Fat Tire by New Belgium Brewing Inc.

Beer specs

Preferred vessel: Pint glass
Color: 13 SRM

Beer details: Rating: 69; Fat Tire; Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Inc. · Fort Collins, CO; Variety: Ale · American Ale · American Amber / Red Ale; Alcohol: ABV 5.20% / ABW 4.16%; Preferred vessel: Pint glass; Color: Red/Brown (American Amber) (13 SRM); Added by Tom Watson; Last updated by OneMore

Named in honor of our founder Jeff’s bike trip through Belgium, Fat Tire Amber Ale marks a turning point in the young electrical engineer’s home brewing. Belgian beers use a far broader pallet of ingredients (fruits, spices, esoteric yeast strains) than German or English styles. Jeff found the Belgian approach freeing. Upon his return, Jeff created Fat Tire and Abbey Belgian Ale, (assuming Abbey would be his big gun). He and his wife, Kim traveled around sampling their homebrews to the public. Fat Tire’s appeal quickly became evident. People liked everything about it. Except the name. Fat Tire won fans is in its sense of balance: toasty, biscuit-like malt flavors coasting in equilibrium with hoppy freshness. ( I like the name )

Smooth, Malty, Crisp, Toasted, Amber

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Reviews

Review by Tom Watson

Rating: 89

Tom Watson

drank this beer from a Bottle in Seattle, WA

Oct. 11th, 2008 at 8:54 a.m.

Comment:
My favorite “go to” beer at the grocery store or on-tap. It’s great for drinking year round, and if I’m not quite sure what I’m in the mood for this beer usually fits the bill. An almost perfect balance of flavor and freshness.

Characteristics: biscuit fresh malt toasty
Review by Keith

Rating: 73

Keith

drank this beer from a Bottle in Seattle, WA

Oct. 11th, 2008 at 2:21 p.m.

Comment:
Fat Tire is a great beer for one of those evenings when you just plan on savoring a couple. It goes down fairly easy, but has quite a bit of flavor. It’s very toasty and crisp.

Characteristics: crisp flavorful toasty
Review by Mr. Asher

Rating: 75

Mr. Asher

drank this beer from a Bottle in Lenexa, KS

Oct. 27th, 2008 at 1:20 p.m.

Comment:
New Belgium’s flagship beer. Not bad, mind you, but a little heavy for my regular, everyday drinking tastes.

Characteristics:
Review by Brian

Rating: 60

Brian

drank this beer from a Tulip in Denver, CO

Oct. 27th, 2008 at 2:32 p.m.

Comment:
You gotta hand it to New Belgium for really stepping out and getting good beer to the masses. For that reason, it gets an extra pat on the back from me. Also, as I talked to the New Belgium Festivarian at the GABF, I really felt a love they have for their craft. That said, as an amber this one isn’t mind-blowing. It’s good, reliable and still very yummy. It’s attractive, pouring light amber colored with a white head. It tastes crisp and just a tiny bit malty with somewhat noticeable bittering from the hops. I most recently had this from the bottle and I seem to remember a richer taste from on tap.

Characteristics: amber crisp rich
Review by Steve Ercolini

Rating: 88

Steve Ercolini

drank this beer from a Bottle in Renton, WA

Nov. 1st, 2008 at 6:23 p.m.

Comment:
One of my favorite “everyday” beer. I could drink this year round and be happy.

It’s malty, toasty, biscuity, and ever so slightly caramel flavor.

A great beer for the masses!

Also available in cans, but I have not had it this way yet.

Characteristics: biscuity caramel malty toasty
Review by Chris Merritt

Rating: 88

Chris Merritt

drank this beer from a Bottle in Dallas, TX

Jan. 7th, 2009 at 12:24 p.m.

Comment:
Also one of my favorite beers. Near-perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Toasty and bright.

Characteristics: amber bright crisp toasty wheat
Review by Travis Gertz

Rating: 75

Travis Gertz

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Jan. 7th, 2009 at 4:17 p.m.

Comment:
Never a bad choice but not something I tend to seek out. I’ve always had it on tap at the pub when nothing else sticks out.

Saying that, it is an enjoyable ale, that I would recommend any beer drinker try out.

Characteristics: amber crisp malty toasty
Review by luxuryluke

Rating: 90

luxuryluke

drank this beer from a Goblet in Long Beach, CA

Jan. 9th, 2009 at 4:11 p.m.

Comment:
YUUUUUUuuuummmmmy!

Characteristics: biscuity Christmas dangerous Delishisness
Review by shouldertree

Rating: 91

shouldertree

drank this beer from a Bottle

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 11:04 a.m.

Comment:
Nothing “Fat Tire” about this beer other than the “Fat Tire” it puts on my waist as I continue to consume and enjoy this amazing beer.

