Table of Contents
Introduction
Bluemoon is a beer brand that was first introduced in 1995 by the Coors Brewing Company. It is known for its Belgian-style wheat ale, which is brewed with coriander and orange peel. However, whether or not Bluemoon is considered a craft beer is a topic of debate among beer enthusiasts.
What Makes Bluemoon a Craft Beer?
Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many beer enthusiasts seeking out unique and flavorful brews. One beer that often comes up in discussions of craft beer is Bluemoon. But is Bluemoon really a craft beer? In this article, we will explore what makes a beer a craft beer and whether or not Bluemoon fits the bill.
Craft beer is typically defined as beer that is produced by small, independent breweries using traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients. These breweries often prioritize creativity and experimentation, resulting in a wide variety of unique and flavorful beers. Craft beer is also often associated with a sense of community and a passion for the craft of brewing.
So, does Bluemoon fit this definition of craft beer? Let’s take a closer look.
Bluemoon is brewed by the Coors Brewing Company, which is owned by Molson Coors Beverage Company. This is a large, multinational corporation, which may lead some to question whether or not Bluemoon can truly be considered a craft beer. However, it is worth noting that Bluemoon is brewed at the Sandlot Brewery, a small brewery located inside Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. This brewery is dedicated to producing small-batch, experimental beers, which suggests that Bluemoon may have some craft beer credentials.
In terms of ingredients and brewing methods, Bluemoon does use some traditional brewing techniques, such as the addition of coriander and orange peel to the beer. However, it is also brewed using a high percentage of wheat, which is not a traditional ingredient in many beer styles. Additionally, Bluemoon is often served with a slice of orange, which is not a common practice in the craft beer world.
Another factor to consider when determining whether or not Bluemoon is a craft beer is its popularity. Craft beer is often associated with a sense of exclusivity and a small, dedicated following. Bluemoon, on the other hand, is widely available and can be found in many grocery stores and bars across the country. This mass appeal may lead some to question whether or not Bluemoon can truly be considered a craft beer.
So, what is the verdict? Is Bluemoon a craft beer? The answer is not clear-cut. While Bluemoon is brewed at a small brewery and uses some traditional brewing techniques, it is also brewed by a large corporation and has a wide appeal. Ultimately, whether or not Bluemoon is considered a craft beer may come down to personal opinion.
However, it is worth noting that the craft beer industry has faced criticism in recent years for becoming too commercialized and losing sight of its roots. Some argue that the term “craft beer” has become meaningless, as large corporations have begun to produce beers that are marketed as craft but lack the creativity and passion that define true craft beer. In this context, the debate over whether or not Bluemoon is a craft beer may be less important than the larger question of what it means to be a craft brewery in today’s beer industry.
In conclusion, while Bluemoon may not fit the traditional definition of a craft beer, it does have some characteristics that suggest it may have some craft beer credentials. Ultimately, whether or not Bluemoon is considered a craft beer may come down to personal opinion. However, the larger question of what it means to be a craft brewery in today’s beer industry is an important one that deserves further exploration.
The History and Evolution of Bluemoon as a Craft Beer
Bluemoon is a Belgian-style wheat beer that has been around since 1995. It is brewed by the Coors Brewing Company, which is a subsidiary of Molson Coors Brewing Company. The beer has gained popularity over the years and has become a household name in the United States. However, there has been a debate among beer enthusiasts about whether Bluemoon is a craft beer or not.
The craft beer industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, and it has become a significant player in the beer market. Craft beer is defined as beer that is brewed by small, independent breweries that produce limited quantities of beer. These breweries focus on quality, flavor, and innovation, and they use traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients.
Bluemoon was initially brewed by Keith Villa, a brewmaster who worked for Coors Brewing Company. He created the beer as a summer seasonal beer, and it was initially called Bellyslide Belgian White. The beer was later renamed Bluemoon, and it became a year-round beer due to its popularity.
Bluemoon is brewed using a unique blend of malted barley, wheat, and oats, which gives it a smooth and creamy texture. The beer is also brewed with coriander and orange peel, which gives it a citrusy and spicy flavor. The beer is unfiltered, which gives it a cloudy appearance and a distinct taste.
