Blue Moon Honey Wheat Beer: Strong, Sweet, And Refreshing

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, originally known as Honey Moon, is a beer with 5.2% alcohol by volume. It is brewed with clover honey and orange peel, and has a hint of citrus. It was awarded a gold medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival in the Specialty Honey Beer Category. The beer has received mixed reviews, with some praising its sweet taste and others finding it too sweet. Blue Moon also offers other variations of its beer, such as the Belgian White, Light Citrus Wheat, and Non-Alcoholic Belgian-Style Wheat Brew.

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat's alcohol content

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, originally known as Honey Moon, is a beer with an alcohol content of 5.2% by volume in a standard 12 fluid ounce bottle. The beer was first introduced as Honey Moon in 2006 and was renamed Summer Honey Wheat in 2011.

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat is a filtered beer crafted with clover honey and a hint of citrus. It has a golden yellow colour and a weak head that diminishes rather quickly, with a moderate amount of carbonation. The aroma is a mild whiff of wheat and honey, and the initial sip tastes quite fresh, with clover honey and wheat on the taste buds and a slight wheat bitterness on the finish.

The beer has received mixed reviews, with some finding it too sweet and others enjoying the balance of sweetness. It has been described as an "okay wheat beer" and "super basic Belgian beer". However, it won the gold medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival in the Specialty Honey Beer Category.

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat is part of the Blue Moon Brewing Company's seasonal beer offerings. The company, a subsidiary of Tenth and Blake Beer Company (the craft and import division of Molson Coors), offers a variety of beers, including their original Belgian White, Summer Ale, Pumpkin Ale, Winter Abbey Ale, and Spring Blonde Ale.

The history of the beer

Blue Moon Honey Wheat beer, originally called Blue Moon Summer Ale, was first introduced in 2006 as Honey Moon. It was renamed Summer Honey Wheat in 2011 and is still sold under that name. The beer is brewed by Molson Coors under the name Blue Moon Brewing Co., which is an entity of Tenth and Blake Beer Company, the craft and import division of Molson Coors. The company is based in Golden, Colorado, and the beer is also brewed at the Molson Brewery in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

The idea for Blue Moon Belgian White, the original beer in the Blue Moon lineup, came from Keith Villa, a brewer at the Sandlot Brewery at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. Villa created the recipe for the beer, which is a Belgian-style witbier, and it was launched in 1995. The grain bill for Blue Moon includes malted barley, white wheat, orange peel, coriander, and oats. It is often served with a slice of orange, which brewmasters claim enhances the flavor.

Over the years, Blue Moon Brewing Co. has released numerous variations of its original Belgian White beer, including seasonal offerings such as the Summer Honey Wheat, Harvest Pumpkin Ale (formerly known as Harvest Moon and Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale), Mountain Abbey Ale (formerly known as Full Moon and Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale), and Valencia Grove Amber (formerly known as Rising Moon and Blue Moon Spring Blonde Ale). These seasonal beers were revamped and renamed starting with the Winter Abbey Ale in 2010.

In addition to its seasonal offerings, Blue Moon has also released other variations, such as Pale Moon (a pale ale) in 2008 and specialty beers like Blue Moon Coffee Honey Ale and Blue Moon Light Citrus Wheat. The company has also introduced non-alcoholic options, such as the Blue Moon Non-Alcoholic Belgian-Style Wheat Brew.

Blue Moon has faced some controversies, including a lawsuit in 1999 from the Confédération des Brasseries de Belgique (CBB), which alleged that the company's advertising was misleading and could confuse American consumers into thinking Blue Moon was brewed in Belgium. The issue was eventually settled out of court, with Blue Moon agreeing to change its labeling to "Belgian-style Wheat Ale."

How to serve Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, also known as Honey Moon, is a popular beer with a unique flavour profile. Here are some tips on how to serve and enjoy this beverage:

Glassware and Temperature

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat is best served in a traditional wheat beer glass, such as a tall, curved wheat beer glass or a pint glass. The glass should be clean and dry, free from any water marks or residue. Ideally, the beer should be served at a cool temperature, between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be achieved by storing the beer in the refrigerator or cooling it in an ice bucket before serving.