As many have said - this is a great year round beer and never fails to please.

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Review by brosner

Rating: 84

brosner

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 11:21 a.m.

Comment:
This is one of my most favorite beers. New Belgium makes excellent beers. Not my favorite New Belgium. I will generally use this beer as my default beer.

Characteristics: amber toasty
Review by JPatrice

Rating: 20

JPatrice

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 11:27 a.m.

Comment:
I don’t mean to skew the charts on this one, but… Fat Tire used to be a decent Amber. Although, I am not a big fan of Ambers, its taste was distinct and of a discernible quality. However, something happened in the last few years (I think it was 2007), New Belgium had to have tweaked the recipe because it now has the distinct taste of pork. I would no longer qualify this as a “good” Amber Ale.

Characteristics: Pork
Review by Parker

Rating: 20

Parker

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 11:47 a.m.

Comment:
Really? Is there this much Fat Tire love going on out there? This might be the one “higher-shelf” beer that I go out of my way to avoid. This is a sentiment that I’ve found to be quite common. I agree with JPatrice… there is something distinctly off about Fat Tire. Maybe not pork, per se (I’m think more along the lines of metallic and unnatural, maybe even salty). I’m a big fan of toasty, hoppy ales — truly — but in my mind, Fat Tire is one of the worst of it’s kind.

Characteristics: funky metallic salt toasty
Review by Anton

Rating: 65

Anton

drank this beer from a Bottle in Peoria, IL

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 12:25 p.m.

Comment:
Living in a region where cheap domestic canned-beer runs wild, this beast remains one of my favorite “easy-to-obtain” beers. A few bottles of these are a fine companion to sitting at home with a gaming console and big screen!

Characteristics:
Review by Camron Flanders

Rating: 78

Camron Flanders

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Lawrence, KS

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 1:29 p.m.

Comment:

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Review by Baxter

Rating: 68

Baxter

drank this beer from a Bottle in Phoenix, AZ

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 6:24 p.m.

Comment:
I like Fat Tire quite a bit, but I think the folks suggesting the recipe has changed may be right. The last few I’ve had have been much worse than I remember.

Characteristics:
Review by Jeremy Boles

Rating: 57

Jeremy Boles

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Estes Park, CO

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 7:43 p.m.

Comment:
Like a lot of people, this was one of my “gateway beers” into good beers (actually beer in general). Since those times, my tastes have changed and I just do not enjoy it much any more. It is malty and has flavor, but just seems very ho-hum to me. Although, I do appreciate that it’s a beer that people will serve social events that is not Budwiser (at least here in CO).

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Review by Chase Taylor

Rating: 80

Chase Taylor

drank this beer from a Bottle in Seattle, WA

Jan. 13th, 2009 at 10 p.m.

Comment:
A good go-to standby in my book, but clearly not a taste for everyone. Smooth, a little sweet and I guess you’d call it caramel. I almost prefer the consistency of the bottles year-round, after maybe one or two “off” pints in the past few years.

Characteristics: caramel semi-sweet smooth
Review by heyoka

Rating: 85

heyoka

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Raleigh, NC

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.

Comment:

Characteristics: biscuity buttery hoppy
Review by Casey

Rating: 75

Casey

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Knoxville, TN

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 7:43 a.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by sebleier

Rating: 85

sebleier

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Lawrence, KS

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 10:04 a.m.

Comment:
Fat Tire is not a favorite of mine, but seems to be a good fall back if nothing else good is available.

Characteristics:
Review by Scott Burkhalter

Rating: 83

Scott Burkhalter

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Abilene, TX

Jan. 14th, 2009 at noon

Comment:
Classic flavor. Bitterness is really nice if you’re enjoying this beer with peppery steak.

Characteristics: hoppy smooth
Review by &y

Rating: 52

&y

drank this beer from a Bottle in Seattle, WA

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 12:52 p.m.

Comment:
An amber beer with a overly sweet, malty character that results in an unpleasant aftertaste. Best when drank ice cold.

Characteristics: malty sweet
Review by Ryan Schroeder

Rating: 61

Ryan Schroeder

drank this beer from a Can in Seattle, WA

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 2:12 p.m.

Comment:
Finally! A decent beer you can take to the beach! Now that Fat Tire comes in cans I can avoid the Coors Light and still enjoy the bon fire.

Characteristics:
Review by walker

Rating: 82

walker

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Chicago, IL

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 3:11 p.m.

Comment:
Ever since this showed up in Chicago, it became a the micro-brew that is available when no others are and you’re at a bar that you usually reserve for pbr/old style night.

Characteristics: malty toast
Review by Steve Smith

Rating: 50

Steve Smith

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Austin, TX

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 4:16 p.m.

