On the companys website, hand-painted posters of small towns, farmers markets, and open fields dance across the screen in a colorful montage. Frankly, it's impossible to envision the modern craft beer landscape without Blue Moon's emergence in the mid-1990s. But with Shock Top sales consistently seeming to struggle throughout the 2010s (via Molson Coors), it may just have to settle for being the Pepsi to Blue Moon's Coke. 2023 Molson Coors Brewing Co. But a look beyond the companys artsy advertisements and craft beer claims reveals an entirely different story a story chock full of misleading labels, consumer deception, and sneaky marketing by a big-name beer brand. The company has been brewing the popular craft beer since 1995. Who manufactures Blue Moon? We wouldn't necessarily compare its alcohol by volume (ABV) content to a session beer, but its respectable 5.4 percent ABV makes it a reasonable choice for a person eager to enjoy a couple of laidback rounds. MillerCoors won both cases. 2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Given this, Molson Coors retorted that there was no way to say it had misrepresented itself since no one can say for certain what is or is not a craft brewery (via Consumerist). It contains 5.7% alcohol by volume in a standard 12 fluid ounce bottle. In 2013 the beer was changed to "Valencia Grove Amber", an amber ale brewed with Valencia orange peel, roasted malts and a touch of wheat. The SandLot Brewery was the first-ever brewery housed inside a major league ballpark, so it makes sense that the beers on tap were named after the game played there. In terms of giant production, Blue Moon is primarily produced in Montreal, Canada. We call for transparency in brand ownership and for information to be clearly presented in a way that allows beer drinkers to make an informed choice about who brewed the beer they are drinking.. At the Sandlot Brewery, a brewer named Keith Villa first brewed Blue Moon. Luckily,Blue Moon still chugging along more than two decades later. To be sure, Shock Top is a worthy counterpart to Blue Moon on the nationwide beer landscape. This beer can be found and purchased ( in-person or online ) in virtually every corner of the U.S. as of 2022. A settlement was reached between the parties, and Blue Moon agreed to make some changes to the label. In short, Blue Moon is an imported entity of Molson Coors. Union made American beers are also often more expensive than non-union beers, but the price reflects the commitment to quality ingredients, fair wages, and better working conditions for employees. This Belgian-Style Wheat Ale is brewed with Valencia orange peel for a sweet, citrus flavor and subtle sweetness. Blue Moon beer is an award-winning Belgian-style wheat ale crafted by MillerCoors. It is brewed with natural flavor and a caramel color. 147 First Avenue East You've likely sipped on a Bellyside Wit and not even realized it now, the brand's flagship beer is known as Blue Moon Belgian White, a name that came to be when someone said, "a beer this good only comes around once in a blue moon." They have not entered into any collective bargaining agreements or contracts with unions, and their employees do not receive union benefits. In 2012, Blue Moon had come under fire from the Brewers Association for not stating on the bottle that the beer is made by MillerCoors. However, a MillerCoors spokesperson told us otherwise, saying, Blue Moon Belgian White is called Belgian Moon in Canada in order to differentiate ourselves from Labatt Blue beer. Well leave it up to you. That August, the conglomerate created Tenth and Blake Beer Company, and used it as a subsidiary of sorts for their craft beers, Blue Moon included. The companys rising sales numbers place them as the fastest-growing beer in the country: Consumption figures specific to the U.S.; Data via Quartz, At the end of the day, despite Blue Moons flagrant disregard for transparency, beer critics still tout it as a decent brew. Blue Moon Brewing Company has remained a wholly owned subsidiary of MillerCoors. Blue Moon is brewed with malted barley, white wheat, Valencia orange peel, coriander and oats. Blue Moon isn't technically a light beer, but it's certainly on the lighter side. In 1995, Coors released the product of Villas labor: Blue Moon Belgian White a cloudy wheat beer with a hint of orange. At the time of its creation, Blue Moon Belgian White was not made by Blue Moon Brewing Company and the beer itself wasn't even called Blue Moon. *Based on IRi Total US- Multi Outlet + Conv Year Ending 12/26/21. By calling itself Belgian Moon, after all, it called attention to the Belgian-style beer being sold. Additionally, as a resident of Colorado, one