Fat Tire hits Indiana

I was really under the impression that until recently, Fat Tire was unavailable east of the Mississippi River.

I want to say 3 years ago they hit St. Louis, 2 years ago Chicago, last year Tennessee, this year Indiana and Wisconsin. They are slowly moving eastward. I think it is a very smart distribution method that they are choosing. They build up huge demand in the states that don't have their products, then slowly move into new territories so that they don't overburden their brewery. It allows them to expand in a very well planned manner.

I'm fairly sure I saw Fat Tire neons in St. Louis in 2004.

Not that I'd drink it, or anything, as I'm suspicious of anything classified as "amber ale."

I know it was available in St. Louis when I moved there in 2004, but it may have just arrived on the scene.

[Robin Garr]

I was really under the impression that until recently, Fat Tire was unavailable east of the Mississippi River.

I'm absolutely sure I bought some at retail in the '90s, either in Louisville or in NYC/NJ, unless I'm losing my mind. I spent some youthful years in LA and the Bay area, but haven't lived west of the Mississippi since the '70s. Weird!

I was really under the impression that until recently, Fat Tire was unavailable east of the Mississippi River.

I'm absolutely sure I bought some at retail in the '90s, either in Louisville or in NYC/NJ, unless I'm losing my mind. I spent some youthful years in LA and the Bay area, but haven't lived west of the Mississippi since the '70s. Weird!

My best guess is that someone (retailer) either got some freighted in and sold it, or brought a few cases back with them from out west and sold it. I've seen it from time to time. It does not happen very much anymore. People are a lot more in the know on what is available in an area and what is not. Competitors in the beverage retail industry are very competitive and protective of anything like this happening. A store in Southern Indiana got busted by our state Excise several years ago for buying beer in Kentucky and reselling it in their store. The states' don't like anything like that happening because they get deprived of their excise monies, and retailers don't want another retailer selling something they can't get.

Heck, I've had excise police in my store twice in the past 3 years over beer that I legally purchased through a distributor, but was on a special order list that another retailer did not know was available. I'm guessing they thought they were doing something good by trying to rat me out, but ended up ticking off the excise police when I was able to provide invoices for the products. I'm sure they got a little extra attention from the excise police in their parking lot that night.

I was really under the impression that until recently, Fat Tire was unavailable east of the Mississippi River.

I'm absolutely sure I bought some at retail in the '90s, either in Louisville or in NYC/NJ, unless I'm losing my mind. I spent some youthful years in LA and the Bay area, but haven't lived west of the Mississippi since the '70s. Weird!

My best guess is that someone (retailer) either got some freighted in and sold it, or brought a few cases back with them from out west and sold it. I've seen it from time to time. It does not happen very much anymore. People are a lot more in the know on what is available in an area and what is not. Competitors in the beverage retail industry are very competitive and protective of anything like this happening. A store in Southern Indiana got busted by our state Excise several years ago for buying beer in Kentucky and reselling it in their store. The states' don't like anything like that happening because they get deprived of their excise monies, and retailers don't want another retailer selling something they can't get.

Heck, I've had excise police in my store twice in the past 3 years over beer that I legally purchased through a distributor, but was on a special order list that another retailer did not know was available. I'm guessing they thought they were doing something good by trying to rat me out, but ended up ticking off the excise police when I was able to provide invoices for the products. I'm sure they got a little extra attention from the excise police in their parking lot that night.

i like this story. all hail the keg. ive heard rumorz that a certain place in shelbyville is known for having certain beers they aren't supposed to but that's cool and all. i drank two cherise and still have two more. it is pretty tasty but i would hather have rubaeus or blushing monk. i hope they return however.

the black bavarian is another story. good lord this beer is excellent. i've always thought that kostritzer was an excellent choice among the few lighter (bodily) beers that i drink but this beer kills it. it is so excellent and thick and almost stout-like in body that its amazing. for me, it was like thinking sierra nevada pa was pretty tight and then drinking a two hearted. this is my favorite new beer of the year.

I was told early in 08 that KY could expect Fat tire in mid to late 2010.

Of course...things change, sometimes quickly but in 2008, KY was not on the list for 2009 and that 2010 or eary 2011 would be closer to reality.

Hopefully, things have changed in their mindset and we get our hands on some sooner rather than later.

Fat Tire entered the Arizona market right around 1999. My small brewery had a couple hundred accounts at the time, and perhaps 40 tap handles, mostly in Tucson, Phoenix and Flagstaff. When Fat Tire arrived people went goo goo crazy over it. I don't think I lost any handles, but they knocked off a BUNCH of competitors. It instantly became the number one US microbrew in the state. I can't say it'll be the same here, but that is what I experienced.

I'm fond of their Frambozen, but I'm not sure if they still make it. Probably. Yes, Fat tire is their worst beer, it is ok, but not exceptional. They have a great dubbel and trippel if I remember correctly. We'll keep waitin' here in KY....

Nimbus

Tried several places across the river looking for Fat Tire. They were all out and upon asking further, apparently people have been crossing the river and swarming the "sunny side" for Fat Tire. I was hoping it would be the centerpiece of my Derby Party. Oh well. You snooze, you lose. Haven't made it to Keg yet though.

Not that I'd drink it, or anything, as I'm suspicious of anything classified as "amber ale."

Still slighty better than "American Wheat".

Really, is it that hard to use a real Hefe yeast?

Tried several places across the river looking for Fat Tire. They were all out and upon asking further, apparently people have been crossing the river and swarming the "sunny side" for Fat Tire. I was hoping it would be the centerpiece of my Derby Party. Oh well. You snooze, you lose. Haven't made it to Keg yet though.

We are stocked to the gills with Fat Tire right now.... come on over!

Thanks Todd, I am sending my husband out there sometime soon!

This may have already been mentioned. Is Fat Tire only available in bottles?

This may have already been mentioned. Is Fat Tire only available in bottles?

Right now it is available in 22 oz bottles and also in 12 packs and 6 packs of 12 oz cans

I just wanted to put an update on this product. They finally release Fat Tire in 6 packs of 12 oz bottles, as well as 12 pack bottles. We also have the following in 6 packs of 12 oz bottles: Skinny Dip, 1554, Mothership Wit, and Sunshine Wheat.

Draft of Fat Tire was made available in the state a few weeks ago too. I know Roger has it on tap at Rich O's.