Comment:
An average amber. It has a good enough flavor, but it always feels a little grainy or powdery to me. But always consistent and decent, it’s an ok go-to if there’s nothing else around.

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Review by Chimpotle

Rating: 75

Chimpotle

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Lenexa, KS

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 6:36 p.m.

Comment:
A good, go-to beer. I drink a lot of this the further West I venture, when it’s the only decent choice in a selection of Bud and Coors. Good in a bottle, on tap or in their new cans.

Characteristics: amber
Review by Mr. Benner

Rating: 80

Mr. Benner

drank this beer from a Bottle in Los Angeles, CA

Jan. 14th, 2009 at 7:18 p.m.

Comment:
This beer is a good beer. I like it’s slight nutty flavor, and it strikes a good bitter/sweet balance. Goes extremely well with BBQ.

Characteristics: bitter nutty toast
Review by Ryan

Rating: 75

Ryan

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Lexington, KY

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 8:02 a.m.

Comment:
Since New Belgium doesn’t distribute in Kentucky, this 12er came from a coworker on a trip to Tennessee. I asked him to pick me some up after some serious fluffing from those who’ve had it.

It didn’t totally live up.

I’m not about to slam this beer. It’s a fine meal-paired beer or one to drink quite a few of at a time.

It’s also one of the best “transition”-type beers I’ve had. Any developing beer drinker would do well to get on this boat.

It’s not overly hopped or malted; it’s balanced, leaning toward the smooth malt side.

Very clear and light-bodied. There is some slightly off sweetness going on here that I don’t particularly favor.

Worth a drink. Worth several on one of those nights.

Not world class, doesn’t aim to be. It’s quite nice for what it is and is refreshing when good and cold. Less so as it warms.

Characteristics: malty semi-sweet smooth
Review by Mark Eagleton

Rating: 15

Mark Eagleton

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Woodland, CA

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 9:47 a.m.

Comment:
I couldn’t agree more with JPatrice, Parker an &y. This beer has a very distinct, and very unpleasant after taste, as if there is a contaminant or bad reaction taking place somewhere in the brewing process. I’m still not convinced that this isn’t the case.

The first few times I tried this beer, I thought I had a bad batch. Most of the time I go without when it’s the only thing on hand, although I did discover once that it pairs well with red licorice.

Characteristics: biscuit caramel metallic
Review by Jason Weaver

Rating: 88

Jason Weaver

drank this beer from a Bottle

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 10:13 a.m.

Comment:
I had this beer with Fanny Bay Oysters. Good flavor and length.

Characteristics:
Review by Ted

Rating: 16

Ted

drank this beer from a Bottle in Solana Beach, CA

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 7:05 p.m.

Comment:
I used to like Fat Tire, but at some point in the last few years, it really lost all of its appeal to me. Maybe the recipe changed, or the ingredient supply, or it’s all in my head. Regardless, I really can’t stand the stuff now.

Characteristics: gross
Review by Craig C.

Rating: 80

Craig C.

drank this beer from a Pint glass

Jan. 15th, 2009 at 10:45 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by Hillary Hartley

Rating: 64

Hillary Hartley

drank this beer from a Bottle in Homewood, CA

Jan. 16th, 2009 at 12:38 a.m.

Comment:
as others have said, FT is a decent “everyday,” “go-to,” “if nothing else is around” beer. interesting to read the comments about a potential recipe change — i thought maybe it was my 7yr tastebud swap. recently have not enjoyed it as much, and seems to depend a lot on the accompanying food. not so great if i’m just out for a beer.

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Review by Eaton

Rating: 75

Eaton

drank this beer from a Bottle

Jan. 16th, 2009 at 7:48 a.m.

Comment:
As others have said, Fat Tire is a fine everyday beer with good flavor and not too much bitterness. Easy to find at most grocery stores and restaurants, as well.

Characteristics:
Review by William Biwer

Rating: 77

William Biwer

drank this beer from a Bottle in St. Paul, MN

Jan. 16th, 2009 at 9:28 a.m.

Comment:
Good beer from Colorado. Didn’t live up to its hype.

Characteristics: malty smooth
Review by Chris J

Rating: 43

Chris J

drank this beer from a Bottle in Bloomington, MN

Jan. 16th, 2009 at 2:43 p.m.

Comment:
Friends who I respect really talked this one up to me, but I didn’t care for it. Strong, unusual aftertaste and very strongly bitter but don’t recall the more complex hop flavors usually associated with that much bitter. Maybe it’s just not to my taste — I was big into bitter ales for a while but not so much anymore.

Characteristics: bitter hard to like hoppy strong
Review by Jeremy Carbaugh

Rating: 85

Jeremy Carbaugh

drank this beer from a Pint glass in San Antonio, TX

Jan. 16th, 2009 at 7:33 p.m.

