Fat Tire Beer

[juice]

I tried this over the holidays in Chicago and really liked it. Really nice, crisp amber. I came across it again when I was in Des Moines last week. I haven't seen it (or even heard of it) on the East Coast. Wondering if there are distributors that would carry a small microbrew that seems to be regional to the Mid-west/Colorado. Maybe Total Wine in DE?

[tranhoa1234]

I think Fat Tire just serves as a really nice, basic beer when you just want to knock back a few with friends. I can drink a complicated Belgian ale with the best of 'em, but sometimes all I really want is a Fat Tire (which I can't get in NYC in which case I end up getting a Magic Hat #9). Comparing Fat Tire to Yuengling is ridiculous from a flavor/quality perspective, but in Colorado it serves the same purpose that Yuengling does in PA--it's a satisfying brew you can find in a lot of places.
http://www.dacsandatphanrang.com/tin-...

[Chefsquire]

For anyone interested in MA and NH, Incredibrew has their own copycat recipe called Fat Tyre. I have never had the original, but my SO had and said it was very similar. Also, Incredibrew was pretty cheap. About $120 for 6 cases with 12 (22oz) bottles. You need to provide the bottles (about $60), but works out to be the price of std. domestic beer.

[spork5150]

Absolutely NO Fat Tire in the lousy beer state of Connecticut. Not now not anytime soon. If you claim that you bought it in CT then keep it to yourself because that would be illegal on the part of your favorite watering hole to serve it to you because it is not licensed by the state for purchase or sale. Stone is the same way. CT is one of the toughest states to get your product into. TAX TAX TAX. everyone holds out their hand. You get taxed by the state, your get taxed by your wholesaler for each variety you want to sell in the state.

[Jim Dorsch]

I don't believe the folks at New Belgium have had any intention of selling in CT, and similarly the entire east coast.

[FlaHopper]

That might be changing. New Belgium popped up at the World Beer Festival in Durham, N.C., a couple weeks ago with a few cases of Fat Tire (http://eatanddrinkitall.blogspot.com/...). That got people speculating and rumor mongering that New Belgium might be testing the waters on the East Coast. I don't know if that's true, but it is curious that they'd bring Fat Tire to Durham, N.C., now after leaving it behind when they came to Savor in D.C. last February.

[phungi]

updated list of states is on the Fat Tire web site... I bought up a case of 22-ounce bottles on vacation in Hilton Head SC... can't get this yet in most eastern states though (only NC, SC, GA): http://www.newbelgium.com/faq

[spork5150]

A friend of mine who used to rep for them out on the west coast said the same thing. Unfortunately!

[ac4cool60]

Is FAT TIRE available any where in the Boston area?

[brentk]

Nowhere east of the Mississippi.

[Chew on That]

Fat Tire is amazing stuff! It's one of my absolute favorites.

[FlaHopper]

I talked to the New Belgium folks last Friday at Savor. At the moment they have no intention of pushing any further east ... which sucks.

[Josh]

I'm sure you can find a comparable amber. As someone who heard lots of hype about Fat Tire, when I finally tried it I was stunned that this was the beer so many raved about.

[Foodnerds]

Completely agree, more than once I have thought there is something funny tasting about it.

[FlaHopper]

Maybe, but I'll never know until I know. And for now, I'll only know if I head west.

[brentk]

No need to travel. You can buy it online or trade it with someone out west.

That being said, it truly is not that different from many other craft-brewed ambers.

[Scargod]

Thunder Hole Brown Ale by Bar Harbor Brewing Company. Amazing stuff!
I've drank lots of Fat Tire; I think, as I mentioned above, I've drank it from when they first started serving it in Colorado. I think Thunder Hole is much better. I don't know about availability outside of Maine.

[4maxwelz]

As far as I know, you actually can't get Fat Tire East of the Mississippi. We live in LaCrosse and have to cross the mighty miss to get our hands on the wonderful stuff.

[Scargod]

I don't think that's so but I can't prove it (or swear to it). I think I've had it somewhere in New England, on tap. I'm pretty sure I have purchased it in New Haven by the six-pack.

[Passadumkeg]

I think it was Pearl, not Fat Tire that you purchased, old man. I'd forget Pearl too.

