Fat Tire Amber Ale
New Belgium Brewing Company
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- From:
- New Belgium Brewing Company
- Colorado, United States
- Style:
- Red Ale - American Amber / Red
Ranked #252 - ABV:
- 5.2%
- Score:
- 82
Ranked #26,523 - Avg:
- 3.6 | pDev: 14.72%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 08, 2022
- Added:
- Oct 07, 2000
- Wants:
- 277
- Gots:
- 2,939
SCORE
82
Good
82
Good
Notes:
Fat Tire Amber is the easy-drinking Amber Ale born in Colorado from New Belgium Brewing Company, a certified B-Corp.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
3.94 by Hophazzard from California on May 08, 2022
3.66 by cold_beer on May 07, 2022
3.52/5 rDev -2.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by JZH1000 from Colorado
Poured from a 12oz bottle best by April 10th yikes a little old but I'll adjust scores.
On the pour a white 2 finger head forms that quickly recedes back down to a 2mm head. Color is about as spot onto amber as you can get and there's a decently lively carbonation. No haze. Light lacing.
Smell is a bit old, but beyond the light skunkiness it reminds me of what I can only describe as belgian light beer. All I can really detect is the old hops and yeast not a lot of malt character here.
Taste is quite similar to the nose. There is some sweetness coming from the malt but it is mostly covered by the yeast character which is quite bright and belgian tasting, but not as strong as traditional belgian beer. Some malt aftertaste as would be expected from an amber. Not a bad flavor but slightly boring.
Feel is a bit light for the style. Definitely can see that it was competing with macros back in the day it's slightly heavier than a lager but it clears the palate fast and has a slight drying effect.
Overall this beer is better than I remember it but the flavors are quite subtle. Apart from the aged hops there's nothing off or offensive about this and it's very easy to drink but only a step or two up from traditional American macros. In Colorado this almost feels like a local macro. I wouldn't seek it out but I'd choose it over a few beers for sure
Apr 27, 2022
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by JZH1000 from Colorado
Poured from a 12oz bottle best by April 10th yikes a little old but I'll adjust scores.
On the pour a white 2 finger head forms that quickly recedes back down to a 2mm head. Color is about as spot onto amber as you can get and there's a decently lively carbonation. No haze. Light lacing.
Smell is a bit old, but beyond the light skunkiness it reminds me of what I can only describe as belgian light beer. All I can really detect is the old hops and yeast not a lot of malt character here.
Taste is quite similar to the nose. There is some sweetness coming from the malt but it is mostly covered by the yeast character which is quite bright and belgian tasting, but not as strong as traditional belgian beer. Some malt aftertaste as would be expected from an amber. Not a bad flavor but slightly boring.
Feel is a bit light for the style. Definitely can see that it was competing with macros back in the day it's slightly heavier than a lager but it clears the palate fast and has a slight drying effect.
Overall this beer is better than I remember it but the flavors are quite subtle. Apart from the aged hops there's nothing off or offensive about this and it's very easy to drink but only a step or two up from traditional American macros. In Colorado this almost feels like a local macro. I wouldn't seek it out but I'd choose it over a few beers for sure
Apr 27, 2022
3.25 by boszormeny from Canada (ON) on Apr 23, 2022
3.98 by 60sFolks from Texas on Apr 22, 2022
4.2 by Karren from New Jersey on Apr 15, 2022
4.08 by not2quick from Missouri on Apr 12, 2022
3.64/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by Patriots3232
It's just not New Belgiums best imo, and it's not the greatest amber ale I've endulged into at the same range. I'd state an average at best.
Mar 30, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
by Patriots3232
It's just not New Belgiums best imo, and it's not the greatest amber ale I've endulged into at the same range. I'd state an average at best.
