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Valley craft beer lovers are celebrating the arrival of New Belgium Brewing Company to the Buckeye state. The Fort Collins, Colo.-based brewery has long been regarded as one of the forefathers of the craft beer movement. Until recently you had to travel west to enjoy its beer, but that all changed in the past month as the Superior Beverage Group began distributing New Belgium’s legendary Fat Tire Ale and two other beers across the state.

I first enjoyed New Belgium’s beers in 1991 and fell in love with the Fat Tire Ale back then. My bother was a cadet at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and the local bars and restaurants all had New Belgium’s beers in stock. As I moved into the professional world, I would seek out Fat Tire while traveling out West on business.

The beers have been flying off the store shelves, and demand for Fat Tire on draft at Valley bars has been strong. Several local restaurants held Fat Tire launch parties including The Springfield Grille, Blue Wolf Tavern, V2, and Avalon Golf and Country Club at Squaw Creek. The events were well attended by local beer enthusiasts.

Initially, three of New Belgium’s extensive beer portfolio are on sale locally in 22-ounce bottles and kegs. Starting Feb. 10 the beers will be available in six-packs and 12-packs, and many more of New Belgium’s diverse lineup will be in local stores and bars.

Here’s a look at what’s available now:

Fat Tire Belgian Amber Ale

One of the best-balanced beers you will ever taste. Flavors of toasty malt, subtle sweetness and a burst of fresh hops with aromas of fresh bread and caramel. Fat Tire is medium bodied, so it can appeal to those who drink traditional domestics or like more mellow beer.

Ranger IPA

Beautifully bitter with a burst of hoppy goodness right up front. Pale and caramel malts dance with the citrus and fruity flavors from the Cascade and Simcoe hops. Checks in at 6.5 percent ABV and 70 IBUs for those who like things a little hopped up.

Trippel Belgian Style Ale

In the centuries old traditional of Belgian-style brewing of singles, doubles and triples, Trippel is by far the strongest and takes the longest to ferment. Aromas of cloves, alcohol and bananas. Creamy and bittersweet with spicy herbal flavors. 7.8 percent ABV.