Comment:
A real nicely balanced beer. It is malty, but has enough bitterness to keep it from being overly sweet. It is smooth, but has a good full flavor. This beer is great if you are planning on having a few drinks as it is neither too heavy nor too boring.

I have a hard time finding it in my area so I go for it whenever I have a chance.

Characteristics: amber balanced malty smooth
Review by Adrienne A.

Rating: 20

Adrienne A.

drank this beer from a Bottle

Jan. 16th, 2009 at 8:25 p.m.

Comment:
This beer tastes odd to me. I like a wide range of beer, from wheat beer to stout, but the first time I tried this I actually thought that it reminded me of Budweiser. I won’t ever drink this again.

Characteristics: insipid mainstream
Review by Sean McCann

Rating: 80

Sean McCann

drank this beer from a Bottle in Berkeley, CA

Jan. 16th, 2009 at 8:31 p.m.

Comment:
This is a great beer after a nice day at work. I drank it after eating beef and it seemed to compliment perfectly.

Characteristics:
Review by Cory

Rating: 82

Cory

drank this beer from a Bottle in Portland, OR

Jan. 17th, 2009 at 11:03 a.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by Natalie Greco

Rating: 55

Natalie Greco

drank this beer from a Bottle in Seattle, WA

Jan. 17th, 2009 at 2:34 p.m.

Comment:
I find myself drinking this when I don’t have much else around. Usually at a friends house after I run out of something else. Good all around, but not my favorite.

Characteristics:
Review by Matt Lewis

Rating: 76

Matt Lewis

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Cincinnati, OH

Jan. 20th, 2009 at 10:14 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by Vanessa

Rating: 75

Vanessa

drank this beer from a Bottle in Seattle, WA

Jan. 20th, 2009 at 10:27 p.m.

Comment:
rich tasty malty beer but just a touch too bitter for my taste, but still one of my favorites.

Characteristics: bitter malty rich
Review by Dave S.

Rating: 82

Dave S.

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Austin, TX

Jan. 21st, 2009 at 12:01 a.m.

Comment:
There’s not much I can add to the review pool at this point that hasn’t already been said. Fat Tire is a great ale, with a distinctive taste that you either love at first sip, or you don’t.

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Review by Ben J

Rating: 35

Ben J

drank this beer from a Bottle in Oakland, CA

Jan. 21st, 2009 at 2:06 p.m.

Comment:
I have the exact same opinion as Ted (Solano Beach) — I used to love Fat Tire, now I can only tolerate it. I also can’t say whether something changed, or if my tastes have just developed. I also can see how someone might say it has a “pork” like flavour. Ew.

Characteristics:
Review by Ryan

Rating: 35

Ryan

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Spokane, WA

Jan. 22nd, 2009 at 1:31 p.m.

Comment:
Add me to the pool of folks who used to like this beer, and now avoid it. No idea whether it’s my tastes or the recipe that’s changed. Still like New Belgium, just not high on this one.

Characteristics:
Review by Remi

Rating: 60

Remi

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Spokane, WA

Jan. 22nd, 2009 at 1:59 p.m.

Comment:
It’s not that it’s bad, it’s just that it’s kind of forgettable. You can do worse, yet also so much better.

Characteristics: forgettable
Review by dalasv

Rating: 90

dalasv

drank this beer from a Bottle in Portland, OR

Jan. 22nd, 2009 at 7:06 p.m.

Comment:
My other go-to beer. It has just the right amount of toasted flavor. I buy this stuff by the case because I don’t get tired of it.

Characteristics: toasted
Review by kurthurst

Rating: 83

kurthurst

drank this beer from a Bottle

Jan. 23rd, 2009 at 1:26 p.m.

Comment:
Nice full flavor. Not to bitter. Just the right amount of toasted flavor.

Characteristics:
Review by Saisondude

Rating: 55

Saisondude

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Boise, ID

Jan. 23rd, 2009 at 3:39 p.m.

Comment:
I like the biscuit quality this beer has. Very accessible and goes well with a variety of food. I’ve kept it on tap a few times and found that I liked it much more than my bottle experience (which is typical for many beers, but this one really stands out in that category).

Characteristics: biscuity
Review by Glass

Rating: 94

Glass

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Chicago, IL

Jan. 23rd, 2009 at 5:20 p.m.

Comment:
Somebody once told me this was only available west of the Mississippi. Then I found it in Chicago. I would have been mad if I wasn’t so darn happy to find it on my travels. A favorite. (And the New Belgium tour in Colorado is a pleasure).

Characteristics: amber awesome wheaty
Review by Jason

Rating: 70

Jason

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Springfield, MO

Jan. 24th, 2009 at 2:48 p.m.

