Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier brewed by Blue Moon Brewing Co., which is a part of the Molson Coors Beverage Company.As a beer enthusiast and a dedicated homebrewer, I’ve had my fair share of Blue Moon and other witbiers. In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through the world of Blue Moon and its brewing process, from the first whiff of its unique aroma to the last sip of its refreshing flavor. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly what type of beer Blue Moon is and what sets it apart from others in the beer world.
1. The Origins of Witbier
Witbier, also known as “white beer” or “bière blanche,” originated in Belgium centuries ago. This wheat-based beer is brewed with a high percentage of unmalted wheat, which gives it a pale, hazy appearance. The term “white beer” refers to the cloudy appearance of the beer, which results from the suspended yeast and wheat proteins. Witbier is traditionally spiced with coriander and orange peel, giving it a distinctive and refreshing flavor that sets it apart from other beer styles.
2. Blue Moon’s Brewing Process
Blue Moon takes inspiration from the classic Belgian witbier style, and it’s brewed with high-quality ingredients to give it its unique flavor profile. The brewing process begins with a base of malted barley and unmalted wheat, which are combined and mashed to create the fermentable sugars necessary for the yeast to work its magic.
Next, the wort (the sugar-rich liquid extracted from the grains) is boiled with a carefully selected blend of hops, which add a subtle bitterness to the beer. During the boil, the brewmasters add the signature witbier spices, such as coriander and Valencia orange peel, which contribute to Blue Moon’s refreshing citrus aroma and taste.
Following the boil, the wort is cooled and yeast is added to kick off fermentation. The yeast consumes the sugar in the wort, producing alcohol and carbon dioxide, and transforms the liquid into beer.
3. The Appearance of Blue Moon
Pouring a Blue Moon into a glass reveals its characteristic hazy, pale golden color. The cloudiness is a result of the high percentage of wheat in the grain bill, as well as the presence of yeast in the finished beer. Topped with a billowy, white head, Blue Moon looks as inviting as it tastes.
4. The Aroma of Blue Moon
One of the first things you’ll notice when you crack open a Blue Moon is its enticing aroma. The combination of wheat, coriander, and orange peel creates a fragrant bouquet that tickles the nose with notes of citrus, spice, and a hint of earthiness. It’s an aroma that’s both familiar and unique, drawing you in and inviting you to take your first sip.
5. The Taste of Blue Moon
As you take your first sip of Blue Moon, you’ll immediately notice its smooth, creamy mouthfeel, which is a result of the wheat in the grain bill. The taste is a delightful blend of sweet, bready maltiness, refreshing citrus, and a slight spiciness from the coriander. There’s a subtle hop bitterness that balances the sweetness and provides a clean, crisp finish. It’s a beer that’s both easy to drink and full of interesting flavors.
6. Blue Moon’s Signature Garnish
When served at a bar or restaurant, Blue Moon is often presented with a fresh orange slice garnish. This simple addition enhances the citrus aroma and flavor, making each sip even more refreshing. While not necessary for enjoying Blue Moon at home, the orange slice is a fun touch that adds to the overall experience.
7. Food Pairings with Blue Moon
Blue Moon’s refreshing flavors and crisp finish make it a perfect beer to pair with a variety of dishes. Its citrus and spice notes complement seafood, like grilled shrimp and ceviche, as well as lighter fare, such as salads and fresh fruit. Blue Moon also pairs well with spicy foods, like Thai curry, and can provide a cooling contrast to the heat.
8. Blue Moon Variations
Over the years, Blue Moon Brewing Co. has released various seasonal and limited-edition beers that take inspiration from the original Blue Moon Belgian White. Some examples include Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat, Blue Moon Mango Wheat, and Blue Moon Iced Coffee Blonde. These variations offer unique twists on the classic Blue Moon flavor profile, showcasing the versatility of the witbier style.
Conclusion
In conclusion,Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbierthat showcases the best qualities of this classic beer style. Its refreshing, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavor profile sets it apart from other beers and makes it a go-to choice for many beer lovers. Here are some key facts about Blue Moon:
1. Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier.
2. It’s brewed with malted barley, unmalted wheat, coriander, and Valencia orange peel.
3. Blue Moon has a hazy, pale golden appearance.
4. Its aroma features notes of citrus, spice, and a hint of earthiness.
5. The taste is a blend of sweet maltiness, citrus, and coriander spice.
6. Blue Moon is often garnished with an orange slice.
7. It pairs well with seafood, salads, and spicy dishes.
8. Blue Moon Brewing Co. offers seasonal and limited-edition variations of its flagship beer.
So, the next time you find yourself enjoying a Blue Moon, you can appreciate the rich history and craftsmanship that goes into creating this delicious Belgian-style witbier. Cheers!
FAQs
Does Blue Moon have a higher alcohol content?
Compared to some other beers, Blue Moon has a slightly higher alcohol content. Blue Moon Belgian White has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 5.4%, which is moderately higher than the average ABV of regular domestic beers, which is around 4-5%. However, there are other beers with even higher alcohol content than Blue Moon.
Is Blue Moon an ale or lager?
Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier, which is a type of ale. Ales are brewed with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, giving them a distinct flavor profile compared to lagers.
Is Blue Moon a strong beer?
Blue Moon is not considered a strong beer. It is a Belgian-style wheat ale with an alcohol content of around 5.4% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is fairly average when compared to other beers. Strong beers typically have an ABV of 7% or higher.
What category of beer is Blue Moon?
Blue Moon is a Belgian-style witbier, which is a category of wheat beer characterized by its hazy appearance, light body, and spiced flavors such as coriander and citrus peel.
Is Blue Moon considered a girly beer?
No, Blue Moon is not considered a girly beer. It is a Belgian-style witbier, known for its refreshing taste and citrus notes. Beer preferences are subjective and not gender-specific, so it can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates its flavor profile.
