{"title":"3 Fonteinen","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"3-fonteinen-braambes-oogst-2020-season-20-21-blend-no-21-750ml","title":"3 Fonteinen Braambes Oogst 2020 (Season 20|21) Blend No. 21 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 Fonteinen Braambes Oogst 2020 (Season 20|21) Blend No. 21 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a traditional Belgian blackberry lambic bottled at 5.5% ABV in a 750ml format. This limited seasonal blend stands out for its remarkable fruit intensity of 384 grams of hand-picked blackberries per litre, sourced from Ferme Framboos in Huldenberg, and carries a strong 4.2 out of 5 rating on Untappd across more than 1,600 reviews.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 5.5%  |  Origin: Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium  |  Style: Blackberry Fruit Lambic  |  Brewery: Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrouwerij 3 Fonteinen is one of Belgium's most respected lambic blenders, located in Lot, Beersel, in the Pajottenland region of Vlaams-Brabant — the heartland of spontaneous fermentation brewing. For Blend No. 21, whole hand-picked blackberries from nearby Ferme Framboos underwent a slow, all-natural maceration lasting three months in a 50\/50 cut with lambikken drawn from five different barrels and five different brews. Before bottling, lambikken from an additional barrel and two further brews were added to the blend. The majority of the lambikken used are brewed by 3 Fonteinen themselves, while roughly one quarter comes from their own Brabant farmers' collective, reinforcing the brewery's deep ties to local agricultural tradition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tart dark berry fruit leads, followed by floral brettanomyces character and rustic farmhouse funk. Deeper notes of leather, woody tannins, and aged oak barrels emerge as the beer warms in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is sharp and assertive, with intense tartness and bright lactic acidity arriving immediately. At mid-palate, layers of dark berry, bretty apple, and hay unfold alongside earthy farmhouse funk. A subtle spiciness threads through the fruit, balanced by tannic structure from both the blackberry seeds and wooden barrel aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and drying, with lingering berry tartness and woody tannin. A lemony sourness persists alongside fading traces of farmhouse funk and barrel character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Braambes Oogst\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a beer meant for contemplative sipping. Serve still, at cellar temperature (around 8–12°C \/ 46–54°F), in a tulip glass or wine goblet to concentrate the complex aromatics. Given its fruit-forward acidity and limited production, mixing into cocktails is uncommon and generally not recommended — the complexity and rarity warrant drinking it on its own. That said, a small pour could enliven a \u003cstrong\u003eLambic Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and a blackberry garnish, add tart depth to a \u003cstrong\u003eBelgian Kir\u003c\/strong\u003e in place of white wine, or serve as the sour component in a \u003cstrong\u003eBerliner Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e-style cocktail with simple syrup and egg white.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious lambic or sour beer collector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnchoring a tasting flight of traditional Belgian fruit lambics\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a curated cheese course at a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for a special milestone celebration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Braambes Oogst taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers intense blackberry tartness with sharp lactic acidity, layered over earthy farmhouse funk, hay, bretty apple, and a drying tannic backbone from barrel aging and blackberry seeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Braambes Oogst compare to Cantillon Kriek 100% Lambic Bio?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are world-class Belgian fruit lambics from elite blenders, but Braambes Oogst uses blackberries rather than cherries, producing a darker, more tannic fruit character. Cantillon Kriek tends toward brighter stone-fruit acidity, while the 3 Fonteinen expression leans into deeper berry tartness and a heavier farmhouse funk profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Braambes Oogst good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is a contemplative sipper best enjoyed slowly from a tulip glass at cellar temperature, where its layered acidity, fruit depth, and barrel complexity can fully unfold.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Braambes Oogst made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen in Lot, Beersel, within the Pajottenland region of Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium — the traditional heartland of spontaneous fermentation lambic production. The blackberries are hand-picked at Ferme Framboos in nearby Huldenberg.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Braambes Oogst?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged goat cheese or a ripe Roquefort mirrors the beer's tartness and tannic grip. Duck rillettes complement the earthy farmhouse funk. Fresh oysters highlight the bright acidity. A dark chocolate torte with berry coulis echoes the blackberry fruit. Charcuterie with fig jam bridges the sweet-tart spectrum.