New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager – Where Rocky Mountain Refreshment Meets Craft Beer Excellence

Updated → August 2025

Discover why New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager is Durango's go-to craft light lager. This carbon-neutral, 130-calorie beer delivers crisp mountain refreshment with premium ingredients and sustainable brewing practices.

The Light Lager Revolution: Market Trends & Consumer Shifts

The American beer landscape has witnessed a fascinating evolution over the past decade. While craft beer exploded with IPAs and specialty brews, a parallel movement emerged: premium light lagers that combine craft brewing expertise with sessionable drinkability. According to industry data, light beer sales comprise over 40% of the total U.S. beer market, with consumers increasingly seeking options that balance flavor with lower calories.

New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager represents this new wave of thoughtful light beers. Unlike mass-produced alternatives that sacrifice taste for calorie reduction, Mountain Time delivers genuine beer flavor at just 130 calories per serving. This positions it perfectly for today's health-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on quality.

The shift toward premium light lagers reflects broader lifestyle trends. Outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado and beyond want beers that complement active lifestyles without weighing them down. Whether it's post-hike refreshment or a companion for summer barbecues, modern drinkers demand versatility alongside taste.

Mountain Time's Unique Profile: What Sets It Apart

At 4.4% ABV, New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager strikes an optimal balance between refreshment and substance. The brewery's careful selection of ingredients creates a beer that stands confidently among both craft and mainstream options.

The malt bill features a blend of pale and pilsner malts, providing a clean, slightly sweet foundation with subtle biscuit notes. This grain character gives Mountain Time more depth than typical light lagers while maintaining exceptional drinkability. The hop profile showcases Nugget, Willamette, and Cascade varieties, contributing gentle floral aromatics and just enough bitterness to balance the malt sweetness.

What truly distinguishes Mountain Time is its brewing philosophy. New Belgium's employee-owners approach each batch with craft beer precision, ensuring consistency and quality that mass-market producers often overlook. The result is a beer that drinks like it was inspired by Rocky Mountain spring water – pure, crisp, and endlessly refreshing.

Head-to-Head: Mountain Time vs. The Competition

Behind the Brew: New Belgium's Craft Approach

New Belgium Brewing's journey from basement brewery to national craft icon shapes every aspect of New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager. Founded in Fort Collins, Colorado, the employee-owned company brings three decades of brewing expertise to this accessible lager.

The brewing process begins with carefully selected grains, milled to precise specifications for optimal extraction. The pale and pilsner malts undergo a carefully controlled mash, extracting fermentable sugars while preserving the delicate flavors that define Mountain Time's character. The wort then meets a measured hop addition, with Nugget providing clean bitterness, Willamette contributing spicy notes, and Cascade adding its signature citrus character.

Fermentation occurs at lower temperatures typical of lager production, allowing New Belgium's house yeast strain to work slowly and cleanly. This extended cold conditioning period, lasting several weeks, ensures Mountain Time achieves its remarkably smooth finish. The brewery's state-of-the-art quality control measures guarantee every can delivers the same refreshing experience.

The Taste Journey: From First Sip to Finish

Opening a can of New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager releases subtle aromas of honey, fresh grain, and delicate floral hops. The beer pours a pale straw color with exceptional clarity, crowned by a modest white head that speaks to its light character.

The first sip delivers immediate refreshment. The carbonation dances on the tongue, carrying flavors of lightly toasted bread and a hint of sweetness reminiscent of wildflower honey. Mid-palate, the beer reveals its craft pedigree with nuanced malt character that distinguishes it from one-dimensional macro lagers. The hop presence remains restrained but purposeful, providing just enough bitterness to cleanse the palate.

Mountain Time's finish exemplifies why New Belgium succeeded where others failed. Clean and crisp without being thin or watery, it invites another sip while leaving a pleasant hint of grain sweetness. This balance between flavor and drinkability makes it equally suitable for savoring slowly or enjoying several during extended social gatherings.

Carbon Neutral Commitment: Beer with a Conscience

Choosing New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager means supporting genuine environmental leadership. As a certified B Corporation since 2012, New Belgium operates with legally binding commitments to social and environmental performance. Mountain Time carries carbon neutral certification, meaning the brewery offsets all emissions associated with its production and distribution.