[Scargod]

I remember now..... I was flying and God, soaring by, handed me one; something like that.
Meaning: I was in Chicago, suffering from flight intermediateness, and had my last one.
PS: You don't have to keep reminding me I'm old or insulting me with suggestions that I drink Pearl! My last beer was a Maine-made Casco Bay, Brown Ale. I belong to one of the beer of the month clubs

[Passadumkeg]

But you're a Texan! Texans drink Pearl. Ergo, you must drink Pearl. Okay, okay, I'll stop. On our trip to Austin, I found Shiner Bock a pleasant substitute. But we really enjoyed Fat Tire. My brother enjoys it in Nevada.
But the best was Live Oak Ale.
PS: Oh, yes! Sixty is the new forty, I forgot. JFYI, Casco Bay is known as Little Boston, by us hicks from up north. Bumper sticker on old beat up pick up truck: The Real Maine Starts East of Ellsworth. Machias is a college town, but has no box stores, not even a strip mall. Sound good to me. Its been so long since I've been to the Bangor Mall, I can't remember the lst time. At least 10 years, the kids wanted to go or some such crap. Druther hunt, fish hike or paddle. Not bad for a gray-haired old man. Ciaocito

[Jim Dorsch]

The map showing states where New Belgium beers are sold is here:

http://www.newbelgium.com/faq.php

[repete]

Not quite true. It's in Illinois and also east of the Mississippi in Minnesota.

[chimay5]

Gotta say that the beers from Ommegang in Cooperstown are IMHO the best Belgian style beers brewed in the US.

[Josh]

I usually refrain from saying "best" unless I've had all the others. If you haven't had Russian River, Lost Abbey, Anderson Valley, Avery, or Allagash, then I'd say your judgment is premature. (Don't get me wrong, I love Ommegang's beers, but their Belgian lineup is quite incomplete)

[chimay5]

I did say IMHO and trying not to boast, I'd guess I've drunk more good beers in more places than you could imagine including those you mentioned, with all due respect.

[Josh]

Sorry, wasn't intending any disrespect. I do like Ommegang's beers, especially their abbey ale and Hennepin. But I don't know that I could say I like them better than Brooklyn Local 1, Russian River Temptation or Supplication, Lost Abbey 10 Commandments, Avery Salvation, Anderson Valley Dubbel, or Allagash Black or Four.

For me, I feel like when a beer reaches a certain level, it's really difficult to speak in terms of better or worse. They've all hit greatness, so it's just a matter of what I'm in the mood to drink.

[chimay5]

I might give you the level comment. I guess a better way to put it would have been to say most authentic. Since Ommegang brews nothing but Belgian style beers and is owned by a Belgian brewing company (Duvel Moortgat), I'd give them the most authentic label.
As far as the beer I always go to for a benchmark it is Chimay (no surprise there) Grand Reserve.

[433]

New Belgium Brewery is a very good brewery and Fat Tire is a good beer. There is some truth to the comments that the beer doesn't live up to the hype, and that it doesn't have a huge flavor, but I, for one, have drunk lots and lots of Fat Tire, although I'm currently into Berkshire, McNeils, and Switchback (I've moved to the Northeast).

[Josh]

*shrug*, honestly never had a beer from New Belgium that blew me away. I think they're pretty mediocre, and there are numerous other breweries doing much better Belgian style ales in the US. Allagash, Russian River, and Lost Abbey, for starters, all run circles around New Belgium. I've had several New Belgium ales, and none of them interest me. I wanted to like them, having heard so much hype, but all were disappointments.

[pininex]

La Folie, 1554, Trippel, and Loft (not sure if they still make it) are good brews from New Belgium. Fat Tire was good in 1997 when they had limited distribution in the MST states, but since they opened up over the past 5 years into CA and beyond, the quality has gone down significantly. Agree with Josh about Allagash, RRBC, and Lost Abbey being better "Belgian styles".

[Josh]

Haven't had the tripel or Loft, but was thoroughly unimpressed w/ 1554. La Folie is a well-made beer, I agree, but I find it too sour. I like sour beer, too, just not *that* sour. For example, Russian River's Beatification, aged in La Folie barrels, is an awesome beer.

