Over the past few months and even years I’ve finally realized that my favorite beer is Blue Moon. Given that I was never a huge beer fan, this is a powerful thing to take in.
I started drinking when I entered college, which is pretty much the typical age of when people start drinking. The only beers I ever encountered were commonalities such as Miller Lite or Bud Lite.
The Introduction
I usually discovered these types of beers in a giant keg. This is also where I learned to dispense beer from a keg, achieving a small amount of foam at the top without spilling it.
Although some would say otherwise, I think the main goal was not to enjoy the flavor but to benefit from the after effects of alcohol in your system. The fact that I was drinking cheap beer in plastic red cups didn’t bother me at all. It was only until after college when I entered the adult world, that I realized there are other beers.
Not only others beers – but really good beers.
When I met my roommate, he always wanted to go to pubs or bars that catered local or unique beers such as IPAs (India Pale Ale) and other micro brews. I was reluctant at first, as most people are, when they may have to leave their comfort zone to explore.
When I began to branch out into other beers such as Corona, Heineken and eventually Sam Adams, I had a new thought – almost a new feeling. Beer is good!
I actually remember my first encounter with Blue Moon. It was at a local lounge in Huntington Beach, with live music. Not the most impressive or upscale place, but a small, down to earth space, dimly lit and casual.
My roommate brought me an ice cold glass with golden beer inside and a small layer of foam at the top. There was a fresh orange wedge slicing the rim of the glass.
My First Moment
Let me just add a small preface to the moment when I first sipped the Blue Moon. I had had an extremely long work week and crawled home with the intention of sitting in front of the television to pass out. Spontaneously we had decided to go out and see where the night would take us.
So, after my sip, I actually appreciated the taste. There were really beers out there that don’t taste overpowering with alcohol or bitterness.
The Blue Moon actually tasted refreshing, orangy and perfect. Added with the live music, good company and the all encompassing great feeling of trying something new and enjoying it, I felt satisfied. Blue Moon is tasty.
Over time, I did try other beers, Stella Artois, Fat Tire and Boddington’s just to name a few. Though I had come out of my comfort zone of sticking to light and girlish cocktails, I felt I had reached a new comfort zone: Blue Moon.
This beer has been my pal through two autumns, winters, springs and summers now and it hasn’t grown old.
So here’s a little ode to Blue Moon that I felt compelled to write, only because it has never asked anything from me in return. Blue Moon, you are so unselfish.
Ode to Beer
Ahh the iciness of a fresh drink
Blue Moon
I tasted you none too soon
It’s been only appropriate to sit back, to smile
To sip you or gulp you
Depends on the day (or night)
Well, on both occasions it goes down just right
Orange, foamy world of goodness
Pleasurable in good and bad weather
I’m glad you and I have a long way to go
Together.