Fat Tire Amber Ale - New Belgium Brewing

twistedweather

Washington

3.86/5  rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

fat tire ale new beliguim
22oz bottle poured into chilled mug

appearance
Nice thick foamy head blonde carmel color clear

smell
light underwhelming wheat

taste
smooth earthy full bodied taste with slight fading bitter tones bready/wheaty maltiness settles in

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2013 22:24:11 | More by twistedweather

KYGunner

Kentucky

3.69/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Poured an off red to orangish coloring that seemed a bit diluted. Tons of carbonation the head was light and fleeting.

The scent was a sweet, malty tone with a bit of a bready, cereal texture. Not very strong in the nose.

The taste is of light malts with some roasted flavor. Light cereal, bread or biscuit notes. Very smooth very light on the tongue it's easy to drink.

I've been drinking Fat Tire for 20 years and its simply my opinion that its being watered down as a cost saver. It's a shame, as this was once a robust and rich amber.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2013 00:40:43 | More by KYGunner

dalygnus

Maryland

4.31/5  rDev +19.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Beautiful and very drinkable brew. Poured from a bottle into a Sam Adams glass. Holds a small head throughout. Clear gold color. Pleasant bread smell. Faint hop taste -- not for the hop nuts. Great feel in the mouth -- might consider it as a mouthwash. I love this beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-14-2013 20:15:37 | More by dalygnus

Mojo

Alabama

3.63/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

12 ounce bottle -> Sam Adams Perfect Pint glass

This beer pours a medium gold with a nice one finger head, pretty decent retention, and some nice lacing left behind. The smell is kind of biscuit, yeast, and citrus. Maybe some earthiness too. Taste is weak and kind of one dimensional in my opinion. Malty upfront, there is very little on the finish except for a yeasty flavor. Mouthfeel is okay, but nothing special. This one is okay, but I will not seek it out again.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2013 04:57:26 | More by Mojo

Bosoxfan20

Oklahoma

3.84/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Poured from 12oz bottle into pint glass. Pours a light amber with a 1 finger almost white head. Quickly dissipates, but a frothy layer hangs around on top of the beer throughout the drink. Magnificant lacing.

S- toasted malts with pine hops. Caramel and roasted nuts. Not huge aroma, but not bad.

T- More toasted flavors, pale malts, and biscuits. Typical New Belgium flavors that seem to come through in most of their beers. Bitter warm finish. Not huge flavor, but a nice balance.

M- Perfect carbonation. Mid body. New Belgium beers always seem very filling and not the easist to drink IMO. Slightly dry, clean finish.

O- Maybe the first craft brew I had. Good beer that i have at times when i leave the state of OK (not available there).

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 23:10:28 | More by Bosoxfan20

tenaciousp65

Illinois

4.4/5  rDev +21.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

poured into a Lakefront Brewery pint glass

a-I'll admit that i missed my pour a bit but still not too much head. steady stream of bubbles coming up

s-no particularly overwhelming smell. smelling mostly the light malt with some slight floral notes

t- very light, airy amber taste. not too bitter, great balance

m-very light feel, to me it embodies the definition of a session beer feel. enough flavor to keep you interested but not too much body to weigh you down

o-as I said before this beer embodies session beers to me. It's very tasty and so easy to drink, definitely something worth keeping in your fridge at all times.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2013 04:41:57 | More by tenaciousp65

peensteen

Ontario (Canada)

3.55/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Clear amber-orange colour, one finger of white head and a bit of lace as well. Smell is of toasty biscuity malt, bit of hop in the way of an earthy floralness, light citrus, fairly clean and well integrated nose here. Taste is of biscuity grains, lemony with a light earthy hop bitterness, some toasted caramel with a bit of a grassy finish. Medium carbonation, decent medium body, medium full feel. Solid drinking beer though unremarkable, something that can be consumed in large quantities with ease.

Serving type: bottle

02-04-2013 12:53:26 | More by peensteen

arizcards

Arizona

3.85/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Picked up as part of a mixed sixer from Fry's on MLK day for $8.99. Best by 3-17-13. I think i have had this beer a couple hundred times since the mid 90's. Always have enjoyed it!

Beer poured a reddish copper color with a smallish head that is leaving a bit of lacing behind.

Nose is a nice biscuity grainy blast.

Taste is biscuity and slightly sweet with light hopping to keep the sweetness at bay and make the finish a bit dry.

Mouthfeel is medium bodied and fairly smooth.

