New Belgium Brewing Company, one of the most influential craft breweries in the United States, was founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, by Jeff Lebesch and Kim Jordan. The brewery’s origins trace back to Jeff’s homebrewing experiments and a fateful bike trip through Belgium in the late 1980s. Inspired by the rich brewing traditions and diverse beer styles of Belgium, Jeff returned to Colorado with a vision to create unique, high quality beers that combined Old World techniques with New World innovation.
Kim Jordan, Jeff’s wife and business partner, played a pivotal role in the company’s founding and growth. As a social worker with a passion for community building, Kim brought a people-first philosophy to the brewery, which would later become a cornerstone of New Belgium’s corporate culture. Together, they started the brewery in their basement, with Jeff brewing on a small system and Kim handling sales and distribution.
Early Years and the Birth of Fat Tire
In 1991, they officially launched New Belgium Brewing, introducing their first two beers, Fat Tire Amber Ale and Abbey Dubbel. These beers made their debut at the Colorado Brewers’ Festival, and the reception was overwhelmingly positive. Named in honor of Jeff’s Belgian biking adventures, Fat Tire’s balanced maltiness and approachable flavor profile resonated with beer drinkers, helping to establish New Belgium as a leader in the burgeoning craft beer movement. The beer’s iconic label, featuring a vintage red cruiser bicycle, became synonymous with the brand and remains a symbol of its Belgian inspired roots.
In the early years, New Belgium operated on a modest scale, distributing its beers locally in Colorado. However, the brewery’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation set it apart. New Belgium was one of the first American breweries to focus on Belgian-style beers, introducing American consumers to styles like Abbey Ale (a dubbel) and Trippel, which were relatively unknown in the U.S. at the time.
Growth and Expansion
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, New Belgium experienced rapid growth, driven by the increasing popularity of craft beer and the success of Fat Tire. The brewery expanded its distribution beyond Colorado, reaching markets across the United States. By the mid 2000s, New Belgium had become one of the largest craft breweries in the country, known for its diverse portfolio of beers, including seasonal releases and limited edition offerings.
A key factor in New Belgium’s success was its commitment to sustainability. In 1998, the brewery became the first in the U.S. to adopt 100% wind powered electricity, a groundbreaking move that underscored its dedication to environmental stewardship. New Belgium also implemented innovative practices such as water conservation, waste reduction, and employee ownership, which became integral to its identity.
Employee Ownership and Cultural Impact
In 2000, New Belgium transitioned to 100% employee ownership through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This decision reflected the founders’ belief in shared prosperity and democratic workplace practices. Employees, known as “co-workers,” were empowered to contribute to the company’s direction and success, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration.
New Belgium’s culture of inclusivity and creativity extended beyond its workforce. The brewery became known for its vibrant artwork, quirky branding, and engaging events, such as the annual Tour de Fat, a bike centric festival celebrating sustainability and fun. These initiatives helped New Belgium cultivate a loyal following and solidify its reputation as a trailblazer in the craft beer industry.
Innovation and Beer Portfolio
Over the years, New Belgium continued to innovate, expanding its beer portfolio to include a wide range of styles. In addition to its Belgian inspired ales, the brewery introduced hop-forward IPAs, sour beers, and experimental brews. Notable releases include:
- Ranger IPA – A West Coast style IPA that became a flagship beer for hop lovers.
- La Folie – A Flanders-style sour brown ale aged in oak barrels, part of the brewery’s Lips of Faith series.
- Voodoo Ranger – A line of IPAs and imperial IPAs that became a major success, appealing to a new generation of craft beer drinkers.
New Belgium also embraced collaborations with other breweries and organizations, further cementing its role as a leader in the craft beer community.
Challenges and Adaptation
Like many craft breweries, New Belgium faced challenges as the industry evolved. Increased competition, changing consumer preferences, and market saturation required the brewery to adapt. In response, New Belgium focused on innovation, quality, and storytelling, leveraging its heritage and values to stay relevant.
To keep up with increasing demand, New Belgium expanded operations in 2016 by opening a second brewery in Asheville, North Carolina. The new facility, nestled along the French Broad River, not only increased production capacity but also reinforced the brewery’s commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship.
In 2019, New Belgium announced its decision to sell to Lion Little World Beverages, a subsidiary of Japanese beverage giant Kirin. While the sale sparked debate within the craft beer community, New Belgium emphasized its commitment to maintaining its culture, values, and independence. The partnership provided resources for further growth and innovation, enabling the brewery to expand its reach and impact.
Then, in 2021, New Belgium made waves in the craft beer world once again by acquiring Bell’s Brewery, another respected name in American craft brewing located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This move positioned New Belgium as one of the largest craft breweries in the country, further solidifying its influence in the industry.
Legacy and Influence
New Belgium Brewing Company’s legacy extends far beyond its beers. As a pioneer of the craft beer movement, the brewery helped shape the industry’s values and practices, from sustainability and employee ownership to creativity and community engagement. Its success inspired countless other breweries and demonstrated the potential of craft beer to drive positive change.
Today, New Belgium continues to operate its flagship brewery in Fort Collins and a second facility in Asheville, North Carolina. The brewery remains a beloved and influential player in the craft beer world, celebrated for its commitment to quality, innovation, and social responsibility.
From a basement operation to a powerhouse in the craft beer world, New Belgium Brewing’s story is one of relentless passion, forward-thinking business practices, and unwavering dedication to quality. Whether it’s through their commitment to sustainability, innovative brewing techniques, or expanding their community impact, New Belgium continues to set the bar for what a modern craft brewery can achieve.
As craft beer lovers raise their glasses to Fat Tire and other New Belgium creations, one thing is clear…the spirit of adventure and innovation that started with a bike ride through Belgium still fuels the company today.
Please tell us about your favorite New Belgium beer in the comments below.
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