Blue Moon Belgian White has crafted a unique position in the beer market with its distinctive taste and clever marketing. This article aims to unravel this popular beer’s taste, origin, and type, giving a comprehensive insight into what makes Blue Moon Belgian White a preferred choice among many beer enthusiasts.
What Does Blue Moon Belgian White Taste Like?
Blue Moon Belgian White is renowned for its smooth, subtly sweet, and citrusy flavor. The brew is often described as having a delicate balance of malted barley and wheat, which provides a creamy yet crisp taste. The use of Valencia orange peel and coriander adds a bright, citrusy character to the beer, making it refreshing and easy to drink.
The first sip of Blue Moon typically brings a slight sweetness, followed by a mild tanginess from the orange peel, ending with a subtle spice kick from the coriander. Its medium-light body and moderate carbonation level make it a well-rounded beer that is neither too heavy nor too light on the palate. The finish is typically clean with a slight lingering citrus note.
This beer is often enjoyed with a slice of orange to enhance its citrus notes, creating a more enriched drinking experience. Blue Moon Belgian White has become popular, particularly in warmer months, due to its refreshing taste.
Is Blue Moon Belgian White the Original?
The tale of Blue Moon’s origin traces back to 1995 when Keith Villa crafted it at the Coors Field’s Sandlot Brewery in Denver, Colorado. The beer was originally named Bellyslide Belgian White and was designed to reflect the traditional Belgian Wit (White) Beer style, albeit with a contemporary American twist.
However, whether Blue Moon Belgian White is the ‘original’ can be subjective. The style of beer it represents, Belgian Witbier, has a long-standing history dating back to the medieval ages in Belgium. Therefore, while Blue Moon may have popularized this beer style in the United States and brought a modern twist to the traditional Belgian Witbier, it is not the original Belgian White beer. Instead, it’s an American iteration of a timeless Belgian classic.
What Kind of Beer is Belgian Moon?
“Belgian Moon” is the Canadian market name for Blue Moon Belgian White. The renaming was done to avoid trademark issues in Canada. Regardless of the name, Belgian Moon (Blue Moon Belgian White) belongs to the Belgian Witbier (White Beer) category.
Belgian Witbier is known for its pale and cloudy appearance due to the high level of wheat used in brewing, which remains unfiltered. The traditional ingredients in a Belgian Wit include wheat, oats, barley, and spices like coriander and bitter orange peel.
Blue Moon has adhered to this traditional recipe with a distinctly American take, making it a fusion of classic Belgian brewing traditions and the ingenuity of American craft beer. It’s a beer that bridges two worlds, providing a taste of Belgian heritage with a modern American touch.
In summary, Blue Moon Belgian White (or Belgian Moon) showcases a clever blend of tradition and innovation. Its refreshing citrus notes, subtle sweetness, and a hint of spice offer a delightful and easy-drinking experience to beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike. The story of its inception reflects a respect for traditional Belgian brewing practices, while its success underlines the evolving landscape of the American beer market.