Allagash's new one, the Belgian-style stout, is quite nice.

[The Dive]

Ditto. And I've had the La Folie, 1554, Trippel and Loft. They may be technically well-made beers, but they just don't hold my interest. I am too spoiled by Russian River, Lost Abbey, Avery and Allagash.

[Beach Chick]

They sell Fat Tire beer at the Costco in San Diego for about $21 a case..
DH loves the stuff..I used to get it at Trader Joe's as well.

[daves_32]

My parents live in Fort Collins and I have been on the New Belgium (brewers of Fat Tire) beer. They are very conscientous of their ecological impact and have concerns about wide range distribution. Also, they only distribute in 19 states and they are breaking into the top 10 of many lists of sales for all beer outlets in the US. They don't need to go any further and they only want to go as far as they can sustain. since they are completely wind powered, they want to regulate their growth some.
That said, they have some excellent other beers.
1554 is a GREAT black ale, Amber is Gold medal winning (i like it more than Fat Tire), and Eric's Ale (available rarely outside of the tap room) is a great brown (sour cherry) ale.
If anyone lives in the DC area, i could probably make a trade in the middle of March for a Fat Tire.

[Blackhawk318]

daves_32...

I really need your help...
Is there anyway that I could get your fat tire beer in Washington DC area?

[yankeefan]

Being from Jersey, it has always been my turn-to beer on my trips to Vegas and just sucks that I cant get it here. I have traded with other beer heads that have sent them east in return for what they cant get, to me its been worth it. A very unique sessionable beer.

[lpfaf]

I have to admit, I don't really like ambers in general--they're too sweet without really taking advantage of what you can do with barley, like a good porter. That said, I find the Fat Tire phenomenon fascinating. I don't quite understand how they generate such a buzz in the states they don't distribute to. Until Minnesota got added to "the list", my father, who manages a liquor store outside of Minneapolis, got asked about it more than all other unavailable beers combined. I don't like Fat Tire that much, but I think New Belgium does some wonderful things.

[powershour]

Fat Tire is a beer that we on the East Coast end up only dreaming of getting our hands on. And "waxing nostalgic"of the ski trip out west where we drank them til the sun came up.
A great substitute for Fat Tire that is more readily available out here is Dekoninck Amber. Its the beer that inspired the guys that opened up New Belgium. They were on a bike trip across Europe (these guys are huge biking enthusiasts, just check their marketing) and fell in love with its balance and maltiness. They later returned home and tried to pattern their own flagship beerafter this classic. Amber, malty finishing with the traditional Belgian fermentation "funkiness".

[juice]

Good Knowledge PH. I'll have to track down Dekoninck's somewhere in Philly.

[phungi]

i had Dekoninck at Monk's once and liked it so much I entered it into my cell phone as a reminder. Never found it local though (6-pack or case). Please report back with any locales to buy by the case in the Philly area.

[JessKidden]

De Koninck (note correct spelling) is imported by Belukus. They have a PA. rep's phone number on their "contact" page. http://www.belukus.net/default.asp

The Beer Yard in Wayne, PA., lists it as available, as well. http://www.beeryard.com/

[phungi]

Much thanks!

[cwdonald]

De Koninck has been around the Philadelphia bar scene for quite some time. I guarantee it is on the beer list in bottles at Belgian Cafe, Monks, Eulogy, Brigits etc. The late Cuvee Notre Dame always had it on tap (where St. Stephen's Green is now.) I would almost guarantee the Foodery would have it as well. I know I have seen it even in Bucks County, long a bastion of industrial swill at places like Isaac Newton's and Candlewyck.

[empecot]

I think Fat Tire just serves as a really nice, basic beer when you just want to knock back a few with friends. I can drink a complicated Belgian ale with the best of 'em, but sometimes all I really want is a Fat Tire (which I can't get in NYC in which case I end up getting a Magic Hat #9). Comparing Fat Tire to Yuengling is ridiculous from a flavor/quality perspective, but in Colorado it serves the same purpose that Yuengling does in PA--it's a satisfying brew you can find in a lot of places.