Comment:
This beer is pretty common in these parts. It’s good, not great. My wife absolutely loves it though.

Characteristics:
Review by richleland

Rating: 70

richleland

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Sausalito, CA

Jan. 24th, 2009 at 3:36 p.m.

Comment:
I had this beer for the first time in a poorly-lit bar in Sausalito. After a day of site-seeing it was a welcome refreshment. My wife hated it, but I rather enjoyed it.

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Review by DesignByBlake

Rating: 70

DesignByBlake

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Denver, CO

Jan. 25th, 2009 at 7:42 a.m.

Comment:
A solid beer with great flavor, this is a good go to beer. As this beer is not available in the east yet it is always a nice treat when out west.

Characteristics:
Review by The Red Hot

Rating: 78

The Red Hot

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Tacoma, WA

Jan. 27th, 2009 at 4:08 p.m.

Comment:
This is THEE gateway beer. What I mean, is this is the type of beer that introduces many ‘macro’ folks into appreciating craft beer. It’s readily available, easily identifiable, easy to remember the branding, and it is an accessible beer in it’s flavor profile. It’s a solid brew, well made, and tasty. Thin body, slight biscuity sweetness, enough hop bite and flavor to set it apart from other larger micros. Good on ya, NB. A perfectly fine beer.

Characteristics: approachable biscuit crisp
Review by Jeremy Meehan

Rating: 65

Jeremy Meehan

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Denver, CO

Feb. 1st, 2009 at 9:56 p.m.

Comment:
The beer that got me started on beer. Accessible to people like me who didn’t drink beer much. Good flavor. Years later now it’s a little boring - but it fits the bill and is a safe order. Not particularly memorable. Most recently had a pint at the mile high airport on a flight layover.

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Review by Andrew Hunn

Rating: 70

Andrew Hunn

drank this beer from a Snifter in Columbus, OH

Feb. 4th, 2009 at 8:56 p.m.

Comment:
For an everyday beer, you could do much worse. A rather nutty and relatively sweet flavor that’s best enjoyed as cold as you can get it. Drinking one of these reminds me of Honey Brown, which is not necessarily a bad thing.

Characteristics: caramel nut sweet toasted
Review by elmazz

Rating: 70

elmazz

drank this beer from a Bottle in Eugene, OR

Feb. 8th, 2009 at 8:30 p.m.

Comment:
A well reviewed brew for good reason. It’s a great way to start your beer buds.

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Review by woodtemple

Rating: 39

woodtemple

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Bonney Lake, WA

Feb. 11th, 2009 at 3:07 a.m.

Comment:
Kind of a boring beer, nothing special about it at all, why criticize cheap beer when this is basically the same thing, only darker looking.

Characteristics:
Review by Scott K

Rating: 90

Scott K

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Clovis, NM

Feb. 11th, 2009 at 9:13 a.m.

Comment:
Hate to say it, Guinness, but Fat Tire de-throned you as my favorite years ago when local restaurants finally got it on tap. Seems that I can’t get enough of it too, and when Friday hits, if I can’t decide I just go with Fat Tire.

Characteristics: toasty
Review by markie

Rating: 82

markie

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Albuquerque, NM

Feb. 11th, 2009 at 12:40 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by Phil Dokas

Rating: 75

Phil Dokas

drank this beer from a Bottle in Chicago, IL

Feb. 16th, 2009 at 8:43 a.m.

Comment:
Definitely a reliable ale, better than most in its category. Unfortunately for it, the category is a little on the bland side compared to the kick you can get out of IPAs or stouts or belgians. Tasty for sure with an interesting floral taste, would work very well as a session beer or to pair with most any food.

Characteristics: crisp floral light refreshing
Review by Eric M.

Rating: 75

Eric M.

drank this beer from a Pint glass in San Francisco, CA

Feb. 18th, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.

Comment:
One of my favorite beers that I only seem to be able to find when I’m traveling.

Better on tap than in a bottle. Another “common” beer that I’ll reach for when nothing else calls my name.

Characteristics: floral refreshing
Review by Matt Brown

Rating: 63

Matt Brown

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Seattle, WA

Feb. 19th, 2009 at 10:15 a.m.

Comment:
Kinda tastes like tire. Seriously, it’s good when fresh and from a tap, not from a bottle. It does go good with pub food, so give it that.

Still, it’s just a little too nutty for an Amber.

Characteristics: brown flat nutty sweet
Review by Matt Lewis

Rating: 76

Matt Lewis

drank this beer from a Bottle in Palo Alto, CA

Feb. 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 p.m.

Comment:
Pretty typical. Seemed rather trendy to drink in the west. Nothing special.

Characteristics:
Review by Jon Jordan

Rating: 78

Jon Jordan

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Addison, TX

March 8th, 2009 at 8:26 p.m.

