Shock Top vs Blue Moon

Shock Top and Blue Moon are two of the most popular Belgian-style wheat beers in the United States.

Both beers are known for their refreshing taste and hazy appearance, but they do have some differences. In this article, we will compare Shock Top and Blue Moon in terms of their taste, ABV, calories, carbs, and ingredients to help you decide which one is the better choice for you.

Shock Top was introduced by Anheuser-Busch in 2006, while Blue Moon was first brewed by Keith Villa in 1995. Blue Moon is now owned by MillerCoors, while Shock Top is still owned by Anheuser-Busch.

Both beers are brewed using wheat, but Blue Moon also includes oats and barley in its brewing process. Shock Top, on the other hand, is brewed with wheat, oats, sorachi ace hops, and a unique blend of spices.

History and Origin

Shock Top and Blue Moon are both Belgian-style witbiers, a type of beer that originated in Belgium. The style is characterized by its cloudy appearance, light body, and spicy, citrusy flavor profile.

Blue Moon was created in 1995 by Keith Villa, a brewmaster who worked at the Sandlot Brewery owned by MillerCoors at the Coors Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Originally called “Bellyside White,” Blue Moon was inspired by the Belgian witbier style and was created to be a more approachable version of the style for American drinkers. The beer quickly gained popularity and was eventually acquired by Anheuser-Busch in 2006.

Shock Top, on the other hand, was introduced in 2006 by Anheuser-Busch as a response to the success of Blue Moon. The beer was created by brewmaster Pierre Celis, who had previously revived the Belgian white style with his own brewery, Hoegaarden. Shock Top was marketed as a “Belgian-style wheat ale” and was designed to compete directly with Blue Moon.

Despite being created by rival beer companies, both Blue Moon and Shock Top have become popular choices for drinkers looking for a refreshing, easy-drinking beer with a bit of flavor. While Blue Moon is often praised for its smooth, balanced flavor profile, Shock Top is known for its strong citrus notes and slightly sweeter finish.

Brewing Process

Ingredients

Both Shock Top and Blue Moon are Belgian-style wheat beers, or Witbiers, that are brewed with citrus.

The brewing process for these beers starts with the use of malted barley, unmalted wheat, and white wheat. The malted barley is used to provide the beer with its color, while the unmalted wheat and white wheat give it its characteristic cloudiness and smooth mouthfeel.

Brewing Techniques

The brewing process for both Shock Top and Blue Moon involves several steps. First, the malted barley and wheat are mixed with hot water to create a mash. This mixture is then heated and stirred to convert the starches in the grains into sugars.

Next, the liquid is separated from the grains and boiled with hops and other flavorings. After boiling, the liquid is cooled and yeast is added to start the fermentation process. The beer is then left to ferment for several days, during which time the yeast consumes the sugars in the liquid and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Once the fermentation process is complete, the beer is transferred to a secondary fermenter, where it is aged for several weeks. During this time, the beer becomes clearer and the flavors become more balanced. Finally, the beer is carbonated and bottled or kegged for distribution.

Taste and Flavor Profile

Shock Top

Shock Top is a wheat ale that has a unique blend of spices, including coriander and orange peel, which gives it a spicy and tangy flavor. The beer has a crisp, citrusy taste with a hint of pepper and a slightly sweet finish. Shock Top has a thin mouthfeel and is medium-bodied, making it easy to drink.

The citrus flavor in Shock Top comes from the addition of Valencia orange peel, lemon, and lime peels. These ingredients give the beer a refreshing and tangy taste that is perfect for hot summer days. The beer also has a spicy kick from the coriander, which adds depth to the flavor profile.

Blue Moon

Blue Moon is a Belgian-style wheat ale that has a creamy mouthfeel and a slightly sweet taste.

The beer has a robust flavor with citrus notes that are more potent than Shock Top. Blue Moon is brewed with oats and barley, which gives it a creamy texture. The beer has a medium-bodied mouthfeel, which makes it easy to drink.

The citrusy notes in Blue Moon come from the addition of Valencia orange peel, which gives the beer a tangy taste. The beer also has a hint of raspberry and a spicy finish from the use of coriander. The herbs used in the brewing process give the beer a complex flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Both Shock Top and Blue Moon are excellent choices for beer lovers who enjoy wheat ales with a citrusy twist. While Shock Top has a spicy kick and a thin mouthfeel, Blue Moon has a creamy texture and a more robust flavor. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.