This commitment extends beyond marketing rhetoric. New Belgium utilizes on-site solar arrays, processes wastewater through innovative treatment systems, and sources ingredients from sustainable suppliers whenever possible. The brewery even provides employees with bicycles to reduce commuting emissions, reflecting the company's holistic approach to environmental responsibility.

For environmentally conscious consumers in Durango and beyond, Mountain Time offers a way to enjoy premium beer while supporting sustainable business practices. Every purchase contributes to New Belgium's ongoing investments in renewable energy and carbon reduction initiatives.

Perfect Pairings: Food & Occasion Recommendations

New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager's versatility shines through diverse pairing possibilities. Its clean profile and moderate carbonation make it an ideal companion for various cuisines and occasions.

For casual dining, Mountain Time excels alongside grilled fare. The beer's subtle sweetness complements charred flavors from barbecued chicken, burgers, or vegetable skewers. Its refreshing character cuts through rich sauces and marinades without overwhelming delicate seasonings. Mexican cuisine particularly benefits from Mountain Time's crisp finish, which cleanses the palate between bites of spicy tacos or enchiladas.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate how Mountain Time enhances lighter preparations. Grilled fish tacos, shrimp ceviche, or classic fish and chips all pair beautifully with this lager's clean flavor profile. The beer's effervescence lifts citrus notes in seafood dishes while its mild malt character provides subtle contrast to briny flavors.

Beyond meals, Mountain Time suits numerous occasions. Pack it for camping trips where its moderate alcohol content allows for responsible enjoyment around the campfire. Bring it to summer concerts at the Durango Amphitheater, knowing it won't weigh you down during dancing. Stock it for game day gatherings where guests appreciate quality without pretension.

Pro Serving Tips: Maximize Your Mountain Time

While New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager drinks beautifully straight from the can, proper serving enhances the experience. For optimal enjoyment, chill Mountain Time to 38-40°F, slightly warmer than the near-freezing temperatures promoted by macro brands. This temperature range allows the beer's subtle flavors to emerge while maintaining refreshing coldness.

Glassware matters more than many realize. While any clean glass improves the experience over drinking from the can, a pilsner glass or tall wheat beer glass showcases Mountain Time's clarity and maintains its delicate head. Pour steadily down the glass's side until half full, then straighten to create proper foam. This technique releases aromatics while preserving carbonation.

For outdoor adventures, consider insulated containers that maintain temperature without requiring ice that dilutes flavor. Stainless steel growlers or quality coolers keep Mountain Time at optimal serving temperature throughout your Durango area explorations.

The Durango Connection: Local Availability

Wagon Wheel Liquors proudly stocks New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager year-round, recognizing its appeal to Durango's active, environmentally conscious community. Our location at 30 Town Plaza puts us at the heart of downtown, making it convenient to grab Mountain Time for any occasion.

Our knowledgeable staff, with over 100 years of combined industry experience, can guide you through Mountain Time's flavor profile and suggest complementary selections from our extensive craft beer collection. We maintain optimal storage conditions, ensuring every six-pack or case delivers brewery-fresh quality.

Take advantage of our weekday Happy Hour from 4-6 PM for special pricing on beer purchases. We also offer free local delivery for those times when you can't make it to the store. Our commitment to serving Durango for over 60 years means we understand local preferences and stock accordingly.

Seasonal Enjoyment: When to Stock Up

While New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager satisfies year-round, certain seasons highlight its strengths. Spring in Durango brings ideal Mountain Time weather as temperatures climb and outdoor activities resume. Stock up for Easter gatherings, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and impromptu patio sessions.

Summer represents peak Mountain Time season. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, this lager becomes essential for river floats, backyard barbecues, and post-hike refreshment. Consider purchasing cases for summer events, taking advantage of bulk pricing while ensuring you never run short during peak entertaining season.

Fall and winter shouldn't be overlooked. Mountain Time's moderate alcohol content and clean finish make it suitable for tailgating at Fort Lewis College games or après-ski sessions at Purgatory Resort. Its lighter character provides welcome contrast to heavier seasonal beers while still delivering satisfying flavor.

