Blue Moon : A Drinker's Opinion

Recently, the twittersphere is alive with concern that Blue Moon is, or is not a "true" craft beer. Exciting.

 According to The Brewers Association, which is a craft beer organization "of brewers, for brewers and by brewers." It's purpose? Well, I'm glad you asked. According to their website, it's to "promote and protect small and independent American brewers, their craft beers and the community of brewing enthusiasts."

 According to many, Blue Moon, due to the fact that it is owned by the parent company of MillerCoors. Well, actually, its direct parent is the Tenth and Blake Beer Company, the craft and import division of MillerCoors. If you've never experienced Blue Moon, its likely you've seen it. That guy next to you is likely drinking it. You know, the beer with the orange slice? Yea, thats it. Originally called Bellyside Belgian White, it is a sweeter style beer, with a very pronounced orangish flavor, many say due to being brewed with coriander. Created by Keith Villa, who was a brewer at Sandlot Brewery, which is at Coors Field.

 Now, you should be aware, many of the beers we already drink, that we think "import" or "craft", are flags flown with this logo. Examples include Leinenkugel's Honey Weiss, George Killian's Irish Red, Batch 19, Henry Weinhard's IPA, Colorado Native, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro and Grolsch. According to this article, "every employee in the company's 40-person Tenth and Blake division will take classes on beer history, styles, flavors and etiquette". According to my research, Tenth and Blake was established August of 2010. Which tells me, Blue Moon, or its creator, decided to profit from the sale of his creation. Good for him. After all, that IS the American Way, is it not?

 Blue Moon can see as far back as 1994. The story goes, Peter Coors decided to send Keith Villa to Belgium, where he attained his doctorate in brewing sciences. During his stay, as expected, Villa fell in lots of like with Belgium Style brewing. When he returned, he expressed his desire to begin brewing the style here. Coors gave him a small budget, and here we are. Sure sounds like craft brew making, doesn't it?

 Lets face it. MillerCoors and Inbev will spill more beer each year than a craft brewery will make. I am in no way defending these large corps. But, arent there more important things we can be doing? Like drinking beer?  Blue Moon, from a drinkers perspective, is a damn good drinking beer. Easily a session beer, and sure as hell doesn't taste like an American mass made sparkling water with alcohol and goldish color product. Matter of fact, The Beer Advocate scores it at 78. And I am ok with that. If anything, the competition makes Craft Brewers work harder and become more creative.And to all you small indy's, I LOVE ya. Thanks for all that you do. I, more than most, appreciate your product. I seek it out. I take pictures of it. I make videos about it. Hell, soon your brew may be on a national network with me drinking it. Yea, I like it that much. But, no worries, I won't slam you if you decide to sell to one of the big guys, and spend your days fly fishing and nights in your river front cabin in the mountains of Colorado. After all, you took all the risk, and deserve the reward for your passion. Cheers!

 

-The Dive Whisperer

 

#craftbeer