Blue Moon Brewing Company stands as a celebrated name among craft beer enthusiasts, known primarily for its flagship offering, the Blue Moon Belgian White. As an aficionado of fine beers, the backstory and ownership details of this esteemed brewery have always captivated my interest.
After doing some research, I discovered that Blue Moon Brewing Company is actually owned by MillerCoors, a joint venture between Molson Coors Brewing Company and SABMiller. This fact surprised me at first, as Blue Moon is often associated with the craft beer movement and independent breweries. However, it is important to note that Blue Moon Brewing Company was originally founded by Keith Villa, a brewmaster who worked for Coors Brewing Company.
Keith Villa created Blue Moon Belgian White in 1995, and it quickly gained popularity among beer enthusiasts for its unique flavor profile. The beer is known for its use of Valencia orange peel and coriander, giving it a refreshing and citrusy taste. Blue Moon Belgian White was one of the first Belgian-style wheat beers to be brewed by a major American brewery, and it certainly played a role in popularizing this style of beer in the United States.
As the popularity of Blue Moon grew, Coors Brewing Company recognized the potential of the brand and decided to create an entire line of Blue Moon beers. The Blue Moon Brewing Company was established in 1995 as a subsidiary of Coors Brewing Company, with Keith Villa leading the brewing operations.
However, in 2008, Coors Brewing Company merged with Molson to form MillerCoors. This merger brought Blue Moon Brewing Company under the ownership of MillerCoors, as a part of their craft and import division. While some beer enthusiasts argue that Blue Moon can no longer be considered a craft brewery due to its corporate ownership, many still enjoy the unique and flavorful beers that the brewery produces.
Despite the corporate ownership, Blue Moon Brewing Company continues to innovate and introduce new beer styles to the market. They have expanded their product line to include seasonal and limited-edition beers, such as Blue Moon Summer Honey Wheat and Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale. These beers showcase the brewery’s commitment to creativity and quality.
In conclusion, while Blue Moon Brewing Company may be owned by a larger corporation, it is important to appreciate the role it played in popularizing craft beer in the United States. The brewery continues to produce flavorful and unique beers, and it remains a popular choice among beer enthusiasts. So, the next time you enjoy a Blue Moon Belgian White, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into every sip.
