New Belgium Tap Handle Review (Updated | Apr 23rd)
Selecting a New Belgium tap handle requires evaluating material durability, mounting compatibility, and aesthetic alignment with existing bar hardware. These handles serve as functional tools for dispensing draught beer while acting as visual identifiers for specific brews. This guide examines the construction quality and threading specifications of various models to ensure a secure fit on standard faucets.
Key Takeaways
- The Industrial Metal Rocket is the best choice for home bars seeking a heavy, premium, and durable centerpiece.
- Choose the Classic Brewery Icon if you prefer a traditional aesthetic that mirrors the authentic taproom experience.
- Ensure your kegerator has standard threading as these handles are designed for universal compatibility with most home setups.
- Prioritize the Industrial Metal Rocket for high-traffic areas where a sturdy metal build prevents accidental damage or wear.
- Verify the vertical clearance of your bar setup to accommodate the taller, more distinct shapes of these specialty handles.
New Belgium Fat Tire Metal Industrial Tap Handle
Industrial Metal Rocket
- The heavy metal build feels premium and incredibly durable.
- The rocket shape adds a unique industrial aesthetic to your bar.
- Vibrant red and blue colors make the branding pop.
- BEST FOR CLASSIC BREWERY ICON: New Belgium Brewery Fat Tire Amber Ale Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR RUSTIC WOODEN AESTHETIC: New Belgium Fat Tire 2020 Wooden Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR INDUSTRIAL METAL ROCKET: New Belgium Fat Tire Metal Industrial Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BOLD GREEN HPA: New Belgium Brewing HPA Beer Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ARTISAN WOOD PULL: New Belgium Wooden Fat Tire Draft Pull Read More ↓
- BEST FOR PLAYFUL FIGURAL SCULPT: New Belgium Hop Kitchen Figural Beer Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR COMPACT SHORT PROFILE: New Belgium Hemperor HPA 8-Inch Short Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FULL-SIZE HEMPEROR DISPLAY: New Belgium Hemperor HPA 12-Inch Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SCENIC MOUNTAIN GRAPHICS: New Belgium Fat Tire Ale Bicycle Design Tap Handle Read More ↓
Product Comparison: New Belgium Tap Handle
New Belgium Brewery Fat Tire Amber Ale Tap Handle
If you are looking to bring that classic pub vibe into your home bar, this New Belgium Fat Tire Amber Ale tap handle is exactly what you need. It features the iconic bicycle imagery that every craft beer fan recognizes immediately.
What I love about this one is the high-quality finish; it feels substantial in your hand and doesn’t feel like a cheap plastic knockoff. It is an officially licensed product, so the colors are spot on and the branding is crisp.
This is a perfect gift for the guy who always has a 6-pack of Fat Tire in the fridge. It fits standard US faucet threads, making installation a breeze for any kegerator setup.
However, because it is a traditional resin-style handle, it can be a bit top-heavy. If your tap spring is weak, it might lean forward or cause a slow drip if you aren’t careful.
It’s a timeless piece, but definitely check your faucet tension before mounting it.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The iconic bicycle design looks great in any home bar.
- Official licensing ensures the colors and logos are perfectly accurate.
- The heavy-duty construction feels very premium and durable.
- It fits all standard draft beer faucets and kegerator setups.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The weight can cause accidental pours on loose tap faucets.
- The resin material can chip if dropped on hard floors.
New Belgium Fat Tire 2020 Wooden Tap Handle
New Belgium really switched things up with this 2020 wooden style tap handle, and honestly, it’s a breath of fresh air. Unlike the older glossy versions, this one is made of real wood, which means every single handle has a slightly unique grain pattern.
It stands at a full 12 inches tall, giving it a commanding presence on your tap tower that’s hard to miss. If you prefer a more rustic, organic aesthetic over the shiny plastic look, this is the one to grab.
It feels great to pull and has a nice warmth to the touch. It still features the signature Fat Tire branding, but in a way that feels more artisanal and modern.
The only real headache is the height; at one foot tall, it might not clear the top of your fridge or cabinets if your kegerator is tucked into a tight space. Make sure you measure your vertical clearance before committing to this tall drink of water.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Natural wood construction makes every single handle unique.
- The 12-inch height provides excellent leverage for easy pouring.
- Rustic design fits perfectly with modern farmhouse or cabin decor.
- The updated 2020 styling looks more sophisticated than older models.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The 12-inch height may hit low-hanging cabinets or shelves.
- Wood requires more careful cleaning than standard plastic handles.
New Belgium Fat Tire Metal Industrial Tap Handle
If you are looking to bring that authentic brewery vibe into your home, this Fat Tire tap handle is a total game-changer. Unlike those flimsy plastic handles you see everywhere, this one features a heavy-duty industrial metal construction that feels incredibly solid in your hand.
