Jeff Lebesch discovered the joys of classic Old World beers on a 1989 bicycle tour through European villages famous for their beers. When he returned home to Fort Collins, Colo., he set about brewing two beers of his own—a Belgian Dubbel-style beer, and an amber beer he named Fat Tire, after the bike he rode in Europe. These were the beginnings of New Belgium Brewing.
After their basement homebrews proved popular with friends, Lebesch and wife Kim Jordan recruited an artist neighbor to create labels, and began commercial operations in 1991.
New Belgium has been employee-owned since 2012. The brewery’s founders say its culture inspires innovation, including the 1998 decision to operate the brewery on wind power – it’s the first brewery in the United States to do so.
In addition to the famous Fat Tire – a widely popular year-round beer enjoyed for its balance, toasty malt flavors and hoppy freshness – New Belgium’s year-round offerings include Sunshine Wheat (American Pale Wheat Ale), 1554 (Belgian Dark Ale), Blue Paddle (German Pilsner), Trippel, Ranger IPA (American IPA), Belgo IPA (Belgian IPA) and Mothership Wit (Witbier). Seasonal New Belgium beers include Hoptober and Snow Day, as well as other returning favorites. The New Belgium Lips of Faith series has created such attention-getting brews as Le Terroir, La Folie, Abbey Grand Cru and more.
Source: New Belgium
