Blue Moon Beer: Wheat Or Not?

Blue Moon is a wheat beer, specifically a Belgian-style witbier or wheat ale. It was first brewed in 1995 at the Sandlot Brewery in Denver, Colorado, and is now also brewed in Montreal, Canada. Blue Moon is known for its unfiltered, cloudy appearance and crisp, lightly fruit-forward flavour. It is brewed with Valencia orange peel, coriander, oats, and wheat, and typically garnished with an orange slice to accentuate its citrus aroma and taste.

Blue Moon Belgian White is a wheat beer

Blue Moon is a craft beer, and is the number one craft beer in the US. It is also exported to over 25 countries worldwide. The beer is brewed with a variety of grains, including white wheat, as well as orange peel, coriander, oats, and malted barley. It is often garnished with an orange slice, which accentuates the citrus aroma and taste.

Blue Moon Belgian White is a refreshing, tangy, and subtly sweet beer. It has a creamy body and a light spicy wheat aroma. It pairs well with seafood, grilled shrimp, marinated chicken, and Asian dishes such as pad thai. It is also a good choice for watching the game or sharing a meal with friends.

The unique name of this wheat beer comes from a comment made by a drinker, who said that "a beer this good only comes around once in a blue moon". This phrase inspired the brewers to name their beer Blue Moon, and the rest is history.

It is a Belgian-style witbier

Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier, a type of beer inspired by Belgian brewing traditions but with a refreshing twist. It was first brewed in 1995 at the Sandlot Brewery in Denver, Colorado, and is now also brewed in Montreal, Quebec. The beer is part of the Blue Moon Brewing Company, an entity of Tenth and Blake Beer Company, the craft and import division of Molson Coors.

Blue Moon Belgian White is a wheat beer, as indicated by its name, and is brewed with a combination of malted barley, white wheat, orange peel, coriander, and oats. The inclusion of orange peel, in particular, adds a subtle sweetness and a bright, citrus aroma to the beer. It is commonly garnished with an orange slice, which accentuates its citrus characteristics.

The beer has a cloudy, unfiltered appearance, a light and fruity flavour profile, and a refreshing drinkability. With 5.4% alcohol by volume, Blue Moon is known for its smooth and tangy taste, complemented by hints of coriander and a grainy sweetness from the oats and wheat. The result is a well-balanced and versatile beer that pairs well with various dishes, including seafood, salads, marinated chicken, and grilled shrimp.

Blue Moon has gained recognition not only for its unique flavour but also for its impact on the American beer scene. Despite initial skepticism due to its departure from the prevalent lagers in the market, Blue Moon persevered and became a favourite among drinkers and brewers alike. Today, it remains the #1 craft beer in the US, enjoyed in over 25 countries worldwide.

It was first brewed in 1995

Blue Moon is a wheat beer that was first brewed in 1995. It was created by Keith Villa, a brewer at the Sandlot Brewery in Denver, Colorado, with the goal of brewing well-crafted beers inspired by Belgian styles with a refreshing twist. The beer was originally called Bellyslide Belgian White, or Bellyslide Wit, and was one of many beers brewed at the Sandlot Brewery.

The name Blue Moon was inspired by a fan who, after trying the beer, remarked, "A beer this good only comes around once in a blue moon". Since its creation, Blue Moon has become the number one craft beer in the US and is now available in over 25 countries worldwide.

Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier, which means it is brewed with a combination of malted barley, white wheat, orange peel, coriander, and oats. It is usually served with a slice of orange, which its brewmasters claim accentuates the flavour of the beer. The beer was designed with the American palate in mind, as it was thought that Americans would appreciate a brighter, less tart beer than the typical Belgian Wit.

When Blue Moon was introduced to the market, it faced some initial skepticism due to the dominance of lagers and the unfamiliarity of the unfiltered Belgian White Style Beer. Additionally, bartenders often served the beer with a lemon slice, which is typical for a tart Belgian Wit. However, the brewmasters at Blue Moon persisted, hand-selling their beer from bar to bar and adding their own unique garnish of an orange wheel to highlight the beer's citrus aroma and enhance the drinking experience.

It is brewed with orange peel

Blue Moon is a wheat beer brewed with orange peel, giving it a subtle sweetness and a bright, citrus aroma. The orange peel is added during the brewing process to infuse the beer with a burst of citrus flavour and a hint of bitterness. The result is a refreshing and unique taste that has become synonymous with the Blue Moon brand.

The use of orange peel in brewing is not a common practice, but it is a signature feature of Blue Moon beers. The brewmasters at Blue Moon carefully select the variety of oranges used for their peel, opting for the Valencia orange, known for its vibrant colour and delicious flavour. The Valencia orange peel adds a distinct character to the beer, setting it apart from other wheat beers on the market.

The idea of brewing with orange peel was introduced by Keith Villa, the founder and head brewmaster at Blue Moon Brewing Co. Villa wanted to create a beer that stood out from the rest, and he believed that the addition of orange peel would provide a unique twist. He was inspired by traditional Belgian wits, which are often brewed with tart Curaçao orange peel, but he wanted something even more vibrant and aromatic.

Villa's innovation paid off, and Blue Moon quickly became known for its distinctive flavour profile. The orange peel not only enhances the taste of the beer but also contributes to its visual appeal. The bright orange hue of the brew, accentuated by the orange slice garnish, makes Blue Moon instantly recognisable. This unique presentation has become a signature of the brand, with many bars and restaurants adopting the orange slice as a standard garnish for the beer.

The orange peel in Blue Moon is more than just a creative twist—it's a testament to the brewers' passion for innovation and their dedication to crafting a beer that stands out from the crowd. The subtle sweetness and citrus aroma it imparts make Blue Moon a refreshing and memorable drinking experience, ensuring that it has become a firm favourite among beer enthusiasts worldwide.

It is available in cans, bottles and kegs

Blue Moon is a wheat beer, specifically a Belgian-style witbier. It is brewed with white wheat, alongside malted barley, orange peel, coriander, and oats. The wheat base gives Blue Moon its characteristic cloudy, golden hue. The beer is served with a slice of orange, which accentuates its citrusy notes.

Blue Moon is available in cans, bottles, and kegs. The packaging for Blue Moon is iconic, with its signature blue and gold colouring. The cans are slim and sleek, with a blue top and body, and a gold rim at the bottom, reflecting the beer's name. The bottles are similarly coloured, with a gold cap and blue body. The label features a gold crescent moon and star design, with a blue background, and the name 'Blue Moon' in white lettering. The kegs are also blue, with the Blue Moon logo printed on the side.

Blue Moon is a versatile beer that can be enjoyed straight from the can or bottle, or poured into a glass. When poured, the beer has a thick, white head, and its citrus and wheat aromas are released. The beer's flavour is enhanced when served in a glass, as the drinker can better appreciate the complex blend of wheat, barley, and spices.

The cans and bottles are available in multi-packs, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying over several days. The cans are also available in a variety of sizes, including slim 330ml cans, which are ideal for those wanting a smaller serving or looking to control their calorie intake. The bottles are typically 12 fluid ounces and come in standard and variety packs.

Blue Moon's availability in cans, bottles, and kegs makes it accessible to a wide range of consumers. The cans and bottles are perfect for at-home enjoyment, while the kegs are ideal for parties, bars, and restaurants, offering a convenient way to serve a large number of people.

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