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Braambes Oogst come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e This release is available in the standard 750ml bottle format, consistent with traditional lambic bottling practices at 3 Fonteinen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Braambes Oogst worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Braambes Oogst positions firmly as a premium-to-ultra-premium fruit lambic, reflecting the labor-intensive hand-picking of whole blackberries, extended natural maceration, and complex multi-barrel blending from one of Belgium's most acclaimed lambic houses. Within the category of traditional fruit lambics, it represents the upper tier in both production quality and collectibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Braambes Oogst?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining detail of Blend No. 21 is its fruit intensity: 384 grams of whole hand-picked blackberries per litre, macerated slowly and naturally without any added sugars, extracts, or artificial flavoring. The blending protocol — drawing lambikken from seven distinct barrels across seven separate brews, then marrying them across a three-month maceration — creates a depth of flavor that single-barrel fruit lambics rarely achieve. With the majority of base lambikken brewed in-house and a quarter sourced from the brewery's own Brabant farmers' collective, this release is deeply rooted in regional terroir. For anyone serious about traditional Belgian lambic, this Braambes Oogst stands as a benchmark of what artisan fruit maceration can produce.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"3 Fonteinen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838486114473,"sku":"36019","price":57.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/3FonteinenBraambesOogst2020-Season20-21BlendNo21750ML.webp?v=1734224462"},{"product_id":"3-fonteinen-hommage-season-19-20-blend-no-72-375ml","title":"3 Fonteinen Hommage (Season 19|20) Blend No. 72 375ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 Fonteinen Hommage (Season 19|20) Blend No. 72 375ml\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Belgian fruit lambic blending kriekenlambik and frambozenlambik at 6.3% ABV in a 375ml bottle. Distinguished by an extraordinary fruit intensity of 529 grams of whole fruit per litre, this blend layers hand-picked sour cherries and raspberries onto traditional lambic in a forty-sixty kriek-to-framboos proportion.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 6.3%  |  Origin: Beersel, Belgium  |  Fruit Lambic  |  Brewery: Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrouwerij 3 Fonteinen operates as both a traditional lambik brewery and an authentic geuze blendery in Beersel, a town in the Pajottenland region southwest of Brussels — the heartland of spontaneous fermentation. For Blend No. 72, the brewery macerated hand-picked whole raspberries and sour cherries on one- and two-year-old lambik drawn from seven barrels and eleven separate brews. The weighted average maceration time reached five months, and the finished bottles were held for a full year in the brewery's warm room before release. The result is unfiltered and unpasteurised, preserving the wild yeast character and living culture that define traditional lambic production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intense ripe raspberry rises first, followed by a darker sour cherry undertone and a faint barnyard funk characteristic of spontaneous fermentation. A subtle vinous quality emerges as the beer warms in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is immediately fruit-forward, with raspberry dominating the initial impression before sour cherry takes hold at mid-palate. High acidity drives through the center, balanced by the tannic grip of whole fruit and a dry, wine-like complexity from extended lambic aging. The fruit intensity at 529 grams per litre gives the palate a density rarely found in the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long and bracingly tart, with lingering cherry skin astringency and a clean, dry close. Raspberry echoes persist alongside a gentle mineral quality that draws you back to the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Hommage Blend No. 72\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe at cellar temperature, around 8–12°C (46–54°F), in a tulip glass or wine glass to concentrate the aromatics. This is a contemplative pour best enjoyed on its own. For cocktail-curious drinkers: use a small measure in a Lambic Spritz with dry sparkling wine and a lemon twist for a bracing aperitif; blend it into a Berliner Sour variation where the fruit intensity replaces syrup-based sweeteners; or try it in a Cherry Lambic Kir alongside a splash of crème de cassis to bridge the tart and sweet divide.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious lambic collector or sour beer enthusiast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a curated cheese course at a dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone with a rare, cellar-worthy Belgian bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing wine drinkers to the complexity of traditional fruit lambic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Hommage Blend No. 72 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers a fruit-forward profile dominated by raspberry and sour cherry with pronounced acidity, a tannic grip from whole fruit maceration, and a dry, wine-like finish shaped by spontaneous fermentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Hommage Blend No. 72 compare to Cantillon Rosé De Gambrinus?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are benchmark Belgian fruit lambics, but Hommage leans heavier on fruit intensity — 529 grams per litre of both cherries and raspberries — while Rosé De Gambrinus focuses solely on whole raspberries with a generally lighter body. Hommage tends toward greater tannic structure from the cherry component, whereas Cantillon's expression often emphasizes a more delicate, purely tart raspberry character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hommage Blend No. 72 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is designed as a standalone sipper, and the depth of fruit, acidity, and wild yeast complexity reward slow, attentive drinking at cellar temperature.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Hommage Blend No. 72 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen in Beersel, Belgium, located in the Pajottenland region where the local microflora essential to spontaneous lambic fermentation naturally thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Hommage Blend No. 72?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged Gouda or Comté, where the nutty sweetness offsets the beer's acidity; duck liver pâté, which benefits from the tart fruit cut; dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a classic sour-bitter combination; roasted beet salad with goat cheese, where earthy sweetness mirrors the cherry notes; and fresh summer berries with crème fraîche for a complementary fruit pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Hommage Blend No. 72 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e This release is available in a 375ml bottle, which is the standard format for 3 Fonteinen's Hommage series.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Hommage Blend No. 72 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Hommage positions firmly in the ultra-premium tier for fruit lambic, justified by the extreme fruit intensity, extended maceration, year-long warm-room conditioning, and the inherent scarcity of each numbered blend from 3 Fonteinen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Hommage Blend No. 72?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this particular blend is the sheer concentration of fruit — 529 grams per litre across both sour cherries and raspberries — combined with the complexity of lambic sourced from seven barrels and eleven distinct brews. The five-month weighted average maceration and subsequent year of warm-room conditioning create a depth and integration that younger or less fruit-intensive lambics simply cannot match. Blend No. 72 from Season 19|20 represents a specific snapshot of 3 Fonteinen's blending philosophy: unfiltered, unpasteurised, and built entirely on patience and wild fermentation. For anyone serious about traditional lambic, this is the kind of bottle that defines why the style endures.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"3 Fonteinen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838486212777,"sku":"36018","price":31.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/3FonteinenHommageSeason19-20BlendNo.72375ml.webp?v=1734279769"},{"product_id":"3-fonteinen-oude-geuze-cuvee-armand-gaston-375ml","title":"3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze Cuvee Armand \u0026 Gaston 375ml","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston 375ml\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Belgian traditional geuze blending one-, two-, and three-year-old spontaneously fermented lambics at approximately 6.2–6.9% ABV. Scored 99 out of 100 on BeerAdvocate, this cuvée stands among the most acclaimed sour beers in the world, distinguished by the fact that every drop of lambic is brewed entirely in-house at Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~6.2–6.9% (varies by batch)  |  Origin: Beersel, Pajottenland, Belgium  |  Style: Oude Geuze (Traditional Lambic Blend)  |  Brewery: Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrouwerij 3 Fonteinen has operated in Beersel, at the heart of Belgium's Zenne Valley and Pajottenland region, since 1887 — originally as a geuze blender before eventually adding its own brewing operations. The Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston is named after father-and-son stewards of the brewery and represents a purposeful step beyond the standard Oude Geuze: it uses only lambic brewed on 3 Fonteinen's own 40-hectoliter brewhouse, with a grist of 60% barley malt and 40% unmalted wheat, hopped with aged hops and cooled overnight in a traditional coolship for spontaneous inoculation by wild yeast. The resulting young lambic ages in oak barrels for up to three years before master blender Armand Debelder and his team assemble the final blend, which undergoes natural refermentation in the bottle without any added sugars or artificial carbonation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tart green apple and lemon zest greet the nose first, followed by deeper layers of barnyard funk, hay, and a subtle earthy mustiness. Faint notes of dried herbs and a whisper of oak round out the bouquet.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bracing and citric — sharp lemon and grapefruit acidity that quickly expands into a mid-palate of apple tart, cider-like orchard fruit, and a lactic tang. As it develops, mild oak tannins emerge alongside touches of vanilla, bitter peanut skin, and a herbaceous quality reminiscent of light cilantro and hibiscus.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Long, dry, and puckering with lingering green apple and cellar funk that slowly fade into a clean, mineral dryness. The carbonation lifts the finish, leaving the palate refreshed and eager for the next sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePour into a tulip glass or stemmed lambic tumbler at cellar temperature (around 45–50°F) to allow the complex aromatics to fully express themselves. This geuze is best appreciated on its own, savored slowly as the flavors evolve with warmth. For cocktail-curious drinkers: use a small measure in a \u003cstrong\u003eGeuze Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e (topped with sparkling water and a grapefruit twist) for a low-ABV aperitif; blend it into a \u003cstrong\u003eLambic Shandy\u003c\/strong\u003e with fresh-pressed lemonade and a sprig of thyme for warm-weather drinking; or incorporate it into a \u003cstrong\u003eSour Beer Mimosa\u003c\/strong\u003e in place of champagne with fresh peach or apricot juice, where the natural tartness and effervescence mirror traditional sparkling wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious sour beer or Belgian ale enthusiast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdding a world-class bottle to a lambic cellar collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a curated cheese board at an intimate dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a milestone occasion with something rare and storied\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers sharp green apple and lemon tartness layered with barnyard funk, mild oak, hints of vanilla, and a dry, lingering finish. The balance between bright citric acidity and earthy complexity defines its character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston compare to 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard Oude Geuze may incorporate lambic sourced from partner breweries, while Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston uses exclusively lambic brewed in-house at 3 Fonteinen, resulting in a more focused and cohesive flavor profile. Both are traditional geuzes, but the Cuvée is generally considered the more refined and concentrated expression.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is a contemplative sipping beer at its core, designed to be poured slowly and savored as its layers of fruit, funk, and oak unfold with temperature changes in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is brewed and blended at Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen in Beersel, Belgium, located in the Pajottenland region of the Zenne Valley — one of the few areas in the world where the microflora necessary for spontaneous lambic fermentation naturally thrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged Gruyère or Comté, where the nutty richness contrasts the beer's acidity; fresh oysters, whose brininess harmonizes with the mineral tartness; duck liver pâté, balanced by the citric cut; apple tarte tatin, echoing the green apple notes; and washed-rind cheeses like Époisses, where funky meets funky.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is commonly available in 375ml and 750ml bottles, with occasional larger-format releases depending on the batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium expression within the already rarefied world of traditional geuze, justified by its 99\/100 BeerAdvocate rating, entirely in-house lambic production, and the multi-year aging required before blending and bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Cuvée Armand \u0026amp; Gaston?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining distinction here is purity of source: every lambic in this blend was brewed on 3 Fonteinen's own system, giving the blenders complete control over the character of each barrel. A 99\/100 score on BeerAdvocate — based on hundreds of independent ratings — places it in the uppermost echelon of sour beers globally. Traditional geuze at this level is not manufactured so much as coaxed into existence through years of spontaneous fermentation, oak aging, and patient blending by one of Belgium's most respected lambic houses. For anyone who takes sour beer seriously, this bottle is a benchmark.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"3 Fonteinen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838486278313,"sku":"36244","price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/3FonteinenOudeGeuzeCuveeArmand_Gaston375ml.webp?v=1734279926"},{"product_id":"3-fonteinen-oude-kriekenlambik-season-20-21-blend-no-15-750ml","title":"3 Fonteinen Oude Kriekenlambik (Season 20|21) Blend No. 15 750ML","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 Fonteinen Oude Kriekenlambik (Season 20|21) Blend No. 15 750ML\u003c\/strong\u003e is a spontaneously fermented Belgian kriek lambic bottled at 6.6% ABV in a 750ml bottle. This seasonal blend earns its \"Zéér Oude Kriekenlambik\" (Very Old Kriek Lambic) designation thanks to a base of predominantly two- and three-year-old lambik — an unusually mature foundation that deepens complexity far beyond typical kriek offerings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 6.6%  |  Origin: Beersel, Pajottenland, Belgium  |  Style: Oude Kriekenlambik  |  Brewery: Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrouwerij 3 Fonteinen operates in Beersel, at the heart of Belgium's Pajottenland — one of the only regions on earth where the wild yeast strains responsible for spontaneous fermentation occur naturally. The brewery's grist bill consists of 60% barley malt and 40% unmalted wheat, brewed with aged hops and water, then left to ferment and mature in oak barrels without any added yeast or cultures. For this kriek expression, hand-picked whole sour cherries are macerated on young lambic at a concentration of 340 grams per litre for a minimum of four months. Blend No. 15 is particularly distinctive: its base includes 36% three-year-old lambik and 58% two-year-old lambik, yielding an exceptionally aged foundation that justifies the \"Zéér Oude\" distinction reserved for blends of older-than-average stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe sour cherry dominates the nose immediately, followed by a wave of almond-like sweetness reminiscent of cherry Bakewell tart. Underneath, earthy funk and gentle oak emerge as the beer warms in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with bright, tart cherry that hits with genuine fruit intensity rather than confected sweetness. At the mid-palate, layers of smoke, leather, and wet tobacco surface, revealing the depth that extended lambik aging provides. The acidity is firm but balanced, supported by an oak-driven tannic backbone and a medium body that carries the cherry character without thinning out.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long and drying, with tart cherry skin lingering alongside rustic, slightly funky farmhouse notes. A faint almond sweetness and subtle woody tannin close things out cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Oude Kriekenlambik\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe at cellar temperature — around 8–12°C (46–54°F) — in a tulip glass or wine glass to concentrate the complex aromatics. This is best enjoyed on its own, treated more like a fine wine than a conventional beer. For cocktail-curious drinkers: try it in a Kriek Kir by replacing the wine in a traditional Kir with this lambic and a splash of cassis; in a Belgian Spritz, combining it with a dry sparkling wine and a lemon twist for an aperitif-style serve; or in a Lambic Shandy, lengthened with sparkling lemonade on warm days for a refreshing, lower-intensity drink.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious Belgian beer enthusiast or lambic collector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing alongside a multi-course tasting menu as a wine alternative\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCelebrating a special occasion with something genuinely rare and seasonal\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing an adventurous wine drinker to the world of spontaneous fermentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Oude Kriekenlambik taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers bright, tart sour cherry up front with a complex undercurrent of smoke, leather, almond, and oak-driven funk. The acidity is pronounced but refined, more akin to a sour red wine than a typical fruit beer.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Oude Kriekenlambik compare to Cantillon Kriek?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are traditionally produced Belgian krieks using spontaneous fermentation and whole fruit, and both are held in the highest regard among lambic enthusiasts. 3 Fonteinen's version is often described as slightly rounder and more fruit-forward, while Cantillon Kriek tends toward a sharper, drier acidity — though both represent the pinnacle of the style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Oude Kriekenlambik good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — this is a contemplative beer designed for slow, attentive drinking at cellar temperature, ideally from a tulip or wine glass to appreciate its aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Oude Kriekenlambik made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced at Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen in Beersel, a small municipality in Belgium's Pajottenland region southwest of Brussels. This area's unique microflora makes it one of the few places where traditional spontaneous lambic fermentation is possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Oude Kriekenlambik?\u003c\/strong\u003e Aged Gouda or Comté cheese mirrors the beer's tangy depth; duck liver pâté contrasts richly against the acidity; dark chocolate truffles complement the cherry and almond notes; grilled lamb with a cherry reduction creates a harmonious echo; and fresh goat cheese with arugula provides a lighter, complementary pairing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Oude Kriekenlambik come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e This blend is available in the standard 750ml bottle, consistent with the format 3 Fonteinen uses for most of its seasonal kriek releases.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Oude Kriekenlambik worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e This positions as a premium, limited-seasonal release within the lambic category — a space where production volumes are inherently small and aging timelines are long. The use of over-aged lambik base stock and 340 grams of cherries per litre places it among the more generous and labor-intensive krieks available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Oude Kriekenlambik?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBlend No. 15 from the Season 20|21 series stands out even within 3 Fonteinen's acclaimed lineup because of its unusually mature lambik base — 36% three-year-old and 58% two-year-old stock — earning the rare \"Zéér Oude\" classification. That extended aging translates directly into greater depth, with the oak and funky complexity serving as a structural counterpoint to the 340 grams per litre of hand-picked sour cherries. In a category defined by patience and terroir, this blend represents a distillation of what makes Pajottenland lambic irreplaceable: wild fermentation, time, and whole fruit used without shortcuts. For anyone serious about sour beer, this is a benchmark expression.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"3 Fonteinen","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44838486311081,"sku":"36020","price":34.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/3FonteinenOudeKriekenlambikSeason20-21BlendNo15750ML-lb.webp?v=1734280620"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/3-fonteinen.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}