Is Blue Moon a Craft Beer? The Definitive Answer
Blue Moon’s classification as a craft beer is a complex and often debated topic. While it possesses characteristics that appeal to craft beer enthusiasts, it is ultimately not considered a true craft beer due to its ownership by a major brewing conglomerate, Molson Coors.
Introduction: The Murky Waters of Craft Beer Definitions
The world of beer is vast and varied, ranging from mass-produced lagers to meticulously crafted artisanal brews. In recent years, the term “craft beer” has exploded in popularity, becoming synonymous with quality, innovation, and independence. However, defining exactly what constitutes a craft beer is surprisingly difficult, leading to ongoing debates and the occasional beer-soaked controversy. Blue Moon, with its widespread appeal and unique flavor profile, finds itself squarely in the center of this debate. Is it a craft beer, or simply a well-marketed imitation?
The Brewers Association Definition of Craft Beer
The Brewers Association (BA), a trade group representing small and independent American brewers, has established a specific definition of craft beer. This definition hinges on three key criteria:
- Small: Annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less.
- Independent: Less than 25% of the craft brewery is owned or controlled (or equivalent economic interest) by an alcohol beverage industry member that is not itself a craft brewer.
- Traditional: A brewer that has either an all malt flagship (the beer which represents the greatest volume) or has at least 50% of its volume in either all malt beers or in beers which employ adjuncts to enhance rather than lighten flavor.
This definition serves as a benchmark for the industry and helps consumers differentiate between truly independent breweries and those owned by larger corporations. It is important to remember that this definition is not universally accepted, but it is the most widely used within the craft beer community.
Blue Moon’s Place in the Brewing Landscape
Blue Moon, while marketed as a Belgian-style witbier with a distinctive orange slice garnish, is produced by the Blue Moon Brewing Company, a subsidiary of Molson Coors Beverage Company. This ownership structure is the primary reason why it is generally excluded from the craft beer category. While the Blue Moon brand was initially developed within a smaller, experimental brewery (the SandLot Brewery at Coors Field), its success led to its integration into the larger Molson Coors portfolio.
The Allure of Blue Moon: Why People Like It
Despite not being considered a craft beer by many, Blue Moon enjoys immense popularity. This can be attributed to several factors:
- Accessibility: Its flavor profile is relatively mild and approachable, making it appealing to a wide range of palates, even those who don’t typically drink beer.
- Brand Recognition: Effective marketing and widespread availability have made Blue Moon a recognizable and trusted brand.
- Unique Presentation: The signature orange slice garnish adds a touch of sophistication and differentiation.
- Flavor Profile: The Belgian witbier style offers a balanced and refreshing experience, blending citrusy and spicy notes.
The Debate: Is It Craft in Spirit, If Not in Definition?
The debate surrounding Blue Moon’s craft status often extends beyond the strict criteria of the Brewers Association. Some argue that the beer’s innovative flavor profile and commitment to quality, at least in its early days, embody the spirit of craft brewing. They contend that the focus should be on the beer itself, rather than the ownership structure. However, others maintain that independence is a crucial aspect of craft brewing, ensuring that breweries remain focused on innovation and quality rather than maximizing profits for a larger corporation.
| Feature | Craft Beer (Generally) | Blue Moon |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Small and Independent | Molson Coors Beverage Company Subsidiary |
| Production Volume | Typically Limited | High Volume, Widely Distributed |
| Ingredient Focus | Emphasis on Quality and Unique Ingredients | Good Quality, but Mass-Produced for Consistency |
| Innovation | High, Continuously Experimenting with New Styles and Flavors | Moderate, Primarily Focuses on Core Product with Limited Variations |
| Distribution | Often Limited to Regional or National Markets | Wide Distribution, Available Globally |
The Rise of Crafty Beers
Blue Moon is often categorized as a “crafty” beer – a term used to describe beers produced by large corporations that are marketed to resemble craft beers. These beers often mimic the packaging, flavor profiles, and marketing strategies of independent craft breweries to capitalize on the growing popularity of craft beer.
The Importance of Transparency
Ultimately, the question of whether or not Blue Moon is a craft beer is less important than the need for transparency in the brewing industry. Consumers should be aware of who owns the breweries behind their favorite beers so they can make informed choices based on their values and preferences.
Understanding Consumer Preferences
Consumer preferences are diverse, and there is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying Blue Moon or any other beer, regardless of its ownership structure. However, it is important for consumers to understand the distinctions between independent craft breweries and those owned by larger corporations so they can support the breweries that align with their values.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Blue Moon
Is Blue Moon owned by a big beer company?
Yes, Blue Moon is owned by Molson Coors Beverage Company, one of the largest brewing conglomerates in the world. This ownership status is a key factor in why it’s generally not considered a craft beer.
What kind of beer is Blue Moon?
Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier, characterized by its hazy appearance, refreshing citrus notes, and subtle spice. The traditional garnish is an orange slice, which complements the beer’s flavor profile.
How is Blue Moon different from other witbiers?
Blue Moon distinguishes itself through its relatively accessible flavor profile and widespread availability. While some traditional witbiers may have a more pronounced spice character, Blue Moon is designed to appeal to a broader audience.
Does Blue Moon use high-quality ingredients?
While Blue Moon uses good quality ingredients, they are sourced and processed in a way that allows for mass production and consistency, rather than focusing on rare or locally sourced ingredients, which is typical of craft breweries.
Is Blue Moon actually brewed by a different brewery than Molson Coors?
While it originated in the SandLot Brewery at Coors Field, Blue Moon is now produced on a larger scale within Molson Coors’ facilities. The brand still maintains a distinct identity, but the brewing process is integrated into the larger corporate structure.
Why do people put an orange slice in Blue Moon?
The orange slice enhances the citrus aroma and flavor of the Blue Moon witbier. This practice was introduced by the brewer to complement the beer’s orange peel and coriander spicing.
Are there other beers similar to Blue Moon?
Yes, many other witbiers share a similar flavor profile, including Hoegaarden and Allagash White. These beers typically feature citrus and spice notes and a hazy appearance.
Is it wrong to like Blue Moon if I’m a craft beer drinker?
Absolutely not! Enjoying Blue Moon does not disqualify anyone from being a craft beer enthusiast. Personal taste is subjective, and there’s room for both mass-produced and independent craft beers in the market.
What is the difference between a “crafty” beer and a craft beer?
“Crafty” beers are produced by large corporations but marketed to resemble craft beers. They often borrow elements of craft beer branding and flavor profiles, but lack the independence and small-scale production associated with true craft breweries.
Is Blue Moon’s marketing misleading?
Some argue that Blue Moon’s marketing is intentionally vague to capitalize on the popularity of craft beer, without explicitly claiming to be one. This has led to some debate about transparency in the brewing industry.
Does the size of a brewery affect the quality of the beer?
Not necessarily. While smaller breweries often focus on specialty ingredients and innovative techniques, larger breweries can maintain consistent quality through advanced brewing processes and rigorous quality control. However, small breweries also have a greater ability to experiment.
What should I look for when choosing a craft beer?
Look for beers from small, independent breweries that are passionate about their craft. Pay attention to the ingredients used, the brewing process, and the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. The Brewers Association’s seal can help identify independent craft breweries.