Comment:
One of the go-to’s if you’re looking for something most people will enjoy with you. Not my favorite from New Belgium, but still a regular in my glass!

Characteristics: brown malty
Review by Simmy

Rating: 70

Simmy

drank this beer from a Bottle in San Francisco, CA

March 9th, 2009 at 8:38 p.m.

Comment:
Like Mr. Watson said, a really good go-to beer.

Characteristics:
Review by Justin Thorp

Rating: 70

Justin Thorp

drank this beer from a Bottle in South San Francisco, CA

March 10th, 2009 at 4:42 a.m.

Comment:
Always excited when I find a bar that has this beer

Characteristics:
Review by Fajita

Rating: 60

Fajita

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Cedar Park, TX

March 10th, 2009 at 2:05 p.m.

Comment:
There have been times when Fat Tire has hit the spot and others where I had one too many “Flat Tires” and had to be cut off.

It is a good alternative Guiness.

Characteristics: bitter brown strong alcohol
Review by ShawnRickett

Rating: 75

ShawnRickett

drank this beer from a Can

March 12th, 2009 at 10:27 a.m.

Comment:
Fat Tire has always been a “local” favorite go to beer of mine, but I’ve had a few funky pints and a few funky bottles. In the can is one of my new favorite ways to treat myself to a crisp amber. I highly suggest finding this magic in a can.

Characteristics: amber biscuit crisp
Review by hystericlife

Rating: 90

hystericlife

drank this beer from a Bottle

March 12th, 2009 at 10:33 a.m.

Comment:
I live in Salt Lake City and for some reason (probably due to the ridiculous liquor laws here) I cannot buy Fat Tire anywhere in Utah, not even at the liquor stores.

Anytime I leave the state I always come back with a 24-pack. I sincerely love this beer.

Characteristics:
Review by aherrera

Rating: 90

aherrera

drank this beer from a Bottle

March 12th, 2009 at 11:27 a.m.

Comment:
Definitely on my short list when I can’t decide what to drink.

Characteristics:
Review by Cam

Rating: 83

Cam

drank this beer from a Pint glass

March 12th, 2009 at 11:33 a.m.

Comment:
I miss this beer now that I am out in NYC. Good, cheap and reliable

Characteristics:
Review by puzzl

Rating: 67

puzzl

drank this beer from a Pint glass

March 12th, 2009 at 12:01 p.m.

Comment:
Fairly decent brew, with good Belgian yeast characteristics for such a broad market beer.

Characteristics: belgian sessionable yeasty
Review by Sam Hughes

Rating: 50

Sam Hughes

drank this beer from a Pint glass

March 12th, 2009 at 12:31 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics: amber malty medium body
Review by maggerino

Rating: 63

maggerino

drank this beer from a Pint glass

March 12th, 2009 at 1:52 p.m.

Comment:
It’s alright…clean taste, which is nice. I like the malt level. But I wouldn’t drink much of it because it’s not toasty enough for me. I went to the brewery about 4 years ago, maybe 5.

Characteristics:
Review by loserish

Rating: 85

loserish

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Amarillo, TX

March 12th, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by caseypeters

Rating: 80

caseypeters

drank this beer from a Bottle in Knoxville, TN

March 13th, 2009 at 4:51 a.m.

Comment:
I’m normally not a fan of amber beer’s but Fat Tire is an exception. It’s on my short list when I’m searching for a brew at the store. Beware: I have gotten a hold of a few funky bottles before.

Characteristics: amber
Review by Gavin

Rating: 81

Gavin

drank this beer from a Pint glass

March 13th, 2009 at 6:52 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by OneMore

Rating: 88

OneMore

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Tacoma, WA

March 14th, 2009 at 12:39 p.m.

Comment:
First had this in Tacoma with my Best Friend Ryan. It is one of the finest Ales I’ve had in quite a while. Wish I could find it in Ohio.

Characteristics: and barley combination hops nice of smooth Very
Review by Wren

Rating: 68

Wren

drank this beer from a Stein (Mug) in Denver, CO

March 17th, 2009 at 8:38 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics: amber malty
Review by awatson

Rating: 68

awatson

drank this beer from a Bottle in Bend, OR

March 18th, 2009 at 4:08 p.m.

Comment:
Honestly, I think people give New Belgium too much credit. They do have nice summer beers, skinny dip, but I think Fat Tire is okay. Doesn’t knock my socks off, but it is good.

Characteristics:
Review by M@

Rating: 84

M@

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Austin, TX

March 19th, 2009 at 2:28 p.m.

Comment:
This is one of the best session beers that I have had. It’s clean and crisp and has wee bit of hops.

Great on a summer day.