Overall this has been a decent go to beer over the years when out at restaurants and bars in which craft is not king. Interestingly i was thinking about another Colorado brewer that has cloned it pretty much - Crazy Mountain Amber. Can pretty much guarantee Fatty will be very consistent assuming it is consumed before the freshness date.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2013 23:28:29 | More by arizcards

beermakesmefat

4.45/5  rDev +22.9%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

I'm guessing that this is a beer people either love or hate. The mega-hops recipe is both overpowering and delicious. There is a moderate aftertaste that is probably unavoidable with this level of hops, and it doesn't seem to matter if it is room temperature or ice cold. But overall it's great tasting beer and an excellent compromise between bitter and sweet.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2013 02:00:37 | More by beermakesmefat

khensley

Washington

3.68/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I've had this beer many times, but never really analyzed it until recently. Smells so sweet and malty awesome. Bitterness is right on for the style, but very little character on the front and middle of tongue. I was expecting the same sweet flavor to announce itself on the mouth as it did on the nose, but was not so. It's a solid fall seasonal I will buy/drink again, but only on sale. Hey, where I live, this stuff is classy!

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2013 06:07:54 | More by khensley

kristenspaintings

California

1.78/5  rDev -50.8%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1 | overall: 2

This beer is slightly bitter and has very little flavor otherwise. I expected more from this beer, given how much I’ve heard about it and how often I see it around. If you don’t want your beer to interfere with tasting your food, this would be the one for you.
There’s nothing offensive about it. It was really quite disappointingly neutral. An amber ale is supposed to have more flavor I think.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2013 01:34:47 | More by kristenspaintings

Natural1

4/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bought a six pack of Fat Tire to take to a small party recently. The beer was crisp, flavorful and fresh. I am a fan of this beer and the brewery as a whole and the reason is they make quality products. Fat Tire has a nice looking bottle, is easy to drink and seems to do very well in my market. I would like to try this beer on tap somewhere so I can get the true essence of the beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 19:56:28 | More by Natural1

PsilohsaiBiN

New York

3.33/5  rDev -8%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

2012 can:

Appearance: Pours amber with a 1 fingerish off-white head that leaves for the most part after a few minutes.

Smell: Kinda smells like a moldy basement with some brown sugar sweetness. There's also some faint hops and malt in there. Trying to be nice about this, but up front there's some kind of off putting odor reminiscent of mold, weird. I'm also getting some salt? Sorry, but this is one of the most bizarre, off-putting smell-wise beers I've ever had(and I've had Ta Henkett...).

Taste: Beginning hop bitterness fades into a semi-sweet, malty ending. Nothing too fancy, but not bad. One thing I really like about this beer is how the aftertaste rolls off of your tongue. That said, you could call it a crisp finish that ends clean, with the palate reset and ready for more(or, perhaps another brew). A palate wrecker, it is not.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, with not much carbonation. It's definitely (dare I use the AB term)drinkable.

Overall: I know this beer has a cult following and it's by no means bad. It's just that for me, personally, it kind of has the taste/feel of a lager, not an ale. It's sessionable as hell and I'm sure it's pretty good on tap, but as a beer with dinner type of beer, this just wouldn't be my first choice. It's above average with a good/or lack of? aftertaste. Gotta give em' credit for that.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2013 02:27:45 | More by PsilohsaiBiN

T-Smigs

3.85/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Being a new beer drinker and only accustomed to such attrocities as Budweiser and Coors Lite, I was ready to embark on an adventure to find out what a real beer was. Many of my long time beer drinking friends and several websites recommended Fat Tire Amber Ale. Boy, was I glad they did. It was an eye-opening experience. I definitely recommend Fat Tire for a beginner beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-01-2013 20:17:41 | More by T-Smigs

ZachKelly

Virginia

3.48/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle into a pint glass.

This is a beer I like much more on tap than out of the bottle, like many. Also doesn't travel that well, much better tasting in Colorado than what I get on the East coast.
Nice amber color with an off white foam head that helps give off what little aroma the beer has. Leaves a nice lacing on the glass.
Nice malty flavors that don't linger and it has a nice bitter aftertaste.

Love the beer, definitely recommend.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 02:44:35 | More by ZachKelly

Amish_Ambush

3.5/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

First Reviewed 11/15/2008

Appearance: Amber color ale that laces nicely

Smell: Biscuit notes in the nose. Hop notes are barely noticeable.

Taste: Hint of over ripe orange. Malty. Strong biscuit notes initially with some hop bitterness in the aftertaste.

Notes: Very nice drinkable ale. This is a bottle review but I have had this on tap and it was much better.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2012 00:44:55 | More by Amish_Ambush

babayaga

3.23/5  rDev -10.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bottle into a tulip glass.

Appearance- A really nice clear amber-to-copper color, with a 2-finger creamy off-white head. Great lacing on the glass.

Aroma- Grains, slightly sweet malts, a little toast. I don't get much hops at all, but I poured it at 40F. Grape nuts.

Flavor- More grains, some "mineraliness." Biscuit.

Mouthfeel- Medium body, medium carbonation.

As unique as I think that this beer is, I think that New Belgium has some much better offerings.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 22:21:43 | More by babayaga

raynmoon

California

3.58/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

It smells like light malts, and some noble hops it seems. Sort of lemon-lime in character. I also get a very nostalgic raw/ being brewed smell of grains and hops. Something you only really smell when you are making beer. Also some nice caramelized malts. Not strong, but above average for its complexity.