[BarbraW]

Back when I lived in Colorado, we used to refer to Fat Tire as a training beer... specifically a training beer before one discovered another great Colorado beer, Left Hand Sawtooth. Fat Tire is OK, but I never could understand why people got so giddy over it.

[Josh]

Left Hand makes some ridiculously great beers. It really sucks I can't get them out here.

[joypirate]

Oh. Left Hand Sawtooth (and some other Left Hand's, the stout and maybe another) are in Philly. I've lived in Nebraska and currently in PA so I can do a decent job of comparing Colorado/East Coast and I can that any fan of good beer would be happy in either place, albeit with different things.

[Chinon00]

Could you please further flesh out the distinctions (that way I’ll know what to try from Colorado)?

[joypirate]

I hesitate to make too broad a generalization, but I think the PA market might be more dominated by 'bigger' tastes, like Hop Devil/Wollop, the Weyerbachers and Dogfish Heads, whereas the Colorado/Nebraska/Kansas market is more dominated by 'well-done subtle', with some excellent examples like New Belgium's Blue Paddle (lager), stouts (Avery's Mephistofeles, or Twisted, or, as mentioned, the Left Hand Milk Stout is amazing, though not so much subtle as 'not strong'). Actually, a guy I know is from Bavaria and thinks the Haystack Wheat (also left hand) is the best wheat beer he's ever had.

Probably lots of exceptions, I think Prima Pils is the epitome of 'well-done subtle' but, eh, there you go.

[Josh]

I loved the milk stout. Dearly wish I could get my hands on some of that.

[JB1967]

I live in Colorado and looking for a range of beers for a new restaurant opening in Phila. I'm helping consult. Any suggestions? Craft -- from light to dark (need 4 suggestions) Thanks!!

[jeremysimon]

I'd agree somewhat with Lstaff that Fat Tire's riding on reputation more than flavor right now, while I'd disagree somewhat with JessKidden that it's a "training wheels beer" (yeah, we impoverished westerners *do* get Yuengling and Shiner out here--you really wanna put yr Pennsylvania beers up against our Colorado beers?)

I had my first Fat Tire in 1996, and at that time I considered it the best beer around. Other Colorado micros have caught up and, frankly, Fat Tire's deteriorated since then (I don't have the technical expertise to say why... though I'm curious if someone's got evidence).

New Belgium is a great brewery, still, and while Fat Tire's their most popular beer, there are newer and better micros that have passed it by (which perhaps do not yet get national distribution: hard to tell from here), such as the black ale 1554 and their 2 below winter ale.

[JessKidden]

Think you miss the point- I'd consider all 3 beers "transitional" beers and a lot of drinkers get that far from "macro light lager" and stay there- good for them if they're satisfied. Other drinkers (including, I'd think, most posters on this forum) are looking for a variety of styles and flavors, rather than simply replacing one "standard" beer with another, slightly better "usual".

So, when a beer becomes one of these "pop" beers are that all suddenly in demand they usually have something (or, more precisely, are missing something) that makes them reach that lower common denominator market (over the years, see: Coors, Red Stripe, Newcastle Brown, Corona, etc). New Belgium is lucky in that its a craft brewer who's done it so it helps their bottom line.

I have no interest in some regional p*ssing contest about what beer comes from what state.* My point is FT's popularity with the masses was *similar* to US beers like Yuengling and Shiner Bock- beers that a notch or two above (or, at least, different) that standard US industrial light lager. Both have also over the years benefited from their regional distribution (and thus rarity) to reach the level where people post requests about finding the beer outside it's normal distirbution area, look for trades or retailers to ship it, etc.

From everything I've read, Yuengling's distribution, for instance, is limited to the East Coast (doesn't even get as far north as New England, anymore) and yet one reads of people driving great distances to get it, bringing cases to friends or back home, trading it thru the beer groups, etc. Believe me, most "good beer" fans in it's distribution area scratch their heads in amazement.

_______

*But if someone did want to, Pennsylvania's beers (from Victory, Troeg, Sly Fox, Weyerbacher, etc.) can easily stand along side Colorado's. Especially if one were to judge it based on the quality of total volume, what with all the industrial light lager pumped out of Golden and Ft. Collins .

[Chinon00]

And please don't forget about Stoudt's.