Characteristics: clean finish crisp smooth
Review by tbeseda

Rating: 70

tbeseda

drank this beer from a Bottle

March 21st, 2009 at 2:40 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by Terry Apodaca

Rating: 97

Terry Apodaca

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Fort Collins, CO

March 23rd, 2009 at 1:13 p.m.

Comment:
I’ve had this beer MANY times, from the bottle, on tap, even right from the Brewery in Colorado. It’s my second favorite beer just behind Shiner Bock.

Characteristics: bitter cold crisp
Review by unrealnighthawk

Rating: 80

unrealnighthawk

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Peoria, IL

March 27th, 2009 at 4:57 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by Geminder

Rating: 66

Geminder

drank this beer from a Pint glass in San Jose, CA

March 27th, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by nilok

Rating: 70

nilok

drank this beer from a Bottle in Seattle, WA

March 27th, 2009 at 8:07 p.m.

Comment:
Personally, this is a decent beer and quite drinkable, but I seldom reach for it when something else is around. Everyone in Seattle seems to love it though, and I end up at lots of parties where there’s a few six packs of it. I certainly don’t mind, but I’d much rather have something a bit more complex like a Rogue Dead Guy Ale.

Characteristics:
Review by crashingbashley

Rating: 80

crashingbashley

drank this beer from a Bottle

March 28th, 2009 at 5:01 p.m.

Comment:
A nice filling beer for that hour or two before dinner. Toasty and sweet, this beer is (usually) one of the best beers you can find in any supermarket. And with the suggested serving temperature at 45F this beer gets better the longer you relax and sip.

Characteristics: filling sweet toasty
Review by Nat

Rating: 76

Nat

drank this beer from a Bottle in San Luis Obispo, CA

April 5th, 2009 at 10:29 p.m.

Comment:
Really tasty, and usually pretty easy to find.

Characteristics: brown filling toasty
Review by poody

Rating: 80

poody

drank this beer from a Bottle in Los Angeles, CA

April 5th, 2009 at 11:48 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by al3efroman

Rating: 20

al3efroman

drank this beer from a Pint glass in San Diego, CA

April 9th, 2009 at 6:29 p.m.

Comment:
I don’t get the fat tire love. Something about it has always seemed off. The up-front taste is nothing special and the aftertaste is enough to make me stay away.

Characteristics: wrong
Review by smashd

Rating: 80

smashd

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Chicago, IL

April 9th, 2009 at 7:04 p.m.

Comment:
Definitely one of my beers of choice when given the option. I like ambers in general, and I find this one to be nicely balanced and drinkable in almost any situation.

Characteristics:
Review by chrisfree

Rating: 88

chrisfree

drank this beer from a Bottle in Chicago, IL

April 15th, 2009 at 12:47 p.m.

Comment:
my favorite of the New Belgium family - I can drink this beer any time

Characteristics: brown rich smooth
Review by untamedbeer

Rating: 63

untamedbeer

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Greenville, SC

April 28th, 2009 at 5:18 p.m.

Comment:
Given its reputation, I found this beer to be surprisingly average. Malty, moderate body, not a lot of flavor to come up and grab you. Perhaps that’s why it’s so popular. Mild enough to appeal to many.

Characteristics: amber malty mild
Review by Liz

Rating: 68

Liz

drank this beer from a Bottle in Bozeman, MT

May 4th, 2009 at 6:08 p.m.

Comment:
A good stand by for a party. Relatively cheap yet good beer that will appeal to most people. Nothing that will knock your socks off, but well done.

Characteristics:
Review by Josh Carroll

Rating: 73

Josh Carroll

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Abilene, TX

May 4th, 2009 at 10:25 p.m.

Comment:
A good solid beer. Out of the ordinary, but familiar at the same time.

Characteristics:
Review by Rob Hudson

Rating: 50

Rob Hudson

drank this beer from a Bottle in Eugene, OR

May 5th, 2009 at 7:08 a.m.

Comment:
It’s a decent beer for sure, but not a favorite. Reviewing to drop it off of my recommended list.

Characteristics:
Review by holdenweb

Rating: 82

holdenweb

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Dallas, TX

May 5th, 2009 at 7:11 a.m.

Comment:
I first came across Fat Tire at a conference in Texas, where it became such a favorite that we drank the hotel dry of it (yet another reason not to go back to that hotel ;-). A very satisfying pint to the Yorkshire palate, hoppy enough to give you the required bitter taste but fruity enough to distinguish itself from the IPAs. Not too strong, so you can give your kidneys some exercise without getting (as the Scots would say) completely blootered.

Characteristics: fruity hoppy nutty
Review by lafrefre2000

Rating: 5

lafrefre2000

drank this beer from a Pint glass in San Francisco, CA

May 19th, 2009 at 7:12 a.m.

