Blue Moon Light Citrus Wheat

Blue Moon Light Citrus Wheat is a 4.0% ABV wheat ale from Blue Moon Brewing Co. in Colorado, positioned as the lower-alcohol sibling of the brewery's flagship Belgian White. It is brewed with orange peel and a touch of coriander, the spice pairing that defines Belgian-style witbier. In a version this light, expect the citrus to lead and the coriander to sit in the background as a faint herbal, slightly peppery note. Wheat-based beers like this usually pour hazy and pale gold with a soft, pillowy body. They also tend to have very little hop bitterness, so the finish stays clean and dry rather than sharp. At 4.0%, the beer is built for steady drinking more than for sipping slowly. Wheat ales at this strength usually carry a light, bready sweetness and a gentle, lively carbonation that keeps the orange character from feeling heavy or sugary. Anyone who finds the regular Belgian White a bit full will likely find this one easier going, and anyone expecting a bitter, hop-driven profile should look at a pale ale or IPA instead. For food, the citrus and mild spice suit dishes that would normally take a squeeze of lemon or lime. Grilled shrimp, fish tacos, ceviche, and green salads with a vinaigrette all work. So do soft cheeses like goat cheese or fresh mozzarella, and lightly spiced chicken or Thai-style noodle dishes, where the coriander echoes the seasoning. Very rich or heavily smoked dishes will overwhelm a beer this delicate. Serve it cold, around 38 to 42°F (3 to 6°C), which keeps the carbonation crisp and the orange aroma clean. A standard pint glass works, but a wide-mouthed wheat beer glass or a tulip-style glass shows off the haze and holds the foam and aromatics better. Pour with a little vigor, because wheat beers rely on a modest head to carry their citrus scent. Many drinkers add an orange slice, though the beer already has plenty of citrus character, so the garnish is optional.