Is it me?

[Garrete]

Hello.
I had Fat Tire a few years ago when I was in Nebraska. It had a different taste, in that, I was unsure that I liked it. In the end, I fell in love with that taste. I can only describe it as a earthy/woody taste. However, I think the recipe has been changed. It does not taste like that anymore. It is still a good beer, but not what I remember.
Did New Belgium change the recipe?

Thanks in advance.

[wild]

No, they just got bigger and lost the handcrafted taste. Same goes with the 1554.

[Garrete]

Did Coors buy them out?
How would you describe that flavor, like what I said? How can I get that flavor?
Thanks in advance.

[Phil]

Did Coors buy them out?
How would you describe that flavor, like what I said? How can I get that flavor?
Thanks in advance.

a 10 minute boil then cool as slowly as possible!

[BeerPal]

No, they just got bigger and lost the handcrafted taste.

What the hell does "handcrafted" taste like?

I have always found Fat Tire to be essentially undrinkable out of the bottle. The very strong biscuity notes really turn me off. On draught, it's a different story. A much more enjoyable beer, IMHO. Garrete, I wonder if that explains the differences you've noticed?

[BrewBum]

What with the baggin on New Belgium.

Fat Tire is definitely a gateway beer for a lot of people and is usually a beer found in most bars. The recipe doesn't appear to have changed to me over the years, the key is getting it fresh. With it's robust distribution it doesn't travel well, as beerpal indicated. Go grab it on tap fresh and it truly is a wonderful beer. The bottle has a certain harshness, for lack of a better word, that I tolerate because it is better than grabbing a bud light but only when it is the only option. Now, if it is on tap I will grab a pint for sure.

They are not owned by Coors, how dare you, and I doubt their 1554 has changed either. This company is about as "Handcrafted" as you can get and still be large. I hate how successful companies suddenly get vilified because they are big. Grab yourself a La Folie or some of their new series of beers, Lips of Faith, and you will see their homebrew roots all over it. they don't brew to style with anything either and that can turn some people off and I don't enjoy all their beers but man, you guys are being a little harsh on them.

[Dmac08]

Interesting thread. I have never really enjoyed Fat Tire, but I think I have only had it in the bottle. I must now seek out Fat Tire on draft and give it a second chance.

[Garrete]

I have always found Fat Tire to be essentially undrinkable out of the bottle. The very strong biscuity notes really turn me off. On draught, it's a different story. A much more enjoyable beer, IMHO. Garrete, I wonder if that explains the differences you've noticed?

The first time I had it, it was from a bottle poured into a glass and I bought it from a so-so grocery store. The other times I had it, was on draught. I just bought a 12 pack and none of them have they biscuity flavor like the first time I had it.

Now that I think about it... I did have someone while they were in Chicago, buy me a case of it. THAT was awesome!

But I am not bagging on Fat Tire. I was just wondering if my taste buds were failing me