Comment:
This sour, foul smelling liquid is remarkable, if only in notoriety, for it’s distinct flavor, which is laced with notes of dog food and sewage. For the adventurous who have a deranged olfactic sense. Personally, I’d rather drink Budweiser.

Characteristics: disgusting foul sour
Review by Jonathan Stegall

Rating: 40

Jonathan Stegall

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Chicago, IL

May 29th, 2009 at 12:12 p.m.

Comment:
I wouldn’t say it’s awful, but certainly not worthy of being compared with anything from Belgium. I’d rather drink a decent non-Belgian beer any day, instead of a bad imitation of a Belgian.

Characteristics: brown medoicre
Review by scredsfan

Rating: 55

scredsfan

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Augusta, GA

June 8th, 2009 at 10:50 a.m.

Comment:
There’s nothing I can really add to the wealth of opinions about Fat Tire. There was something about the toasted malty flavor that some may like - it’s just not for me.

Characteristics: malty toasted
Review by thulcandrian

Rating: 85

thulcandrian

drank this beer from a Can in Fairfax, VA

July 9th, 2009 at 8:53 a.m.

Comment:
Great session beer. Biscuity and malty, with a solid, but not strong, hop finish. Let’s face it, with it’s popularity, it’s become a quintessential American craft beer - like Sam Adams Boston Lager or Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.

Too bad it hasn’t made it to the majority of the East Coast. But I assume New Belgium will eventually be a national brewer, they’re just growing smartly.

Characteristics: biscuit malty sessionable
Review by vito613

Rating: 71

vito613

drank this beer from a Pint glass in San Marcos, TX

July 16th, 2009 at 1:49 p.m.

Comment:
I expected more from this beer based on its reputation. Not a bad Amber which is my favorite type of beer but not one that i would go seek in the store especially with others that i have tried that are better.

Characteristics:
Review by KENNER

Rating: 75

KENNER

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Waterloo, IA

July 22nd, 2009 at 1:12 p.m.

Comment:
I am not the biggest “amber” beer fan but Fat Tire is my favorite Amber. I think it is much better when served a tad warmer. I like it better than other ambers as it isn’t as sweet.

Characteristics: amber smooth
Review by renobeerman

Rating: 50

renobeerman

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Reno, NV

Sept. 3rd, 2009 at 9:04 a.m.

Comment:
Has a slightly murky, funky taste to it. New Belgium has some great products, but this isn’t one of them.

Characteristics:
Review by Wally

Rating: 74

Wally

drank this beer from a Bottle in Portland, OR

Sept. 7th, 2009 at 11:49 a.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by Wilk

Rating: 78

Wilk

drank this beer from a Bottle

Sept. 7th, 2009 at 12:53 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics:
Review by daphid

Rating: 40

daphid

drank this beer from a Snifter in Fort Collins, CO

Sept. 13th, 2009 at 12:23 p.m.

Comment:
I am not sure what the “hype” is all about. Honestly, Fat Tire? I really like the brewery and admire everything that they have accomplished however their beers for the most part are mild and uninspiring. Fat Tire has most of the characteristics I DON’T like in a beer; most of all its too sweet, way too sweet – almost syrupy. Just to be clear I really wanted to like this beer so I have tried in many forms; on tap, in a bottle, at the local pub, at the brewery in Colorado, ice cold, medium cold and even room temperature just to be sure. Every time I tried it my taste buds were shot down – it was like being smashed in the face with the Mallet of Disappointment. However, it is nice to look at.

Characteristics: sweet
Review by NickPepera

Rating: 91

NickPepera

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Chicago, IL

Nov. 11th, 2009 at 6:10 a.m.

Comment:
This beer is one of my favorites! Extremely easy to drink and tastes delicious. I have been on a Belgian beer kick as of late and have reviewed several myself at www.DrinkAColdOne.com!

Characteristics: rich smooth
Review by RSbirdman22

Rating: 78

RSbirdman22

drank this beer from a Bottle in Greenville, SC

Dec. 13th, 2009 at 1:18 p.m.

Comment:

Characteristics: amber malty smooth toasted
Review by mrkvm

Rating: 60

mrkvm

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Longmont, CO

Jan. 5th, 2010 at 12:40 p.m.

Comment:
Colorado’s most famous microbrew is actually one of my least favorites. A decent but not great amber. I also find it to have a bit of a sour aftertaste at times. I like many of New Belgium’s other beers much more.

Characteristics: amber light sour
Review by seanwittmeyer

Rating: 95

seanwittmeyer

drank this beer from a Pint glass in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Jan. 11th, 2010 at 9:14 a.m.

Comment:
Personal favorite, time and time again.

Characteristics: amber yummy