Fat Tire was the beer that put New Belgium on the map and helped bring craft beer to a wide American audience. It is an amber ale, smooth and balanced, with a lovely toasty-biscuit malt character and just enough hops. It is easy, approachable and a genuine modern classic. I picked up a batch for this guide.
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale at a glance
| Style | American amber ale |
| ABV | 5.2% |
| Calories | Around 160 per 12 fl oz |
| Brewery | New Belgium Brewing, Colorado, USA |
| Character | Toasty biscuit malt, light caramel, gentle hops |
| Best served | Cold, in a glass |
How it tastes, by the numbers
This is a smooth, balanced amber ale, malt-led with a gentle hop character.
The full review
It pours a clear amber with a soft off-white head. The aroma is malty and inviting, toasty biscuit malt, light caramel and a gentle floral hop.
The flavour is smooth and balanced. There is a toasty, biscuity malt base with a touch of caramel, a light and slightly earthy hop character and a clean, easy finish. It is malt-led but not sweet, and it is very easy to drink.
That approachable balance is why it became a gateway craft beer for so many Americans. It is not a bold or challenging beer, it is a smooth, dependable amber ale that pleases almost everyone, and there is real skill in that.
A classic, approachable American amber ale and a genuine modern craft icon. An easy, reliable pint.
It is the smooth, dependable amber ale that helped bring craft beer to a wide American audience.
- A classic American amber ale
- Smooth, balanced and approachable
- Toasty biscuit malt character
- Very easy to drink
- Mild for dedicated hop fans
- More approachable than exciting
Who it is for
If you want a smooth, balanced, approachable American amber ale, Fat Tire is a modern classic. Perfect as a crowd-pleaser and an easy everyday beer.
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale FAQs
What does New Belgium Fat Tire taste like?
A toasty, biscuity malt base with a touch of caramel, a gentle earthy-floral hop character and a clean, easy finish. It is smooth, balanced and malt-led rather than hoppy.
What is an American amber ale?
An American amber ale is a smooth, balanced, malt-led ale with a toasty caramel character and a moderate American hop presence. It sits between a pale ale and a brown ale. Fat Tire is a classic example.
Why is Fat Tire important?
Fat Tire was New Belgium’s flagship and one of the beers that helped bring craft beer to a wide mainstream American audience in the 1990s and 2000s.
Where to buy New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale is available across the US in bottles and cans. Buy it using the button above.
The verdict
New Belgium Fat Tire is a classic American amber ale, smooth and balanced with toasty biscuit malt. Approachable and dependable, it is a modern craft icon and an easy everyday pint.
FAQs
Who makes New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale?
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale is brewed by New Belgium Brewing (owned by Lion Little World Beverages, a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings, since 2020).
What kind of beer is New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale?
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale is an American amber ale, at 5.2% ABV.
How much alcohol is in New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale?
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale has an ABV of 5.2%.
How many calories are in New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale?
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale has Around 160 per 12 fl oz, based on the brewery’s published nutrition information.
Is New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale gluten free?
No. Like most traditional beers, New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale is brewed from barley and/or wheat, both of which contain gluten.
How can I make New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale taste better?
Serve it at the right temperature and in the right glass (see below), or use it as the base for a beer cocktail. Our beer cocktails guide has recipes worth trying.
Where is New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale made?
New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale is brewed by New Belgium Brewing in Colorado, USA. For more from that country, see our best Belgium beers guide.
What is a good alternative to New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale?
If you can’t find New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale, Samuel Adams Boston Ale is a close alternative in the same American amber ale category.
How do I open New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale without a bottle opener?
A lighter, a sturdy key, a spoon, or the edge of a table all work in a pinch. See our full guide on opening a beer without a bottle opener for 8 methods that actually work.
What glass should I use for New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale?
Cold, in a glass. See our beer glassware guide if you want to match the glass to the style exactly.
