Blue Moon Brewing Co’s gold-medal winning hazy pale ale will be sold across the US.

Moon Haze, which beat out 136 competing entries from breweries across the US to be named best juicy or hazy pale ale at last year’s Great American Beer Festival, is set to be released this week.

The beer, available in six-packs and 12-packs of cans, is Blue Moon’s first national, year-round offering since Blue Moon LightSky’s release last year.

“It’s no secret the hazy segment is on fire, and this is our award-winning entry to that category – bright, juicy, orange and most importantly, unmistakably Blue Moon,” says Mara Schaefer, senior director of brand marketing for Molson Coors Beverage Company’s above-premium brands.

“For over 25 years, Blue Moon has been a pioneer in the craft segment and as drinking preferences evolve, we are always looking for something new to bring to the table, while still being true to our roots as a brand. Moon Haze is exactly that.”

The haze craze has taken over the craft market, as breweries seek to meet consumer demand for beers packed with citrus flavour and aroma. 

Moon Haze is a Blue Moon beer through and through, brewed with whole dried oranges, giving it the brewery’s signature citrus notes. It weighs in at 5.7% alcohol by volume, putting it in the middle range of hazy potency.

Pouring a deep hazy straw colour with a thick frothy head, it won’t be foreign to fans of Blue Moon’s flagship Belgian White, says John Legnard, Blue Moon’s brewmaster.

“It surprises and delights because it has all the fruitiness and creaminess of a Belgian White, but it’s got a little more hop bite, and finishes super juicy and super clean,” he says. “It hits on all cylinders.”