3 Fonteinen

Aged hops are an essential ingredient at 3 Fonteinen. They have used Challenger, Golding, Saaz, Hallertau and Hersbrücker of at least three years old and have even experimented with real seniors of more than ten years old. They continue to experiment and

VISIT THIS PRODUCER'S WEBSITE
LOCATE ON GOOGLE MAPS
Country of Origin: Belgium
Location: Beersel
People: Michaël Blancquaert & Werner Van Obberghen, Owners

Items

3 Fonteinen (20 L) 'Nocturne' Oud Bruin KEG Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen (20 L) Oude Kriekenlambik (still) KEG Login —
3 Fonteinen (20 L) Oude Lambik (still) KEG Login —
3 Fonteinen Rabarber Login — Special Order Item
3 Fonteinen Aardbei Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Nocturne I (light) Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen (375 ml) Oude Kriek Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen (375 ml) Tuverbol Login —
3 Fonteinen Druif Muscaris Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Druif Riesling Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Druif Spatburgunder Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Oude Kriek Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Perzik Geel Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Perzik Rood Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Schaarbeekse Kriek Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Wijnbergperzik Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen (375 ml) Cuvee Armand & Gaston Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen (375 ml) Oude Geuze Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen (375 ml) 2019 VINTAGE Cuvee Armand & Gaston Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen (375 ml) 2019 VINTAGE Oude Geuze Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Cuvee Armand & Gaston Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Oude Geuze Login — In Stock
3 Fonteinen Nocturne II (dark) Login — In Stock

Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen is located in Beersel, just outside Brussels, and is one of Belgium’s most respected and influential lambic producers. Known for its unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and tradition, 3 Fonteinen operates as both a brewery and a blendery, crafting authentic lambic, geuze, kriek, and other traditional fruit lambics.

What truly distinguishes 3 Fonteinen is its commitment to traditional, time-honored methods. The brewing process is rooted in authenticity, utilizing a diverse mix of landrace wheat and barley varieties, aged hops, manual techniques, open-air cooling in a traditional coolship, 100% spontaneous fermentation, long-term aging in oak barrels of varying sizes, and blending with exceptional precision. All beers are naturally fermented without the use of artificial sweeteners, pasteurization, or forced carbonation—an increasingly rare practice in the modern brewing world. The result is a collection of beers highly prized by enthusiasts and collectors around the world.

In recent years, Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen has focused on restoring the terroir of the Pajottenland region. Traditional lambic, with its living history, is arguably the only style of beer that truly embodies terroir—a concept that 3 Fonteinen holds in the highest regard. Historically, Pajottenland’s unique local varieties of barley, wheat, and hops played a pivotal role in shaping the character of the final product. While the naming conventions are clear (only beer produced in Pajottenland can be called lambic), many of these local landraces have disappeared over time.

In 2018, 3 Fonteinen, in collaboration with several local partners—including Tijs Boelens, a Pajottenland farmer, the millers of Flietermolen mill, and Lucas Van den Abeele (then a student)—came together to create the Cereal Collective. The project’s mission is to preserve local agricultural traditions and biodiversity for future generations while promoting sustainable brewing practices. The collective is dedicated to reviving old wheat and barley varieties that were once integral to Belgian lambic production. This initiative plays a crucial role in combating industrialized agriculture and restoring the region’s identity and culture through the revival of local grains. Currently, the collective involves twelve farmers within a 25-kilometer radius of the brewery.

Hundreds of lambic producers thrived in the early 20th century. Today, fewer than 30 remain—16 brewers who also blend and 12 dedicated blenders. Among them, 3 Fonteinen remains at the forefront, with Michaël Blancquaert continuing the legacy of Armand Debelder. 3 Fonteinen stands as a guardian of one of the world’s oldest brewing traditions.