The first thing you’ll notice is the unique rocket-shaped torpedo design; it’s got this cool retro-future look that immediately draws the eye to your kegerator. The iconic red and blue color scheme is vibrant and looks great under bar lights, making it a perfect centerpiece for a man cave.
It fits any standard draft beer system, so swapping it onto your existing faucet is a breeze. I’d recommend this for anyone who wants a piece of gear that feels like it belongs in a professional taproom.
One thing to keep in mind is that because it is all-metal, it’s significantly heavier than standard handles, which might cause a cheap or loose faucet to drip if it isn’t tightened properly.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The heavy metal build feels premium and incredibly durable.
- The rocket shape adds a unique industrial aesthetic to your bar.
- Vibrant red and blue colors make the branding pop.
- Fits perfectly on all standard home kegerator setups.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The extra weight can trigger leaks on weak faucet springs.
- The pointed top can be a bit sharp if bumped.
New Belgium Brewing HPA Beer Tap Handle
For the fans of New Belgium’s hoppier offerings, this HPA tap handle is exactly what you need to organize your draft lines. It features the classic bicycle logo medallions perched right at the top, which gives it that unmistakable New Belgium signature look.
The vertical HPA lettering is large and bold, set against a clean green color scheme that makes it super easy for guests to see exactly what is on tap without having to ask. It’s a tall, slender handle that provides great leverage when pouring, making the tap action feel smooth and controlled.
This is a must-have for collectors who want to represent the brewery’s specific beer varieties rather than just a generic logo. However, the painted finish on the body is a bit more delicate than the metal versions, so you have to be careful not to clink it against other handles or it might chip over time.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Bold vertical lettering makes beer identification quick and easy.
- Features the iconic bicycle logo medallions for authentic branding.
- The tall design offers excellent leverage for smooth pouring.
- Bright green color stands out in a crowded tap row.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The painted surface is prone to chipping if handled roughly.
- The height might be too tall for low-clearance fridge conversions.
New Belgium Wooden Fat Tire Draft Pull
If you are looking to bring that classic brewery vibe into your home setup, this New Belgium Wooden Fat Tire Draft Pull is a fantastic pick. Unlike the standard plastic handles you see everywhere, this one is made of wood, giving it a warm, tactile feel every time you pour a pint.
It stands at a full size of 12 inches, so it really makes a statement on your kegerator. The red and blue color scheme is vibrant and pays homage to the 2020 design refresh, making it a great piece for collectors who want something modern yet rustic.
I’d recommend this for anyone who loves the Fat Tire brand and wants a handle that feels substantial in the hand. However, because it is crafted from natural wood, each tap is unique, which is cool, but it also means you might notice slight variations in the grain or finish that don’t perfectly match the marketing photos.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The natural wood construction feels premium and sturdy.
- The 12-inch height provides excellent leverage for pouring.
- Vibrant red and blue colors pop in any bar setup.
- Each handle is unique due to the natural wood grain.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Natural wood variations mean yours might look slightly different.
- The tall profile might not fit under low cabinets.
New Belgium Hop Kitchen Figural Beer Tap Handle
For those who want their home bar to have a bit more personality, the New Belgium Hop Kitchen Beer Tap Handle is an absolute riot. It features a decorative figural design with a little hop character sitting right on top of a Hop Kitchen cup.
It’s definitely more of a sculpted conversation piece than a standard tap pull. If you are a fan of New Belgium’s more experimental or hoppy brews, this is the perfect way to signal that to your guests.
The officially branded details are sharp, and the character adds a whimsical touch that breaks up the seriousness of a sleek stainless steel draft tower. It’s a must-have for beer enthusiasts who collect brewery memorabilia.
The only real catch is that the figural design makes it a bit bulkier than traditional handles, so if your taps are crowded together, this little guy might bump into his neighbors.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The figural hop character adds a fun, unique personality.
- Official New Belgium branding ensures high-quality sculpted details.
- It serves as a great conversation starter for guests.
- The Hop Kitchen theme is perfect for IPA lovers.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The wide sculpted shape can crowd multi-tap towers.
- Detailed crevices can be more difficult to wipe clean.
New Belgium Hemperor HPA 8-Inch Short Tap Handle
If you are tight on space but still want that bold Hemperor look, this 8-inch short style handle is exactly what you need. I love how it captures the vibe of the HPA without towering over your bar setup, making it perfect for low-clearance kegerators or cabinets where a full-sized handle would just hit the ceiling.
It features the standard 3/8 thread, so it screws right onto almost any draft system without a fuss. This is the one to grab if you are a fan of New Belgium’s quirky branding but prefer a compact profile that doesn’t feel cluttered.
It feels sturdy in the hand despite the smaller stature, and the licensed artwork is crisp and colorful. The only real bummer is that because it is shorter, you lose a bit of that mechanical leverage you get with longer pulls, meaning you might have to give it a slightly firmer tug to get the beer flowing compared to the 12-inch version.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The compact 8-inch height fits perfectly in tight home bar spaces.
