As Memorial Day weekend arrives and summer begins to settle in, it’s the perfect time to slow down, gather with friends and family, and enjoy the kinds of beers built for warm afternoons and long evenings outdoors. For more than three decades, Blue Star has been our answer to the perfect craft beer for summer: light, flavorful, and brewed with balance in mind. This Memorial Day weekend, we’re taking a closer look at the story behind Blue Star, how it evolved over the years, and what continues to make it one of our favorite warm-weather beers to brew and enjoy.
The Story behind Blue Star
Blue Star was first released on tap in our Pub in 1994. The beer was originally going to be called Thomas & Mark’s Wheat Beer, named of course for co-founders Tom Allen and Mark Ruedrich. However, Tom wanted to give it a stronger visual identity and name, finding inspiration in the nearby Blue Star Memorial Highway sign in Willits. The Blue Star Memorial Highways are a nationwide network of highways designated to honor those who defend us in the armed forces. The name felt bright and strong, and was a natural fit for the beer’s summery, approachable character.
Even in those early days on tap, Blue Star quickly became a favorite. VP of Administration & Operations Sheila Martins remembers that “Blue Star was an immediate success at the Pub. People loved it! It was so delightful; it had that summery quality.” That easygoing, fresh character helped define the beer early on. Light, flavorful, and approachable, it stood apart as a wheat beer built around balance and drinkability.
Meet the Beer
Blue Star is a light, refreshing wheat beer. Unfiltered and naturally hazy, it carries a soft wheat character with subtle fruity notes and a smooth, clean finish. The suspended yeast adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile without overwhelming the beer’s approachable nature.
Part of what gives Blue Star its smooth drinkability is the use of Noble hops, a traditional family of European hops prized for their refined aroma and softer bitterness. Because hops contribute much to a beer’s bitterness, using Noble hops creates a gentler, smoother profile that complements the fruity wheat malt notes.
The result is an easy-drinking craft beer perfect for summer: flavorful without feeling heavy, thirst-quenching without being overly thin, and with an ABV of only 4.5%, it’s the kind of beer you can enjoy all afternoon long.
What makes Blue Star different from Hefeweizen?
While Blue Star shares some similarities with traditional wheat beers, it takes a different approach than a classic Hefeweizen. Many Hefeweizens are known for expressive yeast strains that create strong banana and clove flavors. We used a more neutral yeast for Blue Star, allowing the soft, fruity character of the wheat malt itself to come forward. This also makes it feel lighter, cleaner, and especially refreshing for warm-weather drinking, balanced enough for long-term craft beer fans while remaining approachable for newer drinkers as well.
Easy Summer Pairings
Blue Star’s soft wheat character and clean finish make it an especially versatile beer for backyard gatherings and relaxed summer meals. Its light, silky profile pairs beautifully with mild cheeses like fresh goat cheese, brie, mozzarella, burrata, and baby Swiss, making it an easy addition to a summer cheese board or appetizer spread without overpowering its delicate balance.
As the grill gets going, Blue Star is equally at home alongside seafood and shellfish, from grilled shrimp skewers to flaky white fish right off the barbecue. It also pairs well with grilled chicken dishes, particularly those seasoned with lighter herbs and citrus rather than heavy smoke or spice, as well as crisp green salads.
Blue Star’s lighter body and delicate flavor profile make it best suited to fresh, balanced dishes rather than anything overly rich, smoky, or heavily spiced. When building your own pairings, think of bright, simple summer flavors that let the beer’s smooth wheat character stays in front and center.
Raise a Glass
As Memorial Day weekend welcomes the start of summer, we hope Blue Star finds its place at backyard tables, patio dinners, and gatherings shared with the people who matter most. Brewed to be approachable, refreshing, and easy to share, it’s a beer made for sharing and raising a glass together.
