While Colorado’s New Belgium Brewing Co. boasts the oldest wood-aged sour program in the country and a stable of well-crafted IPAs, their biggest brand remains their Fat Tire Amber Ale. First introduced in 1991, the iconic Amber Ale remains a pivotal beer in the U.S. beer scene. Now you can consider it a part of America’s grilling culture as well.

In partnership with Niman Ranch, New Belgium recently introduced their Fat Tire BBQ Collection, which combines the malty deliciousness of Fat Tire with Niman Ranch’s Certified humane pork and beef raised by independent U.S. family farmers. With five current offerings at launch, the Fat Tire BBQ Collection offers a variety of great grilling options perfect for a Saturday tailgate or backyard grill session. 

Here is a list of the current products now available at speciality grocers across the country: 

Fat Tire beer brats

Product descriptor: “Niman Ranch’s all natural pork bratwurst is enhanced by the gentle sweetness and fresh hop bitterness from New Belgium Brewing’s Fat Tire Amber Ale.”

Spicy cheddar Fat Tire beer brats

Product descriptor: “When New Belgium Brewing’s Fat Tire Amber Ale is combined with Niman Ranch’s all-natural pork, melty cheddar cheese and spicy jalapeños these already delicious ingredients are elevated.”

Pulled pork with Fat Tire BBQ sauce

Product descriptor: “The gentle sweetness and fresh hop bitterness of the beer enhances a tangy tomato-based BBQ sauce and pairs perfectly with pulled pork.”

Shredded beef with Fat Tire BBQ sauce

Product descriptor: Same flavor components of the pulled pork, just shredded beef instead. 

St. Louis-style pork ribs with Fat Tire BBQ sauce

Product descriptor: “The gentle sweetness and fresh hop bitterness of the beer enhances a tangy tomato-based BBQ sauce and pairs perfectly with applewood smoked ribs.”

New Belgium was nice enough to send me samples of their BBQ collection just in time for the Labor Day weekend. The added day of free time plus copious amounts of football provided a perfect foundation to try out all of these new options and I came away impressed.

My biggest takeaway is primarily around the ease of use when it comes to preparing these meats as they come pre-cooked. I cooked the brats two ways: on the grill and in a cast-iron pan on the stovetop. Both turned out to be great options and I came away particularly impressed by the snap of the sausage followed by the rich juiciness of the meat inside, which is a testament to how well Fat Tire Amber Ale played as a beer brat-base. 

And while grilling or cast-iron are obviously preferred cooking vehicles, I did end up microwaving one of the pulled pork packages straight in the bag after a long day/night of college football. Instead of it turning out dry or timid in the flavor department, the pulled pork was delicious and boasted some really great smokey and sweet combo notes from the Fat Tire-infused BBQ sauce. 

Overall, the two varieties of beer brats were perhaps the most memorable of the portfolio; given how crisp and juicy these big bratwursts cooked up. However, all five deserve a fair shake if you’re looking for big flavors and low prep-times. 

The only downside is that because this is a premium product, it will probably be harder to find and more pricey than some of your standard supermarket meat options. That said, if you’re a New Belgium fan, a standard beer lover, or simply a person who loves well-prepared and easy-to-cook meats, the Fat Tire BBQ collection is well worth the look. 

Interested in picking up some Fat Tire beer brats for your next tailgate or dinner date? The list of speciality grocers selling the BBQ lineup can be found here. Cheers!

Feature image courtesy of New Belgium Brewing Co.

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