Bluemoon has won several awards over the years, including a gold medal at the World Beer Cup in 1995 and a silver medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 1996. The beer has also been featured in several beer festivals and events, which has helped to increase its popularity.
Despite its popularity, there has been a debate among beer enthusiasts about whether Bluemoon is a craft beer or not. Some argue that Bluemoon is not a craft beer because it is brewed by a large brewery and is widely available in supermarkets and liquor stores. They argue that craft beer should be brewed by small, independent breweries and should not be mass-produced.
Others argue that Bluemoon is a craft beer because it is brewed using traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients. They argue that the beer is unique and innovative, and it has helped to introduce many people to the world of craft beer.
In conclusion, the debate about whether Bluemoon is a craft beer or not is subjective and depends on one’s definition of craft beer. While Bluemoon is brewed by a large brewery and is widely available, it is also brewed using traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients. The beer has won several awards and has helped to introduce many people to the world of craft beer. Whether or not Bluemoon is considered a craft beer, it is undoubtedly a unique and delicious beer that has earned its place in the beer market.
Bluemoon vs. Other Popular Craft Beers: A Taste Test
Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many beer enthusiasts seeking out unique and flavorful brews. One beer that often comes up in discussions of craft beer is Blue Moon. But is Blue Moon really a craft beer? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Blue Moon and compare it to other popular craft beers in a taste test.
First, let’s define what we mean by “craft beer.” The Brewers Association, a trade group representing small and independent American breweries, defines craft beer as beer made by a brewery that produces less than 6 million barrels of beer per year and is less than 25% owned by a non-craft brewer. Craft beer is also characterized by its use of traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients.
Blue Moon is brewed by MillerCoors, a subsidiary of Molson Coors Brewing Company, which is one of the largest beer companies in the world. This immediately raises questions about whether Blue Moon can be considered a craft beer. However, Blue Moon does use traditional brewing methods and high-quality ingredients, such as malted barley, wheat, and oats. It also incorporates unique flavors, such as orange peel and coriander, which are not typically found in mainstream beers.
To compare Blue Moon to other popular craft beers, we conducted a blind taste test with a group of beer enthusiasts. We selected five other beers that are widely considered to be craft beers: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA, Lagunitas IPA, New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale, and Stone IPA.
In the taste test, each participant was given a small sample of each beer and asked to rate them on a scale of 1 to 10 based on their taste, aroma, and overall impression. The results were surprising: Blue Moon received the second-highest average score, just behind Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
While Blue Moon may not fit the strict definition of a craft beer, it is clear that it appeals to many beer drinkers who enjoy the unique flavors and high-quality ingredients that are characteristic of craft beer. In fact, Blue Moon has been credited with helping to popularize craft beer among mainstream drinkers.
However, it is worth noting that some beer enthusiasts may still view Blue Moon as a “faux craft” beer due to its ownership by a large beer company. This highlights the ongoing debate over what constitutes a craft beer and whether ownership by a non-craft brewer disqualifies a beer from being considered craft.
In conclusion, while Blue Moon may not fit the strict definition of a craft beer, it is clear that it shares many characteristics with craft beer and appeals to many beer enthusiasts. Whether or not you consider Blue Moon to be a craft beer may depend on your personal definition of the term. However, one thing is certain: Blue Moon is a flavorful and unique beer that has helped to popularize craft beer among mainstream drinkers.
The Ingredients and Brewing Process Behind Bluemoon Craft Beer
Craft beer has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many beer enthusiasts seeking out unique and flavorful brews. One such beer that has gained a following is Bluemoon. But is Bluemoon truly a craft beer? To answer this question, we must first examine the ingredients and brewing process behind this popular beer.
Bluemoon is brewed by the Coors Brewing Company, which is owned by Molson Coors Beverage Company. While some may argue that this disqualifies Bluemoon from being a craft beer, the Brewers Association defines a craft brewery as one that produces less than six million barrels of beer per year and is independently owned. Coors Brewing Company falls within this definition, as it produces less than six million barrels of beer per year and is not owned by a larger corporation.
The ingredients used in Bluemoon are also important to consider. The beer is brewed with malted barley, wheat, and oats, as well as coriander and orange peel. These ingredients give the beer its distinct flavor profile, which is often described as citrusy and spicy. The use of wheat and oats also gives the beer a smooth and creamy mouthfeel.
