Anyone else not crazy about New Belgium?

[ravensbrew]

It's a fine choice if your faced with restaurant that only stocks BMC and Fat Tire, but otherwise there are better brews for sure.

I don't know if they use biscuit malt in everything they brew, it sure tastes like the do. And I can concur with many other posters about it tasting watered down. All of the NB beers I've tasted (and being in Colorado thats most except the soured beers) seem lacking in depth and character.

 

[craven_morhead]

I'm a fan of Mighty Arrow and Ranger; the rest are pretty "meh."

 

[whiskeytownwombat]

I agree, fat tire tastes like dirty biscuits and most of their other beers have a hint of the same flavor that I can't stand in fat tire. I will drink one if there is nothing else around, but no more. I do like the 2below for a winter ale, but other than that, I won't buy any New Belgium beer.

 

[Carter1932]

I used to be big fan having discovered New Belgium visiting Colorado way back in 1994, at that time they were still distributing beer via the brewmaster's station wagon. I recall loving Fat Tire back then and the Cherry ale they had at the time.

Moving forward to today, I just picked up a six of Abbey Ale and Trippel, neither has impressed me. The Abbey Ale is ok, but really not on par with the 'real deal'; just didn't really enjoy it much.

The Trippel had overwhelming DMS both in aroma and taste. I was really surprised that I could detect DMS in their product. I used to love the Trippel, but seems either my tastes of changed, or their product has changed.

Oh, and yes, Fat Tire is overrated. Again, loved it back in the day, but now just seems to be a mediocre amber ale.

 

[malvado78]

I used to be big fan having discovered New Belgium visiting Colorado way back in 1994, at that time they were still distributing beer via the brewmaster's station wagon. I recall loving Fat Tire back then and the Cherry ale they had at the time.

Moving forward to today, I just picked up a six of Abbey Ale and Trippel, neither has impressed me. The Abbey Ale is ok, but really not on par with the 'real deal'; just didn't really enjoy it much.

The Trippel had overwhelming DMS both in aroma and taste. I was really surprised that I could detect DMS in their product. I used to love the Trippel, but seems either my tastes of changed, or their product has changed.

Oh, and yes, Fat Tire is overrated. Again, loved it back in the day, but now just seems to be a mediocre amber ale.

Yep I looked forward to having a Fat Tire as well. Did last Oct. when I was in AZ. Did not like it. Def overrated.

But the Ranger IPA now that is a different story. Very Tasty.

 

[skultch]

Yep. Fat Tire is probably my least favorite from NB. 1554 and Ranger are my favs and my wife really likes the Tripel. Or is the Abbey? Meh. I guess I'm not too good at the 'obey' thing. haha

Fat Tire in the can is pretty great for camping or rafting. They just started canning some of their other brews this past year, which is cool. However, when camping (and not driving, shooting, or rafting) I would rather go with the Old Chub from Oskar Blues.

 

[jhenderson27]

Herd people raving about it. Tried fat tire in charlotte nc and was.not impressed the least bit.

 

[GeoGirl]

Fat Tire is one I can take or leave. If someone is offering one to me, I won't turn it down, but I am not going to spend the money to buy a 6-pack. To me, it is lacking in flavor.

 

[Strave19]

Is the hop czar good? It was on sale this weekend when I was in Seattle and I turned it down in favor of something else because they were braging on the bottle that it had 2 lbs of hops per barrel and I thought that is pretty damn crappy for a IIPA when for example firestone walkers IPA (not IIPA) has 4lbs of hops per barrel. I figured it was going to be mostly bitter with not much aroma and nose to it. So how is it?

Hop Czar is not good IMO. Its bitter, but otherwise lacking.

NB is not a favorite brewery of mine. The Abbey, Ranger, and 1554 are decent for the price and availability, though not outstanding. Generally I can find something better for close to the same price... One of my first micros was fat tire, which I used to like, but honestly have not had one in years.

 

[Steelers77]

When I moved to Colorado in 1996 this along with Tommyknocker Maple nut Brown were two of the first beers I was introduced to, they were both fantastic! Even 5 years ago when NB made their move east I thought Fat Tire was still an excellent beer (Drank some in Pittsburg, Texas of all places). When they moved into Wisconsin, I remember being so excited about being able to get Fat Tire again and I also remember the let down after that first 6 pack, it just wasn't the same. Maybe my taste have changed. maybe the beer has changed. Whatever the case may be it's just not the same.

 

[JonK331]

When I moved to Colorado in 1996 this along with Tommyknocker Maple nut Brown were two of the first beers I was introduced to, they were both fantastic! Even 5 years ago when NB made their move east I thought Fat Tire was still an excellent beer (Drank some in Pittsburg, Texas of all places). When they moved into Wisconsin, I remember being so excited about being able to get Fat Tire again and I also remember the let down after that first 6 pack, it just wasn't the same. Maybe my taste have changed. maybe the beer has changed. Whatever the case may be it's just not the same.

That Tommyknocker Maple Nut Brown is awesome! I have a buddy who went to school in Fort Collins and orders a case of that stuff periodically. Great beer. But yeah, the NB kind of reminds me of Henry Weinhard's now.

 

[Acoma]

I'm with you on that. Fat Tire blows. However, I haven't had enough of their beers to know if all of them are bad.

 

[boo boo]

Well I've only had Fat Tire and Skinney Dip, and thought they were OK, But what do I know

 

[dantheman13]

Fat Tire is flavorless. 1884 is good.

Some of their sours kick ass. Too bad they're impossible to find.

I tried their La Folie on tap. It was the first sour I ever tried, and now I want to try more!

 

[Jefathome]

The only issue Ihave with the new "sour" series is that it is SO darn expensive!!
Here in SoCal they are charging something like $12 for a 22oz bottle.

Shoot, I can get Rodenbach for less than that!! and I'll take one of those over a fake belgain ANY DAY.

 

[Acoma]

Had a Mighty Arrow last night and I really enjoyed it.

 

[Steelers77]

That Tommyknocker Maple Nut Brown is awesome! I have a buddy who went to school in Fort Collins and orders a case of that stuff periodically. Great beer. But yeah, the NB kind of reminds me of Henry Weinhard's now.

Have you hade the Imperial Nut Brown? Awesome!

 

[Titusd62]

I honestly think that new bel is yet another "craft beer" company that shifts their beers more toward the mainstream in an attempt to appeal to a larger audience. Im a small business owner... I get it. In contrast, I think it's imperative that you continue to push the boundaries of conventional wisdom and that which is considered normal to create great beer! A strong marketing campaign and the manipulation of distribution dosent make your beer taste better!!

 

[JonK331]

Have you hade the Imperial Nut Brown? Awesome!

No I'll have to try it.

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

I like 1554 and the Frambozen they released this winter. The Abbey Ale and 2Below are ok beers every once in a while. The Lips of Faith series are ok but I haven't bought any of them more than once. I don't buy NB beers too often anymore just because I can usually find something better for around the same price.

Fat Tire is definitely a gateway beer. It's not great but it's not retched. I would drink it over BMC if it's the "dark beer" option at a bar or out of a can on the river or lake.