Mar 30, 2022
3.94 by thehermgod on Mar 25, 2022
3.21 by cabsandking from Ohio on Mar 25, 2022
4/5 rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by TheBricenator from Oregon
Look: Nearly clear reddish amber with a creamy looking head that retains well and eventually settles, leaving good lacing behind
Aroma: Freshly baked bread, light toffee notes, wafts of dough, caramel, lightly toasted grains, and some malt sweetness
Taste: Caramel-dipped bread and tons of it starts things off as some doughy notes and toffee filter in behind. These components continue to develop and deepen along with some toasted grains and closes how it started
Mouthfeel: Full, pretty smooth, medium-high carbonation, and a soft and smooth finish
Overall: I dig it. A classic in its own right and a tasty and well-made Amber ale to boot. Probably not too exciting for some but it’s a great no-nonsense, easy-drinking, malty beer that is nice to have readily available pretty much anywhere and inexpensive to enjoy
Mar 22, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by TheBricenator from Oregon
Look: Nearly clear reddish amber with a creamy looking head that retains well and eventually settles, leaving good lacing behind
Aroma: Freshly baked bread, light toffee notes, wafts of dough, caramel, lightly toasted grains, and some malt sweetness
Taste: Caramel-dipped bread and tons of it starts things off as some doughy notes and toffee filter in behind. These components continue to develop and deepen along with some toasted grains and closes how it started
Mouthfeel: Full, pretty smooth, medium-high carbonation, and a soft and smooth finish
Overall: I dig it. A classic in its own right and a tasty and well-made Amber ale to boot. Probably not too exciting for some but it’s a great no-nonsense, easy-drinking, malty beer that is nice to have readily available pretty much anywhere and inexpensive to enjoy
Mar 22, 2022
4.06 by Ale714 on Mar 21, 2022
4.21/5 rDev +16.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by GABronco
Great tasting beer. Smooth, malty, good carbonation, and really nice flavor.
Mar 13, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by GABronco
Great tasting beer. Smooth, malty, good carbonation, and really nice flavor.
Mar 13, 2022
3.31 by spicychimichurri on Mar 12, 2022
3.97/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Perioddicals from Texas
L - Poured from a bottle into a Sam Adams Perfect Glass at roughly 50 - 55 degrees. One and a half finger light tan head on an aggressive pour. Clear amber-brown color. Some lacing that fades.
S - Sweet malt up front. Creamy/buttery scent. Some light bread as well.
T - Taste follows scent with sweet buttery caramel malts. Light Biscuit. No bitterness, all straightforward flavor. A bit of toastiness as it warms up.
F - Good buttery medium mouthfeel. Good carbonation.
O - This is a good straightforward beer. The flavors are a basic caramel/biscuit malt, and there is no bitterness. This is a very pleasing beer that I would always choose ahead of the American mass market beers. In fact, I would classify this as one of my standard beers. Definitely in my regular rotation and would recommend to everyone.
Mar 11, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by Perioddicals from Texas
L - Poured from a bottle into a Sam Adams Perfect Glass at roughly 50 - 55 degrees. One and a half finger light tan head on an aggressive pour. Clear amber-brown color. Some lacing that fades.
S - Sweet malt up front. Creamy/buttery scent. Some light bread as well.
T - Taste follows scent with sweet buttery caramel malts. Light Biscuit. No bitterness, all straightforward flavor. A bit of toastiness as it warms up.
F - Good buttery medium mouthfeel. Good carbonation.
O - This is a good straightforward beer. The flavors are a basic caramel/biscuit malt, and there is no bitterness. This is a very pleasing beer that I would always choose ahead of the American mass market beers. In fact, I would classify this as one of my standard beers. Definitely in my regular rotation and would recommend to everyone.
Mar 11, 2022
3.25 by Bum4ever from California on Mar 02, 2022
3.5 by bottom_ramen on Feb 23, 2022
3.72/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by lomtatz
Color is a dark amber that is translucent. Pour was nice with a small head that dissipated really quickly, leaving little bits of disconnected lace on the glass. I noticed the aroma instantly while pouring with the phenolic aroma characteristic of a Belgian style ale. Taste is very crisp, and notably well balanced in terms of sweetness, bitterness, and yeasty flavors. For a bBelgian style ale, it is somewhat muted, but in a way I think works very well for an easily drinkable rendition of this style. Overall, a very solid beer, I think the only reason I haven't rated it higher is because the style in general is not one of my favorites.
