Take a Ride Through New Belgium Brewing’s New Virtual World

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New Belgium

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uploaded by ESKCSG

Fort Collins, CO – March 24, 2008 – New Belgium Brewing invites
the world to experience life at the brewery with the click of a mouse.  Just log on to www.newbelgium.com, jump on the animated
bike and take an interactive tour.

The
new website features a multi-sensory bike tour through a surrealist landscape
filled with images, stories and videos highlighting everything from history and
beers to philanthropy and bike advocacy. 

“This
site hopefully conveys the visceral vibe of walking through our front door,”
said spokesman Bryan Simpson. ”Our web creative has built a place that - until
now - did not exist anywhere in the universe - total mind candy that allows the
audience to create a new experience with every visit.”

Web
Creative Aaron Reid and his team spent more than four months building the site
from the ground up. 

“With this site we wanted to integrate
all of the imagery and ideas that pervade the culture here,” Reid explained. “From
the original watercolor artwork on our labels to three- dimensional pieces
built by our friends Karen Mandery and John Johnston - and even an incredible
hand-built, cardboard version of the brewery built by employee-owners Jodi
Taylor and Todd Kundla – we had our work cut out for us.” 

The
website, created by New Belgium’s internal design team with the help of a few
friends around town, was a collaboration of hearts and minds.  Visitors to the site navigate by using
bicycle handlebars while listening to birds chirping and beer brewing, allowing
for a virtual taste of all things New Belgium. 

“The
most gratifying part of building the site,” Reid added, “is watching people
enjoy the end result.” 

Simpson
agreed. 

“For
anyone who can’t make it to the brewery or even taste our beer,” Simpson said,
“this is a great way to enjoy the flavor of New Belgium from the comfort of
your computer.”

About New Belgium Brewing Company

New
Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Amber Ale and other Belgian-inspired
beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the
third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces seven year-round
beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale,
Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases.  In addition to producing world-class beers,
New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with
progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a
commitment to environmental stewardship. 
For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

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