Published on Friday, November 21, 2008
Print This Article

Beer of the Week: 2˚ Below Ale (2 Degrees Below Ale)


By DAN STONE
Last updated on 00/00/0000 at 12:00 a.m.

The Beer: New Belgium’s 2˚ Below Ale is the brewery’s winter seasonal beer. It tastes like a less sweet version of New Belgium’s flagship beer, Fat Tire.

2˚ Below is a medium-bodied brew with light carbonation and a good balance of malt and hops.

The Good: The brew tastes very smooth. The balance between the hops and malt is excellent.

The Bad: Unfortunately, the citrus taste in 2˚ Below Ale is barely there. The brew has a very present 6.6 percent alcohol content in the taste that takes away from the flavor. Additionally, the alcohol-singed aftertaste is overpowering.

The Grade
C+

The Cost: $8.49 for a six-pack

The Recommendation: Go with Leinenkugel’s Fireside Nut Brown Ale if you’re looking for a holiday-themed brew. This ale has a much more interesting flavor to it, especially in the aftertaste.

The Bottom Line: Fans of Fat Tire and other New Belgium brews will likely enjoy 2˚ Below Ale. However, the brew does little to appeal to beer drinkers outside of the bitter-brew crowd.

Comment On This Article

All comments are moderated before being published. We will not edit your comments, but we also will not approve those that are abusive, off-topic, attack another poster or contain information we know to be libelous or false.

During peak weekday viewing times, most comments will be reviewed within six hours. For more detailed information, click here.

After submitting your comment, check below for a confirmation message.


  • Your name:
  • Enter text from image:
  • Your comment:
Question of the Day
Did you attend the NIU football game vs. Eastern Michigan University Thursday night?
Yes. Of course.
No, I couldn't make it.
I wish.
I don't even know what a football looks like.

Sign up to receive Northern Star headlines in your inbox, delivered weekdays at 6 a.m.


Feedback? E-mail us.
Real-time updates of recently viewed articles on the site.

1  City police blotter for Nov. 6

2  Letter to the Editor: Concealed carry column...

3  Sycamore continues debate over firefighter...

4  Hospital releases information on victims

5  "Back to the '80s" rocks the Egyptian Theatre