Blue Moon is not classified as an amber ale. While Blue Moon is a Belgian-style wheat beer, it does not fall into the category of an amber ale. Amber ales are typically characterized by their use of roasted malts, which give them a reddish-brown color and a rich, caramel-like flavor profile. Blue Moon, on the other hand, is brewed with a combination of malted barley, wheat, oats, and spiced with coriander and orange peel.
Blue Moon is often referred to as a Belgian-style witbier, which is a style of beer with origins in Belgium. Witbiers are typically brewed with a large portion of wheat, along with a mix of other ingredients such as orange peel, coriander, and sometimes other spices. They are known for their cloudy appearance, light body, and refreshing citrus flavors.
While Blue Moon does have some citrus notes from the addition of orange peel, it is not brewed with roasted malts like most amber ales. The absence of these roasted malts means that Blue Moon lacks the characteristic caramel flavors and reddish-brown color associated with amber ales.
I have had the pleasure of trying both Blue Moon and various amber ales, and the differences in flavor and appearance are quite distinct. Blue Moon has a lighter body and a more citrus-forward profile, while amber ales tend to have a richer, maltier flavor with a hint of caramel sweetness. The color of amber ales is also noticeably darker than that of Blue Moon, which has a pale golden hue.
Blue Moon is not considered an amber ale. While it shares some similarities with other Belgian-style wheat beers, it does not fit the criteria for an amber ale due to its lack of roasted malts and distinct flavor profile.