As an avid beer enthusiast and a passionate homebrewer, I am always on the lookout for new and interesting brews to try.
Recently, I found myself in the midst of an intriguing debate that I couldn’t resist diving into: the comparison between the classic Blue Moon Belgian White and the newer Blue Moon Light Sky. Which of these two brews truly stands out?
In this blog post, I will share my personal experience tasting these two beers, discussing the differences in their aroma, appearance, and brewing process, and ultimately presenting some fizzy facts about these brews!
So, grab your favorite pint glass, and let’s dive in!
Blue Moon Belgian White vs Blue Moon Light Sky
Blue Moon Belgian White
This iconic Belgian-style wheat ale has been a staple in the craft beer scene since its inception in 1995. Brewed with Valencia orange peel, coriander, and oats, Blue Moon Belgian White boasts a unique and refreshing flavor profile that has won the hearts of beer lovers around the world.
Blue Moon Light Sky
Introduced in 2020, Blue Moon Light Sky is a citrus wheat beer that aims to provide a lighter, more sessionable option for those who enjoy the original Belgian White but desire a lower-calorie alternative. Brewed with tangerine peel and dry-hopped with Azacca hops, Light Sky offers a distinct twist on the classic Blue Moon recipe.
My Tasting Experience
Aroma: Citrus Notes and Spice
Upon pouring these two beers into their respective glasses, I was immediately struck by the difference in aroma.
The Belgian White exuded a strong, citrusy scent, accompanied by a subtle hint of coriander spice.
In contrast, the Light Sky presented a more subdued citrus aroma, with a mild touch of hoppy freshness.
Appearance: Hazy Hues and Frothy Foam
Visually, there are some noteworthy differences between the two beers.The Belgian White boasts a hazy, golden hue, topped with a dense, frothy foam.
This cloudiness is characteristic of many Belgian-style wheat ales and can be attributed to the use of wheat and oats in the brewing process. On the other hand, the Light Sky sports a slightly paler, more straw-like color, and its head is noticeably thinner and less persistent.
Flavor: A Tale of Two Citruses
When it comes to taste, the contrast between these two beers becomes even more apparent.
The Belgian White offers a well-balanced blend of sweet and tart citrus flavors, thanks to the Valencia orange peel, with a pleasant, lingering spice from the coriander.
The mouthfeel is smooth and creamy, owing to the use of oats in the grain bill.
In comparison, the Light Sky presents a more crisp and refreshing profile, with the tangerine peel imparting a brighter, zestier citrus note. The Azacca hops contribute a subtle tropical fruit character, while the overall flavor leans more towards the dry side.
The Brewing Process: Classic vs Light
The differences between these two beers can be traced back to their brewing processes. While both are brewed with a blend of malted barley and wheat, the Belgian White incorporates oats, which contribute to its creamier mouthfeel and hazy appearance.
The use of Valencia orange peel and coriander adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
In contrast, the Light Sky recipe omits the oats and opts for a lighter grain bill, resulting in a more sessionable, lower-calorie beer. The choice of tangerine peel and Azacca hops lends a distinct twist to the classic Blue Moon formula, creating a beer that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
In Conclusion: Blue Moon Light Sky vs Blue Moon Beers
After careful consideration and thorough tasting, I present to you the following listicle, highlighting the key differences between Blue Moon Belgian White and Blue Moon Light Sky:
1.Aroma: Belgian White features a more pronounced citrus and spice aroma, while Light Sky has a subtler citrus scent with a touch of hoppy freshness.
2.Appearance: Belgian White is hazy and golden, with a dense, frothy head; Light Sky is paler and clearer, with a thinner head.
3.Flavor: Belgian White offers a balanced blend of sweet and tart citrus, with a lingering spice; Light Sky is crisp and refreshing, with a zestier citrus profile and subtle tropical fruit notes.
4.Mouthfeel: Belgian White has a smooth, creamy texture, while Light Sky is lighter and more crisp.
5.Brewing Process: Belgian White incorporates oats, Valencia orange peel, and coriander; Light Sky uses a lighter grain bill, tangerine peel, and Azacca hops.
In summary, both Blue Moon Belgian White and Blue Moon Light Sky have their unique charm and appeal.
While the Belgian White remains a classic favorite with its rich, complex flavors and creamy mouthfeel, the Light Sky offers a refreshing, lower-calorie alternative that is perfect for those seeking a lighter, zestier option. Now, the choice is yours: which Blue Moon will you reach for?
FAQs
What is the difference between Blue Moon and Blue Moon Light Sky?
Blue Moon and Blue Moon Light Sky are two different beer offerings from the Blue Moon Brewing Company. Blue Moon is a Belgian-style wheat ale, known for its smooth, creamy texture, and signature flavors of orange peel and coriander. It has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.4% and 170 calories per 12 oz serving.
On the other hand, Blue Moon Light Sky is a lighter, more refreshing citrus wheat beer. It is brewed with tangerine peel and has a slightly lower ABV of 4.0%. It is specifically designed for those looking for a lighter beer option, with only 95 calories per 12 oz serving. The main difference between the two lies in their flavor profiles, alcohol content, and calorie count.
What is a better version of Blue Moon?
A better version of Blue Moon could be a craft beer variant that enhances the original flavor profile while incorporating unique ingredients or brewing techniques. For example, a Blue Moon with added fruit flavors like raspberry, mango, or blood orange can elevate the beer’s taste, or using barrel-aging techniques to impart additional depth and complexity to the beer’s flavor. Ultimately, what is considered a “better” version of Blue Moon will depend on individual taste preferences and the specific improvements desired in the beer.
Is Blue Moon and Belgian Moon the same?
Yes, Blue Moon and Belgian Moon are the same beer. Blue Moon is the name used in the United States, while Belgian Moon is the name used in Canada. This beer is a Belgian-style witbier brewed by MillerCoors under the name Blue Moon Brewing Company.
Which Blue Moon beer is the best?
This flagship beer is a Belgian-style witbier brewed with Valencia orange peel and coriander, offering a refreshing, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of beer enthusiasts. However, individual preferences may vary, and Blue Moon offers several other flavors and seasonal options that may appeal to different tastes.
What is blue moon light sky?
A blue moon light sky refers to the natural phenomenon when the night sky appears to have a bluish hue due to the presence of a full moon.
This occurs because the moon’s light is scattered by the Earth’s atmosphere, which filters out the shorter wavelengths of light (like violet and blue), allowing the longer wavelengths (like red, orange, and yellow) to pass through. However, the term “blue moon” is also colloquially used to describe the second full moon in a calendar month, though the moon itself does not actually appear blue during this time.