Feb 20, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by lomtatz
Color is a dark amber that is translucent. Pour was nice with a small head that dissipated really quickly, leaving little bits of disconnected lace on the glass. I noticed the aroma instantly while pouring with the phenolic aroma characteristic of a Belgian style ale. Taste is very crisp, and notably well balanced in terms of sweetness, bitterness, and yeasty flavors. For a bBelgian style ale, it is somewhat muted, but in a way I think works very well for an easily drinkable rendition of this style. Overall, a very solid beer, I think the only reason I haven't rated it higher is because the style in general is not one of my favorites.
Feb 20, 2022
3.25 by MillyLite from Michigan on Feb 10, 2022
3.61 by CisPiece88 from Nebraska on Feb 10, 2022
4.37 by Arthur90 on Feb 06, 2022
3.58 by WlSH_YOU_WERE_BEER from New York on Jan 19, 2022
3.64 by Grupatre from Michigan on Jan 14, 2022
3.84/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
"Enjoy by 4/24/22"; drank 1/11/22 @ the Yarchives.
See-through orange appearance.
A rough pour yielded a HUGE off-white head; frothy lace.
Wheat, mild citrus & faint cream notes in the nose.
Creamy, medium mouthfeel.
Wheat & faint citrus flavors up front; mild caramel & a slight yeast kick on the finish.
A mild, easy drinker; not going to blow you away, but it will always do in a pinch.
Jan 12, 2022
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
by GuyFawkes from Illinois
"Enjoy by 4/24/22"; drank 1/11/22 @ the Yarchives.
See-through orange appearance.
A rough pour yielded a HUGE off-white head; frothy lace.
Wheat, mild citrus & faint cream notes in the nose.
Creamy, medium mouthfeel.
Wheat & faint citrus flavors up front; mild caramel & a slight yeast kick on the finish.
A mild, easy drinker; not going to blow you away, but it will always do in a pinch.
Jan 12, 2022
1.16/5 rDev -67.8%
look: 2 | smell: 1 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1.25
by rstjr
The popularity of this beer it's a total mystery to me. It's not the worst beer I've ever tasted, but for the price, it is the worst beer I've ever tasted. And this Brewery makes a Trippel which is quite wonderful for the price.
Jan 08, 2022
look: 2 | smell: 1 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1.25
by rstjr
The popularity of this beer it's a total mystery to me. It's not the worst beer I've ever tasted, but for the price, it is the worst beer I've ever tasted. And this Brewery makes a Trippel which is quite wonderful for the price.
Jan 08, 2022
3.77 by dafla67 from Pennsylvania on Jan 03, 2022
4.75 by JLBarley1 from West Virginia on Jan 03, 2022
4.16/5 rDev +15.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by RoyBrentII from Belize
This was my go-to when I was still in the states. Usual pour was from a 12oz bottle into a porter glass.
Look: clear; almost more copper than amber. Decent head/lacing.
Smell: complex. Slightly sweet with biscuit and caramel.
Taste: pretty much matches the aroma. Almost a märzen, but just enough hops on linger to remind you that it's an ale.
Overall: Ah, Fat Tire, I miss you. Nothing in Belize is even close.
Jan 02, 2022
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
by RoyBrentII from Belize
This was my go-to when I was still in the states. Usual pour was from a 12oz bottle into a porter glass.
Look: clear; almost more copper than amber. Decent head/lacing.
Smell: complex. Slightly sweet with biscuit and caramel.
Taste: pretty much matches the aroma. Almost a märzen, but just enough hops on linger to remind you that it's an ale.
Overall: Ah, Fat Tire, I miss you. Nothing in Belize is even close.