Pouring and Presentation

When pouring Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, tilt the glass slightly to the side and pour the beer slowly down the side, rather than directly into the centre. This will help to reduce excess foaming and create a nice, steady stream. Straighten the glass as it fills up, and leave a small amount of space at the top to allow the beer to breathe.

Some people like to add a slice of orange to their Blue Moon, as the brewmasters claim it accentuates the flavour. You can also offer a wedge of lemon, which can be squeezed into the beer to add a touch of citrus.

Food Pairings

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat pairs well with various foods, especially grilled summer fare. Consider serving it with marinated chicken or pork dishes, especially those with a honey mustard sauce. The sweetness of the honey in the beer can also balance out the spice in dishes like grilled shrimp or vegetable skewers. For a heartier option, Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat goes well with soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, and charcuterie boards with cured meats and crackers.

Other Serving Tips

When serving Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat, it's important to ensure that the beer is fresh. Check the bottled-on date, usually found on the neck of the bottle, to ensure optimal freshness. Additionally, this beer is best enjoyed when consumed in moderation, as over-consumption may lead to an overly sweet or overwhelming taste experience.

The ingredients in Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat is an American Pale Wheat Beer crafted with clover honey and balanced with a hint of citrus. It is a filtered beer with a golden yellow colour and moderate carbonation. The aroma is a mild blend of wheat and honey, with a fresh taste and a slight wheat bitterness on the finish. The beer pairs well with grilled summer fare such as marinated chicken or pork with honey mustard sauce.

The Blue Moon Brewing Company, based in Colorado, United States, brews this beer. It was previously known as "Honey Moon" and later as "Honey Wheat". While it is no longer available, a similar beer called "Honey Daze" is now offered by the company.

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat has received several ratings and reviews from beer enthusiasts, ranging from 2.73 to 4.93 out of 5. Some describe it as having a weak head that diminishes quickly, being too sweet, and having a thin mouthfeel. However, others appreciate its fresh taste and the balance of clover honey and wheat flavours.

The beer won a Gold Medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival in the Specialty Honey Beer Category, recognising its unique blend and taste.

How Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat compares to other beers

Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat is an American Pale Wheat Beer, with a balance of sweetness from clover honey and a hint of citrus. It has a golden yellow colour and a moderate amount of carbonation. The beer has a mild aroma of wheat and honey, with a slightly bitter finish. It is crafted with natural ingredients, including orange peel and coriander, and is typically served with a slice of orange to accentuate its flavour.

In terms of alcohol content, Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat contains 5.2% alcohol by volume in a standard 12 fluid ounce bottle. This is slightly higher than the alcohol content of Blue Moon Belgian White, which has 5.4% alcohol by volume. However, it is important to note that the alcohol content of Blue Moon beers can vary depending on the location and specific regulations. For example, in Minnesota, the alcohol content of Blue Moon beers purchased in grocery or convenience stores is lower, at 3.2% alcohol by weight (approximately 4.0% alcohol by volume).

When compared to other beers, Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat has a similar alcohol content to many other craft beers. For instance, the Blue Moon Brewing Company's Harvest Pumpkin Ale, a seasonal beer available during autumn, contains 5.7% alcohol by volume, only slightly higher than Summer Honey Wheat. On the other hand, their Mountain Abbey Ale, a winter beer, contains 5.6% alcohol, just a tad less than Summer Honey Wheat.

Summer Honey Wheat has received mixed reviews from beer enthusiasts. Some appreciate its balance of sweetness and bitterness, while others find it too sweet. It has been described as a "super basic Belgian beer" and "fancy Coors." It earned a gold medal at the 2010 Great American Beer Festival in the Specialty Honey Beer Category, indicating a level of recognition within the industry.

Overall, Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat offers a unique flavour profile that sets it apart from other beers. While it may not be as complex as some craft beers, it provides a refreshing and accessible option for those who enjoy wheat beers with a touch of honey and citrus.

Frequently asked questions