Value Analysis: Premium Quality at Fair Prices

When evaluating New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager's value proposition, consider factors beyond simple price comparison. While typically priced slightly above mass-market light beers, Mountain Time delivers superior ingredients, craft brewing expertise, and environmental responsibility that justify the modest premium.

Calculate the true cost per quality experience rather than just price per can. Mountain Time's fuller flavor means many drinkers find themselves satisfied with fewer beers, potentially offsetting the higher per-unit cost. Additionally, supporting a certified B Corporation means your purchase dollars contribute to positive environmental and social impacts.

Wagon Wheel Liquors offers competitive pricing on Mountain Time, with additional savings during our daily Happy Hour. Case discounts provide even better value for those who've made Mountain Time their regular choice. Our price matching policy ensures you always receive fair value on this exceptional lager.

Storage & Freshness: Keep It at Its Peak

Maximizing your enjoyment of New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager requires proper storage. While more stable than hop-forward IPAs, light lagers still benefit from careful handling. Store Mountain Time in a cool, dark place, ideally below 55°F. Avoid temperature fluctuations that can accelerate flavor degradation.

New Belgium prints clear "enjoy by" dates on every package, typically allowing 120 days from packaging for optimal quality. While the beer remains safe to drink beyond this date, flavors may diminish. Purchase quantities you'll consume within the freshness window, taking advantage of our consistent stock rotation at Wagon Wheel Liquors.

If storing for extended periods, maintain consistent refrigeration. Unlike some craft beers that benefit from cellar aging, Mountain Time tastes best fresh. Its delicate flavor profile shows any deterioration more readily than robust ales, making proper storage essential for the intended experience.

Cocktail Creativity: Mountain Time Mixology

While purists might balk, New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager serves as an excellent cocktail base. Its clean profile and carbonation enhance rather than compete with other ingredients, opening creative possibilities for beer cocktails.

Try a Mountain Time Michelada for brunches: rim a glass with Tajín seasoning, add fresh lime juice, a dash of hot sauce, and Worcestershire, then top with Mountain Time. The beer's subtle sweetness balances the savory elements while its carbonation keeps the drink lively. For summer refreshment, create a Lager Shandy by mixing equal parts Mountain Time and fresh lemonade or grapefruit juice.

Beer cocktails also reduce overall alcohol content while extending drinking occasions. A Mountain Time Radler (beer mixed with fruit soda) provides festive refreshment at just 2-3% ABV. These lower-alcohol options suit afternoon gatherings where guests appreciate flavorful drinks without excessive alcohol.

What Durango Drinks: Local Reviews

Durango locals have embraced New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager as their go-to light beer option. Regular customers at Wagon Wheel Liquors consistently praise its drinkability and value. One longtime patron noted it perfectly bridges the gap between craft beer enthusiasm and everyday refreshment.

Outdoor enthusiasts particularly appreciate Mountain Time's portability and session-friendly strength. River guides stock it for client trips, knowing it satisfies diverse palates without the heaviness of traditional craft beers. Local restaurant workers often choose Mountain Time for after-shift drinks, valuing its refreshing character after long service hours.

The environmental angle resonates strongly in our sustainability-minded community. Customers frequently mention choosing Mountain Time specifically for its carbon-neutral certification, viewing their purchase as supporting positive business practices. This alignment with Durango values strengthens Mountain Time's local following.

Order Today: Convenient Pickup & Delivery

Ready to experience New Belgium Mountain Time Premium Lager? Wagon Wheel Liquors makes it easy. Visit us at 30 Town Plaza in downtown Durango, where our expert staff can answer questions and suggest pairings. We're open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Can't make it to the store? Take advantage of our free local delivery service. Simply call (970) 247-1655 to place your order, and we'll bring Mountain Time directly to your door. We also offer curbside pickup for ultimate convenience – just call ahead and we'll have your order ready when you arrive.

Join our email list to receive notifications about special Mountain Time promotions and new craft beer arrivals. Follow Wagon Wheel Liquors on social media for Happy Hour reminders and exclusive deals. However you choose to shop, we're committed to providing exceptional service backed by six decades of serving Durango.