Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen "3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze (Season 2017/18) Blend No. 51" Gueuze

Name: 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze (Season 2017/18) Blend No. 51
Brewer: Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen (Belgium)
Style: Gueuze
ABV: 6.2%
Review Year: 2020

3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze by Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen is a blend of one-, two-, and three-year-old lambics, spontaneously fermented using wild yeasts and then matured in oak casks. This bottle is from the 51st blend of the 2017-2018 season.

STYLE GUIDELINES

This beer is being evaluated as a Gueuze (23E) in the context of the 2015 Beer Style Guidelines of the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP). The most current version of the guidelines can be found on the BJCP website.

TASTING NOTES

3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze pours a yellow-orange beer, closer to orange with less light. Clear appearance without the sediments; cloudy with the sediments in the glass. A thin white head exists. We imagine this beer having more head if poured the traditional way. The nose has a fermented lemon-like character supported by aromas of watermelon seeds and well-integrated hints of lactic acid akin to kefir.

On the palate, this Gueuze is a dry, light-medium bodied beer with an elevated level of carbonation. Prominent lemon and pomelo sourness dominate the flavor balance, but as in the aroma, acidity is well-integrated. Hints of oranges, bitter lemon peels, and soft watermelon flavors add complexity. The aftertaste lingers with bright pithy oranges and more lemon peels.

THE VERDICT

Impressive. The 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze paints a crisp, refreshing, bright citrus sour beer with restrained acidity. It ultimately is a well-crafted beer to enjoy on its own on a hot summer day or with food.

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