Podcast Episode 225: 3 Fonteinen’s Next Generation Is Going from Grain to Gueuze

Werner Van Obberghen and Lukas Van den Abeele discuss extending the tradition and digging deeper into lambic history with the next phase of the historic blendery and brewery.

Jamie Bogner , Joe Stange Feb 11, 2022 - 5 min read

Podcast Episode 225: 3 Fonteinen’s Next Generation Is Going from Grain to Gueuze Primary Image

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Groomed by retired master blender Armand Debelder, a new generation has assumed the stewardship of the 3 Fonteinen lambic brewery and blendery in Beersel and Lot, Belgium. Their focus is on preserving their mentor’s approach to brewing, blending, and passion for the lambic tradition, while also looking for ways to root that product more deeply in its history and in its region.

Led by managing director Werner Van Obberghen and brewer Michaël Blancquaert, the 3 Fonteinen team has been navigating the rough seas of the pandemic, looking ahead to ambitious plans for expansion while working to maintain the reputation of 3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze. One project, now under way, is to brew lambic using heirloom wheat and barley varieties grown in the region by Pajottenland farmers.

In this episode recorded amongst the barrels of the famed lambic cellar, Van Obberghen and Lukas Van den Abeele—who has done extensive research on the grains—discuss that program as well as how it fits into Debelder’s vision for the future of 3 Fonteinen.

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Jamie Bogner is the Cofounder and Editorial Director of Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine®. Email him at [email protected].

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