Blue Moon Belgian White is the beer that introduced most Americans to the witbier, and it is still the one people picture when you say white ale. Brewed by Molson Coors, it is a smooth, hazy wheat beer flavoured with orange peel, coriander and oats, and it is famously served with an orange slice on the rim. It is more of a gateway than a purist’s beer, but it does its job well. Here is how it tastes and where it ranks.
Blue Moon Belgian White at a glance
| Style | Belgian-style wheat ale |
| ABV | 5.4% |
| Calories | 168 per 12 fl oz |
| Carbs | 13.7g per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Molson Coors, Denver, Colorado, USA |
| Ingredients | Water, barley malt, wheat, oats, orange peel, coriander, hops, yeast |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, it contains wheat and barley |
| Typical price | Around $9 to $12 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Blue Moon is built to be smooth and approachable, so the sweetness and orange character sit high while bitterness stays right down.
The full review
It pours a hazy pale gold with a soft white head, and with the traditional orange slice it looks the part. The aroma is dominated by sweet orange and a little coriander, over a creamy wheat-and-oat base. It is inviting and unmistakably Blue Moon.
On the palate it is smooth and rounded, noticeably sweeter than the more authentic wits, with plenty of orange citrus, a soft creamy body from the oats and almost no bitterness. The finish is gentle rather than crisp, which makes it very easy to drink but a touch less refreshing than a drier wit.
The orange garnish is not just for show, it lifts the citrus and cuts the sweetness a little. That sweetness is the main thing that separates it from a Hoegaarden or an Allagash: Blue Moon is the softer, more crowd-pleasing take.
At 5.4% ABV it has decent body, and its huge availability and consistency make it a reliable choice at any bar. It is not the most complex wit on the shelf, but as an easy, approachable introduction to the style it is very good at what it does.
The wit that turned millions of lager drinkers on to wheat beer.
- Smooth, creamy and very approachable
- Big orange-forward aroma and flavour
- Available almost everywhere and consistent
- A great introduction to the witbier style
- Sweeter and less crisp than authentic wits
- Not much complexity for the style
- Best with an orange slice, which not everyone wants
Who it is for
Anyone new to wheat beers or after an easy, orange-forward crowd-pleaser. Once you enjoy it, Allagash White and Hoegaarden are the more authentic steps up.
Blue Moon Belgian White FAQs
What does Blue Moon Belgian White taste like?
Smooth and sweet with strong orange citrus, a little coriander and a creamy oat-and-wheat body. Very low bitterness and a soft rather than crisp finish.
How strong is Blue Moon Belgian White?
It is 5.4% ABV, standard strength for the style.
How many calories are in Blue Moon Belgian White?
168 calories per 12 fl oz, with 13.7g of carbs.
Why is Blue Moon served with an orange?
The orange slice lifts the citrus aroma and cuts the beer’s sweetness. It is part of the brand’s signature serve.
Is Blue Moon Belgian White vegan?
Yes. It is brewed from water, barley malt, wheat, oats, orange peel, coriander, hops and yeast with no animal products.
Is Blue Moon Belgian White gluten free?
No. It is brewed with wheat and barley, so it contains gluten.
Is Blue Moon a craft beer?
No. It is brewed by Molson Coors, one of the largest brewers, though it is styled as a craft-like wheat beer.
Where is Blue Moon brewed?
By Molson Coors in the US, with the brand rooted in Denver, Colorado.
Where to buy Blue Moon Belgian White
Blue Moon Belgian White is one of the easiest wheat beers to find in America and can be delivered cold. Use the button above to check the current price.
The verdict
Blue Moon Belgian White is the beer that opened the witbier door for millions, and it still earns its place. It is sweeter and softer than the authentic Belgian wits, which costs it a little on the crispness front, but it is smooth, orange-forward and hugely drinkable. A good four out of five, and a fine place to start. See the full ranking in our best witbiers guide.
FAQs
What kind of beer is Blue Moon Belgian White?
Blue Moon Belgian White is a Belgian-style wheat ale, at 5.4% ABV.
How much alcohol is in Blue Moon Belgian White?
Blue Moon Belgian White has an ABV of 5.4%.
How many calories are in Blue Moon Belgian White?
Blue Moon Belgian White has 168 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is Blue Moon Belgian White gluten free?
Blue Moon Belgian White: No, it contains wheat and barley.
Does Blue Moon Belgian White have carbs?
Yes, Blue Moon Belgian White has 13.7g per 12 fl oz. If you’re watching carbs, see our guide to the best low-carb beers.
How can I make Blue Moon Belgian White taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
What is a good alternative to Blue Moon Belgian White?
If you can’t find Blue Moon Belgian White, Shock Top Belgian White is a close alternative in the same Belgian-style wheat ale category.
How much does Blue Moon Belgian White cost?
Blue Moon Belgian White typically runs Around $9 to $12 for a 6-pack in the US. Check the button for live pricing. Check current pricing and availability through the buy link above.
How do I open Blue Moon Belgian White without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for Blue Moon Belgian White?
A standard pint or tulip glass works well for a Belgian-style wheat ale like Blue Moon Belgian White. See our beer glassware guide for style-by-style recommendations.
