artisanal, flavorful, premium | Refreshing, mainstream, mass-produced |
| Ownership | Molson Coors (Tenth and Blake) | Molson Coors, Anheuser-Busch InBev |
Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Moon
Is Blue Moon technically a craft beer?
No, technically it’s not considered a craft beer by the Brewer’s Association’s standards. This is because it’s owned by Molson Coors, a major brewing corporation. While its style and flavor profile align with many craft beers, the ownership structure prevents it from qualifying under the official definition.
What makes Blue Moon different from other mass-produced beers?
Blue Moon differentiates itself through its unique recipe and brewing process. Unlike most mass-produced beers that are lagers with simple flavor profiles, Blue Moon is an unfiltered witbier spiced with coriander and orange peel, resulting in a more complex and aromatic experience.
Why is Blue Moon always served with an orange slice?
The orange slice is a signature serving suggestion popularized by Blue Moon’s founder, Keith Villa. The orange complements the citrus notes derived from the orange peel used in the brewing process, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the beer.
Where is Blue Moon brewed?
Blue Moon is primarily brewed in Golden, Colorado, at Molson Coors’ facilities. While it originated in a small brewery inside Coors Field, production has been scaled up to meet demand.
Is Blue Moon a Belgian beer?
No, despite being styled after a Belgian witbier, Blue Moon is not a Belgian beer. It’s brewed in the United States and draws inspiration from Belgian brewing traditions but uses a slightly modified recipe to appeal to American tastes.
What are the main ingredients in Blue Moon?
The main ingredients are: Malted barley, wheat, oats, coriander, orange peel, and hops. These ingredients combine to create Blue Moon’s signature cloudy appearance, refreshing flavor, and citrus aroma.
Is Blue Moon gluten-free?
No, Blue Moon is not gluten-free. It contains malted barley and wheat, both of which contain gluten. Individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should avoid Blue Moon.
Does Blue Moon offer other varieties besides the Belgian White?
Yes, Blue Moon offers several other varieties, including: Blue Moon LightSky, Blue Moon Mango Wheat, and Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat. These variations offer different flavor profiles while maintaining a similar brewing style.
Is Blue Moon a seasonal beer?
While some Blue Moon varieties are seasonal (like the Summer Honey Wheat), the flagship Belgian White is available year-round. Seasonal beers are designed to complement specific times of the year.
Is Blue Moon more expensive than other domestic beers?
Generally, Blue Moon is priced slightly higher than many mainstream domestic lagers. This reflects its positioning as a premium offering with a more complex brewing process and unique flavor profile.
How does Blue Moon compare to actual Belgian witbiers?
Blue Moon is generally sweeter and less spicy than traditional Belgian witbiers. It’s designed to be more approachable for the average American beer drinker, whereas true Belgian witbiers can have more pronounced herbal and citrus notes.
What are the common misconceptions about Blue Moon?
A common misconception is that it’s a small, independent craft beer. While it shares some characteristics with craft beers, its ownership by Molson Coors places it in a different category. Another misconception is that the orange slice is just for show; it genuinely enhances the flavor.