of the first two states to legalize recreational marijuana use in the U.S. (via ABC News), it's easy to believe Villa would eventually decide to turn his attention toward cannabis-infused beers rather than alcoholic ones. Of course, this attitude didnt last long. In Canada, Blue Moon is called Belgian Moon. In addition to their original Belgian White variety, Blue Moon Brewing Company offers Blue Moon Summer Ale, renamed Honey Moon in 2006. It addition to its seasonal brews, Blue Moon released a pale ale called Pale Moon in 2008, with filings commenced to create a Pale Moon Light. Blue Moon, brewed at the Molson Brewery in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is sold in the US, as well as exported to Europe. Over 20 years ago, one creative brewer named Keith Villa started churning out beers at the 2,700-square-foot SandLot Brewery in Denver, CO. Villa would later become known as the brand's founder and head brewmaster. But when Blue Moon was first sold to bars back in 1995, many bartenders took a "potato, potato" approach to the beer's citrus flavor, and used a lemon slice rather than an orange when serving the then-new Belgian-style wheat ale. The RiNo brewery has a full-service restaurant with menu items meant to be eaten with Blue Moon beers sometimes the beer itself even makes it into the recipes. After all, the websiteclearly acknowledges that Valencia orange peels are a prominent ingredient in the beer's production. Now, over 25 years later, Blue Moon is still the #1 craft beer in the US* and delights drinkers in 25+ countries worldwide. We have mentioned earlier that Blue Moon is a product of Canada and the United States. [6] Some other independent craft brewers agreed with the assessment. Over 20 years ago, one creative brewer named Keith Villa started churning out. Blue Moon has catapulted the craft movement forward, helping shape the modern American beer scene. The flavors offered by Blue Moon are created in Molson Coorss factories. This brewery is owned by the Molson Coors Brewing Company. The precursor for the Blue Moon we know and love was the Belly Slide Wit (still served by the Sandlot as of 2021), though if you're wondering why that brand of beer isn't sold in stores and bars around the country, there's a good reason. In 2016, Molson Coors acquired the entire global brand portfolio of Miller Brewing Company, as well as the Miller Brewery, which is currently located at the site of the original Miller Brewing Company plant. Check out our 20+ rotating beers where you will find some old favorites and a few new ones fresh from the minds of our brewing team. It has also won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 1997. While Blue Moon is upfront about this fact: It is described as a Belgian-style beer on the label, after all. It is a light, refreshing beer that is perfect for any occasion. In Canada, Blue Moon was introduced in 2015 as "Belgian Moon", with packaging very similar to the Blue Moon labeling found in the United States. . MillerCoors Blue Moon Belgian White is a Belgian-style wheat ale produced in the U.S. by MillerCoors, and in Canada by Molson Coors. Its called the Belgian Moon in the north, whereas Blue Moon is more commonly seen in the south. According to Blue Moon, when the original Belly Slide Wit became popular with fans, someone made an off-hand comment, saying that such a delicious beer only appears once in a blue moon. Most beers aren't born in fancy quarters. All Narragansett products are made with union labor, ensuring that all workers involved in the production of the beer are paid fair wages and have access to quality health benefits and working conditions. Keith created his beer while working at the Sandlot Brewery inside of Coors Field. Did you ever wonder why Blue Moon's signature beer is described as a Belgian-style wheat ale as opposed to a Belgian wheat ale? Today, Blue Moon sells more than two million barrels of beer each year, which is equal to 15% of all craft beer sales in the U.S. Among the many beers brewed out of Sandlot Brewery, one fan favorite emerged, and in true baseball fashion was named Bellyslide Wit. It wasnt until someone said, A beer this good only comes around once in a blue moon that Blue Moon Belgian White Belgian-Style Wheat Ale was born. When it comes to beer, there is no doubt that Blue Moon is one of the most popular and beloved brands. MillerCoors 2014 annual report boasts of Blue Moons 73 consecutive quarters of growth a Herculean feat for any company, nonetheless a brewery. These include facilities in Utica, N.Y., from 1995 to 1997; Cincinnati from 1997 to 1999; Memphis from 1999 to 2001; and both Montreal, Canada and Golden, Colo., from 2003 