Sunday, August 10, 2008

Blue Moon


It's like...It's like orange juice beer.

That's how to describe Blue Moon. From its color down to its finish, it tastes like a beer that yearns to be a juice. Citrus flavors have a tendancy to overcome other more subtle flavorings in drinks, and this is no exception. But it's a GOOD sort of overcome!

Blue Moon and I got our start back when I was working at a major video game company in Chicago. I was too young to drink back then but the guys I worked with all loved Blue Moon. I had a taste one lucky day and it struck me as a deliriously refreshing beverage, especially for a hot day. A nice, light ale, not hoppy at all, with that great orange flavor. I've tried six-pack bottles of it, and find it doesn't quite capture the flavor of a well poured draught pint, garnished with fresh, wide slices of juicy orange. Man alive.

I drink Blue Moon exclusively during hot weather. It's made for that. I prefer a heavier drink in the cold, something british and room temperature (read: stouts). But Blue Moon has me looking forwards to the summer every time. I got my dad into drinking it too, and we enjoy one together on occasion.

The Final Word: If you don't really like hoppy lagers, and want a little more flavor to your ale, give Blue Moon a try. INSIST on draught, insist on a slice of orange. If you can't get that, don't make it your first foray. Wait, instead, for the right circumstances and enjoy a good bottle bear like Corona. But Blue Moon should be on everyone's list.