Jan 02, 2022
3.5 by akk14 from Illinois on Dec 29, 2021
3.5/5 rDev -2.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by KingLemuel from Washington
I just bought a second six pack (about 2 months after the first) of Fat Tire 12 oz bottles. I bought both at Fred Meyers in Tacoma. Sadly, for the first six pack, all 6 were stale and 3 of them were just about completely flat with next to no carbonation. That was the first time I ever bought beer from the supermarket and the beers were stale! Fortunately, the 6 bottles I just bought were all fresh and very much carbonated. I poured into a 16 oz pint glass and a large and quickly dissipating head appeared with lots of carbonation bubbles. For an amber beer, the caramel malt is not the star, its flavor does not overwhelm the maltiness. Instead, the malt flavor blends well with the caramel flavors and the malt is perhaps a tad more prominent over the caramel. The beer is bitter but not too bitter and has some hop flavor and aroma but not too much. The malt/caramel flavors are the star of the show and the hops play a secondary role. I just brewed a 5.5 gallon clone of this beer (adapted from BYO magazine and Austin Homebrew Supply's clone recipes). Fat Tire's website claims that the beer is a balanced and easy drinking beer, that it is! For the clone recipe, getting the flavor balance right between malt and caramel malt is the hard nut to crack. I like the somewhat subdued caramel malt flavors in Fat Tire better than Alaskan Amber Ale and Redhook ESB. The fizzy, dissipating head is the one drawback for me. Maybe it is a tad too carbonated. I've adjusted my clone recipe to hopefully get closer to the real deal (less caramel 80L malt) and will brew it again in 2022. The Briess Carapils malt that I used in the clone resulted in better head retention. The Fat Tire tastes good and is very drinkable.
Dec 25, 2021
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
by KingLemuel from Washington
I just bought a second six pack (about 2 months after the first) of Fat Tire 12 oz bottles. I bought both at Fred Meyers in Tacoma. Sadly, for the first six pack, all 6 were stale and 3 of them were just about completely flat with next to no carbonation. That was the first time I ever bought beer from the supermarket and the beers were stale! Fortunately, the 6 bottles I just bought were all fresh and very much carbonated. I poured into a 16 oz pint glass and a large and quickly dissipating head appeared with lots of carbonation bubbles. For an amber beer, the caramel malt is not the star, its flavor does not overwhelm the maltiness. Instead, the malt flavor blends well with the caramel flavors and the malt is perhaps a tad more prominent over the caramel. The beer is bitter but not too bitter and has some hop flavor and aroma but not too much. The malt/caramel flavors are the star of the show and the hops play a secondary role. I just brewed a 5.5 gallon clone of this beer (adapted from BYO magazine and Austin Homebrew Supply's clone recipes). Fat Tire's website claims that the beer is a balanced and easy drinking beer, that it is! For the clone recipe, getting the flavor balance right between malt and caramel malt is the hard nut to crack. I like the somewhat subdued caramel malt flavors in Fat Tire better than Alaskan Amber Ale and Redhook ESB. The fizzy, dissipating head is the one drawback for me. Maybe it is a tad too carbonated. I've adjusted my clone recipe to hopefully get closer to the real deal (less caramel 80L malt) and will brew it again in 2022. The Briess Carapils malt that I used in the clone resulted in better head retention. The Fat Tire tastes good and is very drinkable.
Dec 25, 2021
3.54 by HarlotBronte from District of Columbia on Dec 18, 2021
3.29/5 rDev -8.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by Beergeeknut from Connecticut
Appearance: This classic pours a transparent amber with a head about two fingers in height.
Aroma: Bready, biscuity, floral hop with a slight dryness in the nose.
Taste: Buttery, biscuity, light hop bite in the back. Fairly malt forward. Nice notes of caramel.
Overall: I first had this well a long time ago and I enjoyed it. Years later I still do. It's such a great classic beer. Cheers.