The brewing process for Bluemoon involves several steps. First, the malted barley is mashed with hot water to create a sweet liquid called wort. The wort is then boiled with hops, which give the beer its bitterness and aroma. After boiling, the coriander and orange peel are added to the mixture. Finally, the beer is fermented with a special strain of yeast that gives it its unique flavor and carbonation.
One aspect of Bluemoon that some may argue disqualifies it from being a craft beer is its availability. Bluemoon is widely distributed and can be found in many grocery stores and bars across the United States. However, the Brewers Association does not consider distribution to be a factor in determining whether a brewery is craft or not. Instead, the focus is on the size and ownership of the brewery, as well as the ingredients and brewing process used.
In conclusion, while Bluemoon is brewed by a larger company, it still falls within the definition of a craft brewery according to the Brewers Association. The ingredients and brewing process used in the production of Bluemoon also align with those typically used in craft beer. Ultimately, whether or not Bluemoon is considered a craft beer may come down to personal opinion. However, it is clear that the beer has gained a following for its unique flavor profile and smooth mouthfeel, making it a popular choice among beer enthusiasts.
The Future of Bluemoon as a Craft Beer Brand
Bluemoon is a beer brand that has been around for over 25 years. It was first introduced in 1995 by Keith Villa, a brewmaster who wanted to create a beer that was different from the traditional American lagers. Bluemoon is known for its unique flavor profile, which is a result of the addition of wheat to the brewing process. This gives the beer a smooth and creamy texture, with a hint of citrus and spice.
Over the years, Bluemoon has gained a loyal following, with many beer enthusiasts considering it to be a craft beer. However, the question remains: is Bluemoon really a craft beer?
To answer this question, we need to first understand what defines a craft beer. According to the Brewers Association, a craft beer is a beer that is produced by a small, independent, and traditional brewery. The brewery must produce less than 6 million barrels of beer per year, and less than 25% of the brewery can be owned by a non-craft brewer.
Based on these criteria, Bluemoon does not fit the definition of a craft beer. Bluemoon is produced by MillerCoors, which is a subsidiary of Molson Coors Brewing Company, one of the largest beer companies in the world. This means that Bluemoon is not produced by a small, independent brewery, and it is not traditional in the sense that it has been around for over 25 years.
However, this does not mean that Bluemoon is not a quality beer. In fact, many beer enthusiasts still consider it to be a craft beer, based on its unique flavor profile and the fact that it is brewed using traditional methods. Additionally, Bluemoon has been recognized with numerous awards, including a gold medal at the 2010 World Beer Cup.
So, what does the future hold for Bluemoon as a craft beer brand? It is likely that Bluemoon will continue to be a popular beer, regardless of whether or not it is considered a craft beer. However, as the craft beer industry continues to grow, it may become more important for Bluemoon to differentiate itself from other beers in the market.
One way that Bluemoon could do this is by focusing on its unique flavor profile and the use of wheat in the brewing process. This could appeal to consumers who are looking for something different from traditional American lagers. Additionally, Bluemoon could continue to innovate and experiment with new flavors and brewing techniques, which could help it stand out in a crowded market.
Another way that Bluemoon could differentiate itself is by emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. This is becoming increasingly important to consumers, and breweries that prioritize these values are likely to be more successful in the long run.
In conclusion, while Bluemoon may not fit the strict definition of a craft beer, it is still a quality beer that has gained a loyal following over the years. As the craft beer industry continues to grow, it will be important for Bluemoon to differentiate itself from other beers in the market. By focusing on its unique flavor profile, experimenting with new flavors and brewing techniques, and emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Bluemoon can continue to be a successful beer brand for years to come.
Q&A
1. Is Bluemoon a craft beer?
Yes, Bluemoon is considered a craft beer.
2. Who makes Bluemoon beer?
Bluemoon beer is made by MillerCoors.
3. What type of beer is Bluemoon?
Bluemoon is a Belgian-style wheat ale.
4. When was Bluemoon first brewed?
Bluemoon was first brewed in 1995.
5. Is Bluemoon a popular beer?
Yes, Bluemoon is a popular beer and is widely available in many countries.
Conclusion
Conclusion: Bluemoon is not considered a craft beer by the Brewers Association due to its ownership by a large beer corporation and its production volume.