[Bobfrmia]

I know I could be content just drinking Hop Devil forever. But I can't get it in Iowa.

[cali2ia]

Ah. I, for one, totally missed the point you were making with Shiner (and was wondering where you are from such that both are widely available).

[Bobfrmia]

Your timing was good in Des Moines. Fat tire arrived here in September. It is nice because many bars that had nothing good on tap, have jumped on the Fat Tire bandwagon. Gives us something decent at some places that otherwise had nothing. I'm a little pissed that the local casino replaced Honkers Ale with it, as I prefer Honkers, but you take the good with the bad.
That said, Fat Tire is a nice beer, however I would suggest looking to Beeradvocate.com for similar styles in your area. There are several out of New York and Vermont that are widely considered better ambers.

[keykey]

i first had fat tire in boulder before it got really popular and thought it was fantastic. went to then home california and saw it popping up everywhere. at bars on tap, restaurants, at 7-11 even. i heard it was being distributed by heinekin? not really sure, but now that i'm living in texas i can pick it up at target and cases from costco. maybe you can find it at costco? good luck... it's well worth the hunt.

and ps. i don't think it's a small microbrew anymore.

[Jim Dorsch]

As an importer, Heineken does not distribute any brand of beer.

IIRC New Belgium is the third largest craft brewer, behind Boston Beer and Sierra Nevada.

[LStaff]

Plenty of craft Amber ales out there that are just as good, if not better. This one just seems to get more word of mouth than others. Check your backyard for quality brewers and try their amber offering, you may just be surprised.

[Josh]

I've never really understood the appeal of Fat Tire. It seems like a pretty standard (read: boring) amber. No real hops to speak of, and too sweet.

[JessKidden]

It's sort of a classic "training wheels" craft beer (and, apparently, a lot of beer drinkers are happy to keep the wheels on rather than move up to a 10-speed European road bike or 18 speed mountain bike). When I had my first (and last) one in Boulder a decade ago, I thought, "Ah, so this is what they drink in the West 'cause they can't get Yuengling Traditional Lager or Shiner Bock."

[cali2ia]

I couldn't disagree more. Shiner is the second most disappointing Bock I've ever had, while Fat Tire by far the best American amber I've ever tried (though I must admit that it's not a style I explore much)

[brentk]

Shiner Bock is not really a bock. In part, that is why it is so disappointing.

[drlee_susquespine]

cali2, couldn't agree more. I live in Balto and have heard nothing but people get all giddy over Fat Tire like it was a Twilight movie (which sucked beyond belief, wife made me watch). I finally had one on a trip out west, don't get it. Shiner is one of my all time fav.

[brentk]

I'm not sure I get Shiner, either. It's not even a bock.

[drlee_susquespine]

To each his own I suppose

[The Professor]

Of course it's a bock.
Is it a traditional, German style bock? No, not at all...not even close.
But it's just a lighter take on the style. For many years, most American brewers offered a bock beer as a seasonal specialty. Some were quite good, some were their standard brew colored with caramel.
Shiner's is actually probably somewhere in the middle...but I think it' s still a very refreshing beer. It's actually nice to see that this old brand is still being made...

It's actually a very refreshing brew

[Scargod]

Perhaps the "training wheels" analogy is appropriate for some people. I spent most of my life in N. Texas and Coors was popular. When I went skiing (about 1995) I found Fat Tire in Frisco, Colorado; I was wowed and amazed!
Then I found Sam Adams Cream Stout and other stronger beers. It's really hard to go back.... Fat Tire is a little sweet, but I think that's part of its charm. If I am lucky enough to stumble upon it, on tap, I have to have some, at least for old times sake! I have to admit, it doesn't seem quite as good now....

[Passadumkeg]

Hey, I'm tired of Sam Adams, but down in Austin we found Fat Tire a really pleasant treat and respite from Shiner Bock. The only big beer mistake, was a German named Anheyser prodec "Brewed only in Texas." At least with Pearl I know what I'm getting; PBR w/ a different label.

[Jim Dorsch]

You mean Ziegenbock from AB?

