Beer drinkers and non-beer drinkers alike will definitely like the Blue Moon. No one can turn down this Belgian-style effervescent brew, especially with that juicy slice of orange.
Blue Moon has also stood up to big beer players in the industry, and it made way to the opening of tasting rooms and cool breweries. The brand is now known all over the world and has been consistently experimenting with new ingredients and flavors.
What Beer Critics Say
The brewmaster of Coors Brewing Company and crafter of Blue Moon, Keith Villa, was inspired by Belgian witbier when crafting the beer. In his interpretation, he chose peel from Valencia oranges to get that subtle sweetness instead of the more traditional peel from the tart Curacao orange. For a creamy, smooth finish, Keith also threw in wheat and oats.
Here’s what beer critics can say about Blue Moon.
Aroma
Notes of citrus orange are very evident, along with coriander and spicy pepper aromas. In the back, there’s that pleasant malt sweetness and some floral hints.
Flavor
There’s a good balance of malt and acidity backgrounds. The creamy mouthfeel is gorgeous due to spicy pepper, and coriander notes complement the citrus orange sweetness. There is good acidic carbonation, but it can be slightly too chewy and thick for some.
Overall
Although a bit on the sweet and heavy side, Blue Moon is an excellent example of beer styling. The combination of sweetness, tartness, and a dash of spices carry the drink through.
Blue Moon Beer Current Varieties and Prices
Blue Moon consistently comes up with fresh and exciting flavors, so it’s probably best to check out their website for their current brews. As of this writing, these are the currently available beers.
Blue Moon Belgian White – Belgian-Style Wheat Ale. The brand’s flag carrier and the one that is famous throughout the US. It’s a wheat beer that has been brewed using orange peel for that bright citrus aroma and subtle sweetness, with some coriander and spicy pepper thrown in. An orange wheel slice is the traditional garnish for the Blue Moon Belgian White and is meant to enhance the citrus taste and aroma. This beer is excellent with seafood like grilled shrimp, Pad Thai, and other similar Asian dishes, and marinated chicken. Unlike the other varieties, the Blue Moon Belgian White is available all year round.
Other Flavors
Prices: 4 pack, 16 fl. oz. cans, 10.8 proof ($7); 12 pack 12 fl. oz. cans, 10.8 proof ($14.5); 6pack, 12 fl. oz. bottles, 10.8 proof ($8); 24pack, 12 fl. oz. bottles, 10.8 proof ($23)
Blue Moon Lightsky – Citrus Wheat. For the weight-watchers out there, Lightsky is only 95 calories per serving. This brew is a new and refreshing take on the Blue Moon wheat beer and has that exceptional lighter taste because it uses real tangerine peel. Blue Moon Lightsky is only available in the US and Canada.
Price: 6 pack, 12 fl. oz. bottles, 10.8 proof ($8.5).
Mango Wheat – This brew won the Silver Medal in the Fruit Wheat Beer category during the 2016 Great American Festival because of its biscuity malt sweetness and refreshing ripe mango flavor, with a touch of honey. Mango Wheat goes well with chicken or shrimp dressed with mango salsa, and curry dishes. Perfect with ice cream as long as it’s French vanilla flavored. Mango Wheat is only available in some markets.
Price: 6 pack, 12 fl. oz. bottles, 10.8 proof ($8).
Summer Honey Wheat – This beer is the grand winner of a Gold Medal in the Specialty Honey Beer category during the 2010 Great American Beer Festival. Summer Honey Wheat is crafted using clover honey with a citrus hint from orange peel. This beer pairs well with grilled marinated pork or chicken dipped in honey mustard sauce. Summer Honey Wheat is only available in some markets.
Price: 6 pack, 12 fl. oz. bottles, 10.4 proof ($8).
Common Blue Moon Beer Prices List
| Type | Size | Avg Price | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Moon Belgian White | 4pk - 16oz Cans | $7 | 10.8 |
| 12pk - 12oz Cans | $14.50 | 10.8 | |
| 6pk - 12oz Bottle | $8 | 10.8 | |
| 24pk - 12oz Bottle | $23 | 10.8 | |
| Blue Moon Mango Wheat | 6pk - 12oz Bottle | $8 | 10.8 |
| Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat | 6pk - 12oz Bottle | $8 | 10.4 |
Blue Moon Beer Common Recipes
Blue Moon beers are excellent on their own, but they can be made even better when mixed into cocktails. Try these recipes, and you can never go wrong!
Blue Moon Sangria
The sangria is a staple drink during sessions with friends. Why not kick it up a notch with Blue Moon Belgian White beer? Here’s how.
Ingredients:
- White grape juice, 1 ½ cups
- Vodka, 1 cup
- Seedless grapes, halved, 2 cups
- Large apples, 2 pieces, thinly sliced
- Mandarin oranges, 1 ½ cups
- Blue Moon Belgian White beer, 3 bottles
Directions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the fruits, vodka, and grape juice.
- Put in the refrigerator for 2 to 8 hours.
- Before serving, add in the beer. Mix well.
- To serve, put some fruit pieces into a glass. Fill the glass with the cocktail.
Beermosas
Mimosas using beer? Why not?
Ingredients:
- Blue Moon Belgian White, 4 bottles
- Orange juice, 1 cup
- Orange slices for garnishing
Directions:
- Get 4 tall glasses and fill each with orange juice up to ¼.
- Top off each glass with Blue Moon Belgian White beer.
- Use orange slices to garnish the glasses.
- Serve and enjoy!
Cosmic Collision
No collision could be more fun than Blue Moon Belgian White and Sunkist! This cocktail is a must-try!
Ingredients:
- Blue Moon Belgian White Beer, 12 oz.
- Triple sec, 3 oz.
- Sunkist (or any brand) orange soda, chilled
- Ice cubes
- Orange slices for garnishing
Directions:
- In a large glass, mix beer, orange soda, and triple sec well.
- Pour cocktail into two pint glasses and add ice cubes to fill.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of orange.
- Serve and enjoy!
Fun Facts About Blue Moon Beer
Blue Moon Belgian White is not Belgian. Undoubtedly confusing, the ale is a Belgian-Style Wheat Ale. The beer is brewed in the US by Miller Coors and in Canada by Molson Coors.
The orange slice paired with a Blue Moon beer originated from a marketing ploy from the founder, Keith Villa, who thought it looked better than a lemon.
Although Bud Light might be the favored beer in 22 states, Maryland and Oregon favor Blue Moon to any other beer.
Nutrition Facts for Blue Moon Beer
A 12 ounce serving of Blue Moon has 170 calories, 14g carbs, 0g fat and 1.9g protein.