to 2008. If we were George Washington and could not tell a lie (allegedly)we'd have to admit that we, too, tend to think of Blue Moon as nothing but its Belgian-style wheat ale. Whether youre at a barbeque, tailgating, or just relaxing at home, Blue Moon is a great choice for a refreshing beer. As craft beers really started to take off in 2010, MillerCoors realized it had to do everything it could to conceal its association with Blue Moon, and make it seem as if it were an artisan brew. Here are 10 more things you should know about Blue Moon. We are who we are, and were certainly not going to try to fool beer drinkers or hide behind another name. The company operates all its manufacturing and distributing operations from Chicago, Illinois. Miller Beers unionized workers are still employed by the company. This is precisely what Anheuser-Busch, Americas largest brewing company, used to do. Our union-made beers are sure to please, whether youre looking for a classic Michelob Golden Draft or a special Michelob Bavarian Wheat. Blue Moon itself would have you believe it's a craft brewery (and the best-selling one in the U.S. in 2021, at that). This post was written byZachary Crockett. Blue Moon Belgian White is one of the companys most popular beers, as are seasonal beers and limited-release beers like Grand Cru. Consequently, few people would likely be shocked (no pun intended) tolearn that Shock Top beer, a Belgian-style wheat ale and one of the chief competitors to Blue Moon in the U.S., was actually created by Anheuser Busch in 2006 in hopes of aping some of Blue Moon's customer base (via Quartz). It is brewed in Golden, Colorado, and was first introduced in 1995. Of course, like many aspects of life, there's more to the story of Blue Moon's wide distribution network than may appear. It is not only extremely delicious, but it is also brewed with the highest quality ingredients and is free of additives, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a healthier alternative. Other two-state favorites included Samuel Adams Boston Lager (Connecticut and Delaware), and Corona Extra (California and Washington State). The union produces a wide range of beer and ale varieties, including Miller Beer, Busch Light, and Anheuser-Busch, to be enjoyed by members. Source: csnews.com The RiNo Brewery in Denver is one of many locations around the world where Blue Moon is brewed. The Molson Coors primarily manufactures Blue Moon beer. 147 First Avenue East Even people who aren't beer drinkers can get on board with .css-1es3cx1{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#004685;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#004685;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-1es3cx1:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:#595959;}Blue Moon who can say no to an effervescent, Belgian-style brew, served with a juicy orange slice? A few years later, when a research team found that 30 percent of [craft beer consumers] would not buy an Anheuser-Busch product, the company withdrew any indication of its name from its website and labeling. Yuengling beer is not union made. And that is why we say our beers, and everything we do, are Artfully Crafted.. The flavor profile of a Blue Moon beer has notes of orange, coriander, and wheat, with the Valencia orange peel . Two years later, this company partnered with another goliath, SABMiller, to form the joint venture MillerCoors. Molson Coors is a publicly-traded company and is a member of the United States largest beer brewing union, the Brewers Association. Furthermore, the UAW, IAM, IUOE, and IBT manufacture Miller Genuine Draft and Miller Genuine Draft Light. Yes, Blue Moon beer is made in America. Exploring The Craft Beer Scene In The Pacific Northwest: Where Is Badass Beer Made? MillerCoors owns Blue Moon as a subsidiary. Molson Coors also operates its business through its subsidiaries. Not even the products fine print identifies the mega brand behind it. The brand was the only beer sponsor at this year's FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen, where pints were poured alongside dishes from the country's best chefs and culinary experts. Name changes aren't always motivated by potential legal issues. Everything we do flows from our artistic approach to brewing. In fact, wheat makes up roughly half the grain used in its production, both earning this beer its name, and distinguishing it from other beer styles. Blue Moon also helped to popularize the Belgian White style of ale and to introduce American consumers to Belgian styles of beer. Later, the beer became a famous flavor around the world. Furthermore, it is unfiltered, so it appears cloudy. This commitment to