MillerCoors and Blue Moon are indeed owned by the same company, but there is a bit of a twist to the story. Let me explain.
MillerCoors is a joint venture between Molson Coors Brewing Company and SABMiller. In 2008, SABMiller and Molson Coors formed this joint venture to combine their U.S. brewing operations. As a result, MillerCoors was established as a separate entity, with both companies having an equal ownership stake.
Now, let's talk about Blue Moon. Blue Moon is a brand of Belgian-style wheat ale that was first brewed by Keith Villa, a brewmaster at Coors Brewing Company, which is now a part of Molson Coors. Villa created Blue Moon as a specialty beer for the Sandlot Brewery, a brewpub located inside Coors Field in Denver, Colorado.
Blue Moon gained popularity and eventually became a separate brand within the Coors portfolio. However, here's where it gets interesting. Blue Moon is often perceived as an independent craft beer brand, even though it is owned and produced by MillerCoors, which is a major beer conglomerate.
The confusion arises because Blue Moon is marketed and positioned as a craft beer, with an emphasis on its Belgian-style brewing techniques and premium ingredients. It is often served with a slice of orange, adding to its image as a unique and artisanal beer.
This marketing strategy has been quite successful, as Blue Moon has developed a strong following among beer enthusiasts who appreciate its flavor profile and perceived craft beer qualities. Many consumers may not even be aware that Blue Moon is owned by MillerCoors.
So, to answer the question directly, yes, MillerCoors and Blue Moon are owned by the same company, but Blue Moon is positioned and marketed as an independent craft beer brand within the MillerCoors portfolio. This dual identity has led to some legal disputes and controversies, with some craft beer purists accusing Blue Moon of misleading consumers.
However, it is worth noting that the term “craft beer” itself is quite subjective, and different people may have different definitions of what constitutes a craft brewery. Some argue that the ownership and size of a brewery should not matter as long as the beer is of high quality and brewed with care and attention to detail.
Ultimately, the ownership of a beer brand should not be the sole determining factor in whether you enjoy it or not. It's all about personal taste and preference. So, if you're a fan of Blue Moon, go ahead and enjoy it, knowing that it is part of the MillerCoors family of beers.