- Standard threading ensures it works with almost any existing kegerator.
- Officially licensed artwork looks sharp and stays true to the brand.
- Sturdy build quality feels reliable for daily pouring.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The shorter length provides less leverage than traditional tall handles.
- Smaller size makes the branding less visible from across the room.
New Belgium Hemperor HPA 12-Inch Tap Handle
This is the classic, full-sized 12-inch Hemperor HPA handle that really makes a statement on any tap row. If you have the vertical room, this is the version you want because it has that authentic bar-room presence that looks professional.
The height makes it incredibly easy to grab and pull, giving you a smooth, controlled pour every time. It is a genuine New Belgium Brewing product, so the quality is top-notch and the colors are vibrant.
I’d recommend this for anyone building a dedicated home bar who wants their favorite HPA to be the centerpiece of the tower. It uses the standard 3/8 threaded hole, so installation takes about five seconds.
Just keep in mind that at a full foot tall, it can be a bit top-heavy; if your faucet springs are a little weak, the weight of this handle might cause an accidental drip if it isn’t seated perfectly upright.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Full 12-inch height creates a professional and authentic bar aesthetic.
- Longer handle offers excellent leverage for a very smooth pour.
- Genuine New Belgium merchandise ensures high-quality materials and paint.
- Standard threading makes it compatible with most draft towers.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Height may be too tall for under-cabinet kegerator setups.
- Added weight can cause drips on faucets with loose springs.
New Belgium Fat Tire Ale Bicycle Design Tap Handle
If you are a fan of the classics, this Fat Tire Ale tap handle is exactly what your home bar setup is missing. I love how the iconic bicycle graphic pops against that crisp blue and white background—it instantly gives off those chill, craft brewery vibes.
It features the signature mountain imagery and a red sun that makes it stand out even if you have a row of different taps. It is built with a standard threaded connection, so you won’t have to fiddle with adapters to get it onto your kegerator or commercial system.
This is a must-have for anyone who considers Fat Tire their go-to pour or for collectors who want authentic brewery memorabilia. It feels sturdy and looks professional, though I did notice the vertical FAT TIRE text can be a bit hard to read from a side angle if your bar is crowded.
Still, for a genuine New Belgium accessory, it is a total win for your man cave.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The classic bicycle graphic looks great on any home bar.
- Standard threading makes installation quick and very simple.
- Authentic branding provides a professional brewery feel at home.
- The vibrant blue color makes it easy to spot quickly.
- Heavy-duty construction ensures it will last through many kegs.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Vertical text is difficult to read from the side.
- The blue paint can chip if bumped against other metal taps.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which handle is best for a modern or industrial home bar aesthetic?
The New Belgium Fat Tire Metal Industrial Style handle is the top choice for durability and a sleek look. Its ‘rocket’ or torpedo shape is made of heavy-duty metal, making it much more resilient than resin or wood options if you have a high-traffic kegerator.
How does the 2020 wooden version differ from the classic resin handles?
The New Belgium Wooden Fat Tire Draft Pull offers a more organic, artisanal feel compared to the standard glossy models. Because they are made of natural wood, each handle has slight variations in grain, which suits a rustic bar setup but may feel less ‘uniform’ if you are trying to match existing plastic handles.
Is there a handle that stands out for a more playful or decorative setup?
The New Belgium Hop Kitchen handle is a great figural option that features a character perched on a cup rather than a standard paddle shape. It adds a lot of personality to a draft line, though its irregular shape means you should ensure you have enough clearance from the wall or neighboring taps.
What should I check regarding height before purchasing a New Belgium handle?
New Belgium handles vary significantly in size, ranging from compact 8-inch versions like the Hemperor HPA to full 12-inch professional sticks. Always measure the vertical clearance between your tap faucet and any overhead cabinets or shelving to ensure the taller 12-inch models can tilt forward fully without hitting anything.
Will these handles fit a standard kegerator setup?
Yes, these handles use the standard 3/8″-16 UNC threading which is the industry standard for North American draft faucets. You can easily swap your generic black plastic knob for any of these New Belgium handles by simply unscrewing the old one and threading the new one on by hand.
How do I maintain the finish on metal versus wooden tap handles?
For metal industrial handles, a quick wipe with a damp cloth is usually enough to remove sticky beer residue without damaging the finish. For the wooden New Belgium Brewing options, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners or soaking them, as moisture can cause the wood to swell or the paint to chip over time.
What is the best way to align the logo so it faces forward?
Most draft faucets have a small knurled locking nut (the bonnet or collar) just below the handle threads. Screw the handle on until it is tight, then back it off until the logo faces forward and tighten the locking nut upward against the base of the handle to secure it in place.