Dec 13, 2021
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
by Beergeeknut from Connecticut
Appearance: This classic pours a transparent amber with a head about two fingers in height.
Aroma: Bready, biscuity, floral hop with a slight dryness in the nose.
Taste: Buttery, biscuity, light hop bite in the back. Fairly malt forward. Nice notes of caramel.
Overall: I first had this well a long time ago and I enjoyed it. Years later I still do. It's such a great classic beer. Cheers.
Dec 13, 2021
3.96 by ohbigun from West Virginia on Dec 09, 2021
3.62/5 rDev +0.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by snaotheus from Washington
2021-12-01
12oz bottle served in a tulip. Dated "Enjoy By" 07NOV21. If I thought it was "off," I wouldn't enter this review.
Pours a clear amber color with a medium sized head. Smell is fairly yeasty/bready, grainy, with a bit of nuts and toffee.
Taste is more in the nutty direction, less yeasty/bready, still fairly grainy. A little bit of a wheat flavor.
Mouthfeel is dry and light. Overall, it's perfectly fine.
Dec 02, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by snaotheus from Washington
2021-12-01
12oz bottle served in a tulip. Dated "Enjoy By" 07NOV21. If I thought it was "off," I wouldn't enter this review.
Pours a clear amber color with a medium sized head. Smell is fairly yeasty/bready, grainy, with a bit of nuts and toffee.
Taste is more in the nutty direction, less yeasty/bready, still fairly grainy. A little bit of a wheat flavor.
Mouthfeel is dry and light. Overall, it's perfectly fine.
Dec 02, 2021
4.72 by Mattbrollins22 from South Carolina on Dec 01, 2021
4.82 by Brian_Pelsh from California on Nov 28, 2021
3.39/5 rDev -5.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by BubbleBobble from New York
Pours a clear, rich amber from the bottle, big 2.5" off-white head, very good lacing and retention. Nose is isn't too bright - light brown sugar, some earthy hop, a bit of brown bread. Even as it warms, the aroma is pretty muted and dissipate pretty quick. Flavor delivers more, though up front sweet - light molasses, agave nectar, light brown sugar. On the finish, however, there is some really pleasant breadiness keeps it from cloying. Mouthfeel rich and smooth. Overall, it's solid and serviceable and offers nothing offensive.
Nov 24, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by BubbleBobble from New York
Pours a clear, rich amber from the bottle, big 2.5" off-white head, very good lacing and retention. Nose is isn't too bright - light brown sugar, some earthy hop, a bit of brown bread. Even as it warms, the aroma is pretty muted and dissipate pretty quick. Flavor delivers more, though up front sweet - light molasses, agave nectar, light brown sugar. On the finish, however, there is some really pleasant breadiness keeps it from cloying. Mouthfeel rich and smooth. Overall, it's solid and serviceable and offers nothing offensive.
Nov 24, 2021
3.82 by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota on Nov 23, 2021
3.73 by Patrick2012 from California on Nov 17, 2021
2.87/5 rDev -20.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
by Spike from England
12oz bottle.
L: Clear, glassy amber with a thin, short-lived, off-white head.
S: Very light malt.
T: Sweet, lightly toasted malt with soft bitterness. The finish is weirdly metallic.
F: Soft mouthfeel but thin body.
O: Very disappointing nose and body with an overly sweet, bland flavour. Surprisingly bad for such a well known beer. Didn’t finish.
Nov 11, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
by Spike from England
12oz bottle.
L: Clear, glassy amber with a thin, short-lived, off-white head.
S: Very light malt.
T: Sweet, lightly toasted malt with soft bitterness. The finish is weirdly metallic.
F: Soft mouthfeel but thin body.
O: Very disappointing nose and body with an overly sweet, bland flavour. Surprisingly bad for such a well known beer. Didn’t finish.
Nov 11, 2021
Fat Tire Amber Ale from New Belgium Brewing Company
Beer rating:
82 out of
100 with
9358 ratings