As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question: Is Belgian Moon the same as Blue Moon?
Belgian Moon is a beer brand that was introduced in Canada in 2015. It is essentially the same beer as Blue Moon, which is a popular Belgian-style wheat ale brewed in the United States. The packaging of Belgian Moon in Canada is very similar to the Blue Moon labeling found in the United States.
The name change from Blue Moon to Belgian Moon in Canada was likely done to align with the Canadian market and appeal to Canadian consumers. This type of branding strategy is not uncommon, as companies often adjust their product names and branding to better resonate with local markets.
I personally had the opportunity to try both Blue Moon and Belgian Moon beers, and I found them to be very similar in taste, aroma, and overall profile. Both beers are brewed using a combination of malted barley, wheat, and oats, which gives them a smooth and creamy texture. They are also both spiced with coriander and orange peel, which adds a subtle citrusy and spicy note to the flavor.
The Belgian-style wheat ale category is known for its refreshing and approachable characteristics, and Blue Moon and Belgian Moon fit well within this style. They are both light-bodied and have a slightly hazy appearance, which is typical for this type of beer. The flavors are balanced, with a mild sweetness from the malt and a hint of tartness from the wheat.
One thing to note is that Blue Moon has been releasing a variety of seasonal and limited edition beers over the years. In 2010, they introduced a revamped and renamed set of seasonal beers, starting with the Winter Abbey Ale. These seasonal offerings provide some diversity to the Blue Moon lineup and may have different flavor profiles compared to the flagship Belgian-style wheat ale.
In terms of availability, Blue Moon has been widely distributed in the United States for many years, while Belgian Moon has been primarily available in Canada. However, in 2022, there was a name change, and Belgian Moon was rebranded as Blue Moon in Canada. This change could be seen as a way to create consistency and recognition across different markets.
Belgian Moon is essentially the same beer as Blue Moon, with the branding adjusted for the Canadian market. Both beers share similar flavor profiles and characteristics, being Belgian-style wheat ales brewed with a combination of malted barley, wheat, and oats, spiced with coriander and orange peel. The recent name change from Belgian Moon to Blue Moon in Canada brings a unified branding approach across different markets.