Fat Tire Amber Ale - New Belgium Brewing

laramis

South Carolina

3.55/5  rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Poured into a pint glass

A: poured an amber color that was on the orange side there was a finger sized head white in color that did not last to long, little lacing.

S: somewhat sweet perhaps a citrus note, some malt and bread as well

T: malt and biscuit a distinct roast flavor is present there is also a cereal and grain taste there as well

M: Light in the mouth, drinkable but not watery, there is a very distinct bubbly body to it, it goes down smooth

O: it has a full taste that is enjoyable and rich but it is very drinkable not weighing you down after one or two it is not the best beer in the world but it is a solidly good one. you dont have to regret drinking it because it is so precious you were saving it for an event instead this is a beer you can enjoy again and again.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 19:43:00 | More by laramis

Cyrion

Virginia

3.95/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Poured into a nonick pint, I was surprised at how unlike an amber ale it seems. A clear, medium gold appearance instead of the red I was expecting? And what's this, no carbonation bubbles rising from the bottom at all! Still, it presented a nice frothy head with complex lacing, which I found delightful.

Aroma was sweet and biscuit-like. I detected a slight orange hop tang, but nothing more than a hint.

Taste was a rich, sweet malt. It brought to mind oatmeal cookies. That bakery taste was unmistakeable. A slight cocoa flavor was also present- I shall be interested in learning the malts used. A slight hop flavor was noticed at the edges of the tongue, but remained hidden for the duration of the quaff.

Mouthfeel was of medium body and only slightly chewy. Went well with the bakery flavors presented by the malt.

Overall, a delicious first foray for me into the New Belgium lineup. The flavors were uncomplicated, which may disappoint those looking for far more character than I was seeking. I'm still not sure I'd call this an amber/red ale, but I found it delightful.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2013 00:07:52 | More by Cyrion

jjamadorphd

Florida

4.24/5  rDev +17.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25

Last night while still in California I was able to enjoy yet another great tasting beer - this one with the catchy name of Fat Tire.

The beer has a nice dark golden color that has light and dark highlights that accent quite nicely when candle light catches it just the right way. The head was lightly brown, frothy and had a bit of staying power - there was plenty of lacing the entire way down the bottle. What surprised me was the distinct caramel smell that I found appealing and added just a little to the taste. Mouthfeel wasn't anything spectacular, carbonation was a bit more than I like. Overall it was a great beer, I'm jealous with Californians, they have a very good selection of brews at their local restaurants.

Serving type: on-tap

03-08-2013 01:35:56 | More by jjamadorphd

totallyrelaxed

2.7/5  rDev -25.4%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 2.75

A- A nice pink-tinged copper. Looks pretty decent actually

S-Almost vegetable hops with a slightly charred biscuit note

T-Once again vegetable hops with a malty backbone

M- Light almost watery

O- I will admit that I simply have never liked this beer. Had a couple left in my fridge so I thought I'd give it another try.It just doesnt taste pleasant to me. Its off putting with that dry vegetable hop flavor Its just meh...

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 08:35:24 | More by totallyrelaxed

Philousa

California

3.43/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Pours a clear orange amber with a small amount of white head. Aroma is mainly biscuit with some caramel and a tartness from the yeast. Flavor is sweet with biscuit and slight honey, some chocolate malt, and the tartness from the yeast prevails towards the end of the flavor profile. I'm guessing noble hops are used, as the finish of flavor is nectar and flowery that goes well with the sweet Belgian malt. Well balanced with a middling mouthfeel and a balanced finish. Easily drinkable with a sweetness is my take away from this beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2013 00:13:25 | More by Philousa

andjlepp

3.29/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25

Bottle served into english Pub style glass

appearearance- Light, golden caramel color, clear and easy see through, small head that shrinks to a thin head that remains during consumption, light lacing left on the glass

smell- smell of biscuity hops and slight citrus smell, vague and light hop smell to the beer

taste- very smooth flavor with a high biscuit style flavoring, slight caramel after taste with a bit of hop bitterness

mouthfeel- very light and smooth in the mouth, bite of carbonation when left in the mouth

overall- a satisfying beer with a belgian like flavoring, light and crisp with light citrus under tones, adding and orange will bring out more citrus flavor

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2013 22:52:31 | More by andjlepp

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

Bronks

5/5  rDev +38.1%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This beer is one of my favorites from a great brewery with excellent standards. A staple for any place with a craft beer selection! We will be keeping this beer on our list for a long time! We will also be rotating New Belgium's seasonal selections!

Serving type: on-tap

01-18-2013 15:03:26 | More by Bronks

Ford

Texas

4.06/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Berryhill Baja Grill in Webster, Texas

There were only three beers on tap here that I would drink. I hadn't had Fat Tire in a long time, so I went and ahead and ordered one. Great decision!

First let me say, this beer goes great with Mexican food.... really paired well with the Tamales I orderd.. and the black beans... oh and the chips and salsa.

It's malty with a touch of bitterness... amber color....

Every once in a while you just need to revisit a classic.. and Fat Tire has been around for a long time now it seems... one of the first craft beers I ever had in fact... glad I had it again.

Serving type: on-tap

01-18-2013 02:41:36 | More by Ford

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