Best Beers To Try If You Like Blue Moon

Blue Moon was the first beer I remember liking well before the craft beer boom.

And while I don’t drink Blue Moon much anymore (unless it’s the best option on limited beer menu), I do appreciate that it introduced my taste buds to the possibility of a crisp, citrusy brew.

If you’re a fan of Blue Moon and looking to venture into the craft beer world – or just want to try something new – here are some beers you should try.

What kind of beer is Blue Moon?

So, before we get into the list of beer possibilities, let’s look at the characteristics of Blue Moon.

Blue Moon Brewing Company describes its flagship beer as:

A Belgian-style wheat ale and a “wheat beer brewed with orange peel for a subtle sweetness and bright, citrus aroma.”

Learning I enjoyed Belgian witbiers inspired a trip to this beautiful country. A beer lover’s paradise and highly recommended if you get the chance to go!

Now, an important distinction to discover along your beer journey is that not all wheat beers are created equally.

After learning Blue Moon was a wheat beer, I began ordering anything on a menu labeled as such.

What I didn’t understand at the time is there are some wheat beers, such as German hefeweizens, which have a quite different flavor. Often, you’ll see a hefeweizen described as having a “banana and clove” taste, which is not nearly as crisp and fresh as the citrus notes of a white beer.

Certainly, give hefeweizens a try, but do understand even though they are wheat beers they will not taste like a Blue Moon.

Beers to Try if You Like Blue Moon

St. Bernardus Wit

ABV: 5.5%
IBU: 10

A true classic Belgian white beer, St. Bernardus Wit is the OG all others of this style should be measured against.

You probably won’t find this one in your local grocery store’s craft beer section. However, it is fairly popular within specialty beer shops, so you’ll likely find it at your local craft beer store.

(Also check World Market if there’s one near you. Around Christmas I was fortunate to find a St. Bernardus gift pack there)

Allagash White

ABV: 5.2%
IBU: 13

If Blue Moon is the beer that taught me beer was for more than tailgating and college keg parties, Allagash White is what led me to understand the difference between mass produced beer and craft beer.

Allagash White is the best witbier made in the United States, according to BeerAdvocate’s rankings.

And it is damn tasty. If I could only drink one beer for the rest of my life, this would be it.

Allagash White is crisp and refreshing while still maintaining flavor.

Maine based Allagash’s distribution is somewhat limited, meaning you may not be able to purchase it in your area.

But if you do live in a distribution area or a traveling through one – put this Belgian white ale at the top of your list.

Ommegang Witte

ABV: 5.2%
IBU: 11

Ommegang has carved a niche for itself by specializing in Belgian style beers. Their Witte is a bit hazy but still crisp and refreshing.

With a distribution in 47 states, this beer is more widely available in bottle shops and even grocery stores with craft beer sections, like Whole Foods.

Goose Island 312

ABV: 4.2%
IBU: 18

While most wheat beers tend to lean towards orange citrus flavors, Goose Island 312 has more of a lemony taste.

Goose Island 312 is fairly common on restaurant menus, which is a great way to try out a beer without committing to an entire 6 pack.

Bell’s Oberon

ABV: 5.8%
IBU: 26

Of those listed here, I think Bell’s Oberon has the most hops character to it.

While many wheat ales have an IBU (International Bitterness Unit) of around 10-20, Bell’s Oberon weighs in at 26.

Personally, I’m not a fan IPA beers or typically with anything above about an IBU of 35 (with some exceptions, of course). Bell’s Oberon is a great selection to help you go up a but on the hop notes while helping you find your own bittnerness limits.

Oberon is released as a summer seasonal beer, so you won’t find it stocked all year.

Ready to stretch your Blue Moon wings? Next time you’re at a restaurant or deciding what beer get at the store, consider giving one of these wheat aleas a try.

Pin It for Later: