When we caught wind that Fat Tire was teaming up with Vans for a collaborative beer can, we were surprised. Nothing crazy, more so a healthy amount of excitement to see two of our favorite logos on a cold one instead of a shoe. That type of partnership is definitely new territory for Vans, but after thinking about the why, it quickly made too much sense. The pairing is perfect, and always has been. Snowboarding and beer go together like peanut butter and jelly, and while that's probably us projecting our FOMO for summer boarding, we're going to stick with that longing for post-hill-parking-lot hangs as the rationale that turned our favorite beer checkered.
So, instead of cracking cans at the base of Mt. Hood, we ventured into the streets of downtown Denver for the action. We found ourselves at a dive bar off of South Broadway for the official release party, and by 8pm it was overflowing with beer and Denverites—another great pairing. In between a few rounds of pool, darts, arts & crafts, and an intimate Ray Barbee show, we passed the camera around to capture the familiar faces that showed up. Some were blurry, and some were perfect (mostly in part to Matt Alberts + Ian Boll). Wouldn't expect anything less from a beer can release party.
Nothing quite like a Ray Barbee show to set things off. If you don't know, he's a skate legend, plays smooth music, and curates one hell of a vibe. Linking his Thrasher interview for good measure.
Vans pros Sam Taxwood and Jill Perkins were there, hucking darts. Look alive though because after a few Fat Tires those things start going amiss. If you tried walking over to the Fat Tire photo machine past 9 pm, chances are you could've ended up on the news.
Take a seat, crack that new can, and make a bracelet so you never forget the night. Bannock Street really opened up if you made it to the back patio, where picnic benches offered arts and crafts galore.
One too many checkered cans and this was your view for Ray Barbee. If that was the case, revisit his set with a trip to his Spotify page. It's always better live though.
Arts and crafts time was truly off the wall, go ahead and doodle on your new tote bag. But remember, the sharpies are for drawing, not sniffing.
The Mile High City saw some new guests for the occasion: Sam Taxwood, Jill Perkins, and Katie Kennedy. Going out on a limb and rating the night a 9.873/10 on their behalf.
The face of someone who just realized that their favorite carbon neutral beer is now off the wall. Get it while it's hot.
Local boss Austin Squire and Dana were in attendance. Shortly after this, they peeled out on Austin’s chopper...always rip responsibly people.
Rumor has it he didn't even go inside. Just ended up smoking a whole pack on the front patio.
Could write another caption about drinking checkered cans, but figured if you made it this far then that horse has already been beaten to a bloody pulp. Let's switch it up...here's your chance to win $500 in Fat Tire x Vans gear.
A close up to close it all out. A great night in the books at Bannock Street Garage...until the next beer can release party.