Blue Moon Cinnamon Horchata Ale: Master Brewer Keith Villa Talks Mexico-Inspired Beer [VIDEO]

Colorado-based brewery Blue Moon will be launching a specialized flavor on August 1: Cinnamon Horchata Ale. Inspired by the classic Latino-Spanish beverage horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah), the beverage is believed to have made its way to Mexico, before spreading throughout Central America, via the Spaniards.

But for Blue Moon, the Cinnamon Horchata Ale is nostalgic and an ode to founder and head brewmaster Keith Villa's roots. "The new Blue Moon Cinnamon Horchata Ale is [Villa's] latest creation and one inspired by his heritage," shares the brewery in a statement. "As a third generation Mexican, Keith remembers drinking horchata at home while growing up. For the new Cinnamon Horchata Ale, he went back to his roots and developed a brew of which he is particular proud."

The beer, which has a 5.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) value, has a sweet finish with hints of cinnamon and a creamy body from the rice and beans used to create the beverage.

"It's a beer that I recreated and I was really, really happy with the flavor profile," said Villa. "The cinnamon, the nice creaminess and the mouth feel. I think it will appeal to everybody. And I hope it does -- I really tried to go for a nice cinnamon subtly sweet taste on the first sip."

And while the beer can be paired with almost anything, Villa recommends pairing it with desserts and semi-soft cheeses. Watch the video below to hear more about the drink from Villa.