[Passadumkeg]

Sadly, yes.
For the record, I'd take a Fat Tire any day over a Yuengling(And I was nursed on Yuengling) and the ubiquitous, sweet, Shiner Bock. If Fat Tire is training wheels, the other 2 are trikes.

[Scargod]

Also sadly, since I'm a Texan, will I say that I prefer Fat Tire over Shiner Bock or (way over) Ziegenbach. But who am I to say I'm an expert?
I do like the "ubiquitous" you used for the Shiner! What's that mean?
I don't know Yuengling. Never had one. Did you mean the lager, the black and tan or the Old German (which is no longer produced) and which, according to Wickapedia, "was a flavorful, slightly sweet lager"?

[Passadumkeg]

I think the "you" was me, not Shiner.
Delores

[Scargod]

Can't even answer a simple question!
Delores

[Josh]

Ahhh, so that's what that is. I tried it in a restaurant when I was out there, and thought it was swill. Makes perfect sense, now.

[brentk]

It reminds me of the hype a certain other Colorado beer used to have years ago that was also not shipped east of the Mississippi.

[LStaff]

At this point I think the beer lives more on its reputation than its flavor.

Sometimes I think people are stuck on getting "that" beer because they may not be experienced enough in the world of beer to realize their are alternatives in the same style. Maybe their friends told them how awesome the beer is, try it, or tried it while on vacation and compared to the beer they regularly drink, it has so much more flavor, so they like it. When they get back home, they want to find "that" beer without realizing that there may be handfuls of the same style (and different styles) available at their local store that they might enjoy just as much. But that would take experimentation, willingness to go outside their norm, dropping their pre-concieved notions of what beer is and should be, and willingness to take a chance at something they may not like. Its easier just to take their friends advice - if they liked it and raved about it, it should be good, right?

Blue Moon is riding "that" wave right now.

[AmblerGirl]

It might also be an emotional reaction. When I first had a Fat Tire, it was with some good friends during a very fun trip in Arizona. My fondness of Fat Tire brings me back to that time. Many people try these "new" beers while traveling, so it may be less about the flavor and more about the memories that are revived.

[lawgirl3278]

feel your pain, I fell in love with Fat Tire in Chicago. Unfortunately, it isn't distributed west of the Mississippi. I

[cwdonald]

That statement is not quite true as Chicago is East of the Mississippi last I checked.

From the New Belgium Website FAQ section:

"Where can I find your beers?
A. Good question. Crucial, really. We are a regional craft brewer distributing throughout the western United States. Outside Colorado, you can find most or all of our line in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming"

[lawgirl3278]

Oops sorry about that. That was what someone told me. Either way, all of those states are too far from Philly :(

[sobriquet]

Not true. I saw it in Los Angeles just last week at a Gelson's.

[Philly Ray]

Bella Vista Beer on 11th and Fitzwater carries a lot of beers from all over. Give them a call.

[artgary]

There is a store at 10th and Pine(can't remember the name) which sells all kinds of beers. As I remember, you don't have to purchase by the case.

[Philly Ray]

The Foodery

[joypirate]

I don't think it's at the foodery, though I have seen other Colorado beers there, Avery and some others.

[AmblerGirl]

I wish they had it at the Foodery, we looked there for it specifically.

Maybe you can see if Matt from the Beer Yard could order it? I know he has ordered special cases before.

[brentk]

You can buy a case from Liquid Solutions at www.liquidsolutions.biz

[AmblerGirl]

Oh my god - I love Fat Tire! My husband has been frantically searching for it in the area but no luck. We order it from liquidsolutions.biz. They ship anywhere. They have lots of great beers - Alaskan Smoked Porter, etc. Yum!

[phungi]

That's a great site, with tons of beers, but shipping is quite costly (12 beers will cost $47)

[Ranger05]

Where are you located?? I get a 12 pack of Fat Tire from Liquid Solutions shipped to Ohio for around $25.00.

[phungi]

I looked for this at Total Wine in Claymont, but it is not in stock or on their beer list. (http://www.wineaccess.com/file/store/totalwine/beer-totalwine-claymont.pdf) I had it in Arizona and loved it, along with their 1554 Ale. If you look at their web site you will see that it is not distributed this far east: http://www.newbelgium.com/faq.php

If anyone knows where to get this, please share!