sustainability and union labor makes Narragansett Beer an excellent choice for beer drinkers looking for a quality product made with respect for workers and the environment. While we can certainly understand the aesthetic appeal, we're often a bit underwhelmed by beverage garnishes. The primary grain used is malted barley, which provides the beer with its deep golden colour. The motive of his rationale is simple: studies on organizational behavior show that, as consumers, we believe smaller companies produce higher quality products. Past releases have included Agave Blonde Ale, Blackberry Tart Ale, Raspberry Cream Ale, Peanut Butter Ale, and White IPA. So, if you are a fan of Blue Moon beer, you can now feel good about your purchase knowing that it is union made! Because, as of March 2022, it was still illegal for grocery stores inside the state to sell beer with an ABV higher than 4.0 percent (via MinnPost). It was created by Keith Villa, a brewmaster at the company, in 1995. While Blue Moon passes itself off as a craft beer, it is, in reality, a product of MillerCoors, the second-largest brewing conglomerate in the United States. Furthermore, Pabst Brewing Company does not have any union-backed pension or health care plans. These breweries are committed to supporting their workers and creating quality beer that is enjoyed by craft beer lovers everywhere. There are so many fascinating details to know about this iconic beer. At the Sandlot Brewery, a brewer named Keith Villa first brewed Blue Moon. [11], The New Belgium Brewery, which makes Fat Tire Amber Ale, also complied with the CBB's request for name changes.[12]. Who manufactures Blue Moon? How Coors Frankensteined a "Craft" Beer Despite America's gradual decline in per capita beer consumption, "craft" breweries have experienced tremendous growth. But both countries products and most of Blue Moons products world-wide, for that matter share one thing in common: nowhere on the packaging is there any indication that the beer is a product of MillerCoors, the second-largest brewer in the United States. Despite Americas gradual decline in per capita beer consumption, craft breweries have experienced tremendous growth. Frankly, it's hard to say which side is right. But what many people may not know is that Blue Moon beer is union made! The Blue Moon Belgian White exemplifies the creativity and innovation that craft brewers bring to the beer industry. 12 Things You Should Know Before Drinking A Blue Moon. Born from a love for baseball, Blue Moon was first created at the Sandlot Brewery in Denver, CO in 1995, with the goal of brewing well-crafted beers inspired by Belgian styles with a refreshing twist. Blue Moons signature orange wheel garnish? There's no shortage of opinions on the matter and no real industry-wide agreement on which beers should or shouldn't be labeled craft. Blue Moon is a Belgian-style wheat ale brewed by MillerCoors in Golden, Colorado. There's also a Blue Moon TapHouse located in Norfolk, VA. MillerCoors owns Blue Moon in addition to its subsidiaries. The grain bill for Blue Moon includes malted barley, white wheat, orange peel, coriander and oatsand is usually served with a slice of orange, which its brewmasters claim accentuates the flavor of the brew.[3]. (Revealed). Despite this, Yuengling beer has become one of the most popular brands in the US and is loved by many beer drinkers around the country. It has a distinct Belgian flavor and is made by brewing orange peel and coriander in a Belgian style wheat ale before being fermented with an authentic Belgian yeast strain to achieve that distinct taste. Members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers brew and bottle the brands produced by the company in all of its U.S. breweries. Miller beer is produced by a number of unions, including the United Auto Workers (UAW), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), and the International Brotherhood of Thetists (IBT). In an interview with a market researcher, an Anheuser-Busch spokesperson elucidated an entirely different strategy to that of MillerCoors: Our name is on our beers right now. The manufacturers have confirmed that they do not use animal-derived ingredients in their beer. There's nothing wrong with that, of course, but just as there's only one Coke, there's only one Blue Moon. In 2011 the recipe was changed removing the Kaffir lime leaves. Manager of Beer Education at MillerCoors, Daniel Imdieke, is also a certified Master Cicerone the equivalent of a sommelier in the beer world of which there are only 16 in the world. The brand offers many phases and flavors. In Germany, the term Wernesgrner can be used to describe any number of disciplines.