Blue Moon “Rising Moon” Spring Ale Review
April 24, 2008
So it seems that Blue Moon Brewing Company won a bunch of gold medals at this year’s World Beer Cup. After reading the news, I decided it would be timely and make sense to review a Blue Moon beer that I had on hand.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Blue Moon over the last year, but it didn’t seem to be that common in the Jersey area until recently. I was given a six-pack of the Blue Moon “Rising Moon”, which is their seasonal Spring Ale, and this will be the beer I am reviewing for The Brew Club today.
According to the label, Rising Moon spring ale is a blend of “...three varieties of specialty malts with Kieffer lime leaves and lime peel…” I know there is something of a trend with these lime-flavored beers, so I wasn’t sure if the Blue Moon entry was going to be a leader, or a follower. Let’s see!
I opened it normally and poured it into my standard reviewing glass (I know, its an iced-tea glass. Blasphemy!) It poured nicely, and created a pretty foamy head that almost went over the glass on me! The beer simmered-down shortly in the glass, and I began my sensory investigation.
Blue Moon’s Rising Moon had a very nice amber color to it in the glass. It was nice and clear, and it had some bubble-action, but nothing crazy. The Rising Moon Seasonal Ale had something of an odd smell to it that I can’t really describe, but it did not smell like limes. It smelt a little weird actually, and overall, the smell is what I likes least about this beer. Can a scent be described as “bitter”?
Anyway, I took a swig and was on the lookout for an overpowering lime attack on my taste buds, but that did not happen. What I found after drinking this beer was that the lime flavor was quite delicate, and really could only be detected after the beer went down. A subtle lime aftertaste is the best I can describe it. It is definitely not lime-flavored beer, which in my mind, is a good thing.
The Rising Moon went down pretty smoothly, didn’t sting or taste bitter at all, in spite of what the scent might have had me predict. Overall, it was enjoyable to drink.
Would I buy it again or recommend it to a friend? Sure, I guess I would. It wouldn’t be at the top of my list, but the Rising Moon spring seasonal ale is certainly a decent beer with that stands out as just a little different, and not quite what you might expect.
Rating: 
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Posted in 3 Star Reviews, Ales, American Beers, Seasonal Beers, Wheat Beers
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December 6th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
I have found that all blue moon beers are smooth and very flavorful (in a good way) my first experience was at a country club dinner I had just the regular blue moon from draft with a slice of orange. Very pleasant, smooth… I love Blue moon!
June 30th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
This was awesome! I wasn’t too sure but I tried it. I liked the hidden lime taste. It was GREAT in my pizza dough. We make pizza with pineapple and veggies. The dough froze well and cooked great. I HIGHLY recommend this beer for pizza dough and drinking…>^,,^<
March 7th, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Blue Moon (Coors) screwed up when they changed the formula of this tasty brew! I got scared when they changed the name from “Rising Moon” to “Blue Moon Spring Blonde Ale” (or some crap like that), but I purchased it anyway. Upon pouring it into a glass I noticed the darker amber color was replaced with a lighter golden one. It was then that I realized my fears had to be true then got confimation when I tasted it. How could they do this?? Seems to me they’re riding the coat tails of another company who commited the same crime – Sam Adams got rid of their awesome White Ale (spring seasonal) for Noble Pils. Both of these transitions were so similar I had to raise an eyebrow (Sam was first of course). Apparenty I’m in the minority as I can’t imagine any beer company changing a formula that’s selling well…..oh, well.
March 7th, 2011 at 8:57 pm
@Thomas – Thanks again for the comment! From what I recall of the ‘Rising Moon’, it had a little lime-action in it. I could see them ditching the lime and releasing a new Spring seasonal as the lime beer stuff just seemed like a fad a few years back. (Remember Bud Light Lime? Yech!) You preferred the Rising Moon to this new one? I haven’t tried the new one yet.
The Sam Adams Noble Pils on the other hand, is not a reformulation of the ‘White Ale’ so much as a completely different beer for Spring. I was sad to see the White Ale go too, but after I tried the Noble Pils, I wasn’t so sad anymore! White Ale still can be found in the latest Sam Adams (Winter, and American Classics) variety packs. Stock up!
March 8th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
YES, I’ve noticed the White Ale mixed in that variety pack!! Though I probably won’t like half of the beers in that pack it’s worth it to get to that White Ale! Maybe I can get a buddy to go in half with me. Thanks anyway for the info!
March 8th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
@Thomas – No problem. Actually, there are a few good ones in the variety pack (I thought so anyway). Give it a shot!
June 18th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I too am very saddened to see that Rising Moon is no longer available. It was my favorite of all the varieties. I am trying the new Spring Blonde Wheat Ale right now, and it is pretty good. Instead of the lime, it has lemon & orange peel. I’m happy that this new version isn’t a total disappointment, but I will always feel a tug on my heart thinking about the Rising Moon
June 19th, 2011 at 12:49 am
Thanks Lisa for sharing. I think maybe once that lime beer craze started to fizzle, the Blue Moon people thought it might be wise to move on. Good to hear the replacement is decent, though.
January 28th, 2012 at 9:49 am
Thomas and Scott,
While we may agree that Blue Moon is the best American White available on a large scale, there is Ommegang Witte available. Also dont forget the original Hoegaarden available almost everywhere beer is sold and not that much more on the expensive side.
January 28th, 2012 at 10:54 am
@jason – thanks for the comment. Both of your suggestions are superior choices!