The Koehler Brewery

New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale in Cans

I stopped at the grocery store last night to pick up some snacks for my son’s preschool and made my usual pass down the beer aisle. It’s usually disappointing, but I noticed they were now selling Fat Tire in cans. I’m not a big fan of Fat Tire or amber ales in general really, but I had to support craft beer in cans, so I bought a 12 pack.

I decided to drink it from the can. Sacrilege I know, but it was late and I figured I’d try it. I know lots of people are going to be drinking it from the can anyway.

Fat Tire’s aroma was slightly sweet and malty with just a hint of biscuit, but generally very light for an amber ale and much lighter than I remembered. Maybe the can was interfering too much with the aroma or maybe I have a bad memory – probably both. The flavor was very light up front, almost like a light lager surprisingly, followed by some toasted malt, a moment of chocolate, and a finish of very light caramel, perhaps even a bit vegetal or pilsner-like. The beer is mildly hopped, but in a smooth way that dissipates before the finish of the drink. I prefer a crisper bitterness – which is one of the reasons I’m not usually a fan of amber ales – they too often have soft hops. I’d say Fat Tire is just OK.

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