Colorado's Fat Tire Amber Ale named America's Next Top Beer

After hundreds of beers, thousands of votes and more than a few hangovers, Asylum.com has named  Fat Tire Amber Ale as America’s Next Top Beer.

“It’s a complete honor,” said Tyler Foos, who has introduced countless visitors to Fat Tire and all of New Belgium Brewing’s offerings in the tasting room of their Colorado brewery. “It’s amazing and humbling. There are so many great craft beers out there.”

Fat Tire Amber Ale came into the contest as an underdog. A write-in candidate buried amidst a field of expertly selected gold medal brews, Fat Tire was brought to the table by user comments, and carried through the nomination round by it’s ardent fan base. "When all the numbers were crunched, the Colorado-brewed amber ale actually raked in twice the votes of the runner-up, San Diego stand-out, Stone Pale Ale," states the team at Asylum.

America’s Next Top Beer actually found its inspiration in Belgium, where founder Jeff Lebesch fell in love with that country’s distinctive brews during a bike trip. Lebesch tried to recreate those flavors – notes of fruit and floral elements balanced with hints of hops – in his Colorado basement, and the New Belgium Brewing Co. was born. The company now brews more than 20 different varieties of beer, but Fat Tire remains New Belgium’s calling card. “It’s had a lot of amazing staying power,” Foos told us.

So what’s the appeal of this amber elixir? For some, it’s a bit of homegrown Rocky Mountain pride. “I found it living in Colorado, but have missed it since moving to Virginia,” Asylum user kevo wrote.

“I live at the Mothership, Fort Collins. There's nothing sweeter than a visit to the brewery for Lips of Faith samplings,” Fat Tire fan Diana reports.

But for others, the company’s progressive business practices – from their employee owned culture to their use of wind power and additional energy conservation efforts – are as appealing as what’s in the bottle.

“Fat Tire is an amazing beer made by not only the most amazing wind-powered brewery, but what I believe is the greatest model for a company in the United States,” Asylum user Caleb said.

“If only everyone could adopt their philosophies what a world it would be!” Asylum user Diana added.