A sweet malt flavor, very faint hop flavor coming through with a mild but satisfying hop bitterness. a slight cocoa taste at the very end. Reminds me of some of the nice Euro Lagers.

Definitely not something I am clambering for, but I can sure see why people like it so much. Solid.

Serving type: bottle

12-25-2012 08:34:51 | More by raynmoon

sndleight

4.35/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

It was love at first taste!
This beer is awesome.
The appearence is a nice amber color with a medium to full head.
It has a smell of dirty laundry.
It has a second to none taste.
It goes done smooth and crisp feel.
Overall this is in my top five beers!

Serving type: bottle

12-23-2012 01:40:18 | More by sndleight

HarryPotHead

Maryland

3.5/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Started seeing this beer more frequently in Maryland over the last year so I figured I would "take it for a spin". ...groan.

S - Poured from 22 oz bomber with a 1/13/13 "best by" date into my favorite frosted mug.

A - A better than expected and frothy head sits on top of a rich amber body. The head eventually yielded, but hung around for at least half of the first pour. Average amount of lacing left behind.

S - The smell is the best thing about this brew! Not overpowering but very pleasant indeed. Subtle hints of cherry with a malted headiness. Very well balanced and unique.

T - Was expecting more based on the beautiful aroma, but was slightly dissapointed here. A little heavy on the malt for my tastes, but not bad. Aftertaste lingers awhile but is not bad either. Enjoyable, but nothing spectacular... a solid 3 in my book.

M - Lightly textured, cool, and crisp without a lot of bite. Nice.

O - I might have enjoyed this beer a lttle more a few monts back. It's winter here in Maryland and I think this beer would be a good summer ale. I'll stick with my porters and stouts and come back to this in April or May! This is a good solid American ale with a lot going for it... Just nothing remarkable. The label says they are "wind powered and employee owned"...I wish I could add extra points for those two facts alone!! Kudos!

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 03:37:55 | More by HarryPotHead

punky796

Michigan

3.98/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from the bottle into a tulip glass.

A - Pours a light amber-red, about a finger of medium-thick head. Head disappears in short time but leaves very nice lacing.

S - Bread/biscuit comes through first, with possibly honey and some hops. Malts dominate, though.

T - Bread/biscuit again, malts, honey or caramel, can't tell which.

M - Well-balanced, not just a heavy blanket of malt or just a tongue-stab of hops. Bright finish.

O - Solid, well-balanced ale. Would have it again.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2012 20:10:54 | More by punky796

jjboesen

Maryland

3.78/5  rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This amber ale is New Belgium's flagship beer and honors bike riding - apparently. The ride begins with a massive marshmellow frothiness that includes shimmery bubbles and lather. The body is a translucent amber color wherein little carbonation or lacing. The head will eventually dissapear alltogether.

What little nose there is reminds one of honey and green apples while the palate detects grass and plum with a final and fleeting hit of hop. There is a little biscuit wrapped in the body along with some wispy strands of maltiness. Nice balance at the end of the ride.

There was much hoop-la surrounding the arrival of Fat Tire in the East, which now makes me scratch my head. Still this is a pleasant, if a somewhat underwhelming beer. That said, I am still glad to have it available here in Maryland - where I live.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2012 23:52:16 | More by jjboesen

WoodBrew

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours an solid amber with a good amount of white head with good retention that drifts to a decent lace. The nose is refreshing, and nice not to get hit with a bag of citrus fruit. The biscuit/bready malt is surprisingly forward. Hops are floral and fruity (and yeast). Taste follows with lots of biscuit/bready sweet Belgium style malt and a bit of caramel. Hops are subdued, but floral and noble in nature. Also fruity yeast character. Mouthfeel is smooth and has good balance. Overall a fine beer, but I prefer SA Lager or Honkers Ale to this.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2012 14:39:31 | More by WoodBrew

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.73/5  rDev +3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a Seattle Beer Week pint glass. Pours a medium coppery amber with a half finger white head with good retention and lacing. Aroma of bisquit malt with a hint of caramel, light hops. Flavor of biscuit malt and neutral hops. Finishes with light bisquity and caramel malt. Not complex, but pleasant low key amber ale. Medium bodied.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2012 02:01:04 | More by LiquidAmber

SportsandJorts

Michigan

3.41/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Type: 12 oz bottle
Glass: Pint
From: Meijer
Price: I think $9 a 6 pack

Appearance: clear orange color with a finger of foam that fades at a average pace

Smell: Malts, breadiness, maybe a touch of hops. not the most balanced smell and it can come off a bit musty at times

Taste: carmel malts, breadiness, and a touch of bitterness in the end. Again not the best balancing but still pretty good

Overall: not my favorite and not a go to session beer but definitely a decent to good beer. because of how easy to find and cheap it is, its a beer i will revisit on occasion.

Serving type: bottle

11-17-2012 19:39:50 | More by SportsandJorts