Beer is a beloved beverage enjoyed by many around the world. With its vast array of styles and flavors, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Two popular choices in the wheat beer category are Shock Top and Blue Moon. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences that set them apart.
Let's start with Blue Moon, the number one craft beer in the United States. Brewed by Coors in Denver, Colorado, Blue Moon is an unfiltered Belgian-style wheat beer with an ABV of 5.4%. This beer has gained immense popularity for its refreshing taste and unique flavor profile. It offers a light-bodied and hazy appearance, characteristic of a traditional wheat beer. The dominant flavor in Blue Moon is fresh-squeezed orange, which gives it a citrusy and slightly sweet taste. Hints of coriander add a subtle spice and complexity to the overall flavor. Blue Moon is a great choice for those who enjoy a lighter beer with a fruity twist.
On the other hand, Shock Top is another popular wheat beer option. Bottled at 5.2% ABV, Shock Top is a medium-bodied and unfiltered beer. It offers a slightly different flavor profile compared to Blue Moon. Shock Top has a refreshing lime taste, complemented by notes of coriander and orange. The lime flavor adds a zesty and tangy element to the beer, while the coriander and orange provide a subtle balance of sweetness and spiciness. Shock Top is a great choice for those who prefer a wheat beer with a more pronounced citrus flavor.
If you enjoy the taste of Blue Moon and are looking to explore similar options, there are a few other wheat beers worth trying. Stoudts Weizen, brewed by Stoudts Brewing Company, offers a light and refreshing taste with an ABV of 5.0%. Avery White Rascal, brewed by Avery Brewing Company, is another great choice with an ABV of 5.6%. Paulaner Hefeweizen, Schneider Weisse Hefe Weizen, Climax Hoffman Hefeweizen, Troegs DreamWeaver, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, and Magic Hat #9 are also highly recommended wheat beers that offer a variety of flavors and styles.
Both Shock Top and Blue Moon are popular choices in the wheat beer category. Blue Moon offers a fresh-squeezed orange profile with hints of coriander, while Shock Top has a mellow lime flavor accompanied by coriander and orange notes. If you enjoy Blue Moon, there are several other wheat beers available that might pique your interest. Ultimately, the choice between Shock Top and Blue Moon, as well as other wheat beers, comes down to personal preference and taste. So go ahead, explore the world of wheat beers and discover your new favorite brew.
Is Shock Top The Same As Blue Moon?
Shock Top and Blue Moon are not the same beer, although they do share some similarities. Here are the key differences between the two:
1. Flavor Profile: Blue Moon has a fresh-squeezed orange profile with hints of coriander. On the other hand, Shock Top offers mellow lime, coriander, and orange flavors.
2. ABV (Alcohol by Volume): Blue Moon has an ABV of 5.4 percent, while Shock Top is slightly lower at 5.2 percent.
3. Body and Clarity: Blue Moon is light-bodied and hazy, while Shock Top is described as medium-bodied and unfiltered.
4. Brewing Company: Blue Moon is brewed by the Blue Moon Brewing Company, which is a subsidiary of MillerCoors. Shock Top, on the other hand, is brewed by the Anheuser-Busch InBev company.
It's important to note that while both beers are Belgian-style wheat ales and share some similarities, they have distinct flavors and characteristics.
What Beer Is Closest To Shock Top?
If you're looking for a beer that is similar to Shock Top, there are a few options that you might enjoy. Here are some popular choices:
1. Blue Moon: As mentioned earlier, Blue Moon is a Belgian-style wheat beer just like Shock Top. It is brewed by Coors and has a similar ABV of 5.4%. Blue Moon is known for its smooth and refreshing taste, with hints of citrus and a slightly spicy finish.
2. Hoegaarden: This Belgian wheat beer is another great option for those who enjoy Shock Top. It has a slightly higher ABV of 4.9% and is brewed with a blend of wheat, barley, and spices. Hoegaarden has a cloudy appearance and a crisp, citrusy flavor.
3. Allagash White: Hailing from Maine, Allagash White is a popular American interpretation of a Belgian-style witbier. It has a slightly higher ABV of 5.1% and is brewed with a blend of malted barley, malted wheat, and a unique strain of yeast. Allagash White offers a balance of fruity and spicy flavors with a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Avery White Rascal: This Colorado-based brewery offers a witbier called White Rascal that is often compared to Shock Top. It has a slightly higher ABV of 5.6% and is brewed with coriander and Curaçao orange peel, giving it a zesty and refreshing taste.
5. Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat: From Kansas City, Missouri, Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat is a popular choice for those seeking a wheat beer similar to Shock Top. It has a slightly lower ABV of 4.4% and is brewed with a blend of malted barley and malted wheat. Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat has a clean, crisp flavor with subtle notes of citrus.
These beers are all excellent choices if you enjoy the refreshing and citrusy flavors of Shock Top. Remember, taste preferences can vary, so it's always a good idea to try a few different options to find the one that suits your palate best.
Conclusion
Beer is a diverse and beloved beverage that offers a wide range of flavors and styles to suit every palate. Whether you prefer a light and refreshing lager, a hoppy and bitter IPA, or a smooth and malty stout, there is a beer out there for you. From traditional German brews like hefeweizens and pilsners to American craft beers and international imports, the world of beer is constantly evolving and expanding. With its rich history and cultural significance, beer has become more than just a drink – it is a social lubricant, a symbol of celebration, and a source of enjoyment for millions of people around the globe. So, next time you're at the bar or browsing the beer aisle, take a chance and try something new. You never know, you might just discover your new favorite brew. Cheers!
