At given times, 3 Fonteinen still makes faro for consumption ‘in situ’ (i.e. at their Lambik-O-Droom), trying to keep this ancient tradition alive in a time where – contrary to, say, two centuries ago – very few people still know what a traditional faro is. There are two variants, a bit confusingly called “classic” versus “traditional”; I had the classic, actually simply old lambic sweetened with sugar water, many years ago at the 3 Fonteinen restaurant in Beersel, long before the Lambik-O-Droom even existed, so now I got lucky to taste the traditional version, made with young lambic sweetened with reduced wort (instead of actual sugar as was or is usually the case). Thanks David (or Goodfella86 as he is known on this site)! Frothy, pillowy, cobweb-lacing, egg-white head on a misty bronze-brownish-tinged amber beer with olive-greenish edges. Aroma of old tea bags, bergamot tea even, lightly toasted unsalted peanuts, freshly ironed cotton cloth, old pipe tobacco, dried apricot, hard to even burnt caramel, old hazelnuts, dried basil, very old dry sherry – in short, a typical (very) old lambic purity and maturity pimped with fresh malt (or indeed wort) odours. Soft sourness in the mouth, clearly tempered by the reduced wort, dried apricot and sour plum impressions, flat carb (none expected anyway), rounded and slick body; malty middle phase, nut bread and old toast with caramelly touch, ongoing ‘deep’ and noble tartness, leathery funkiness and drying woodiness – all ‘sauced’ with a strong herbal, old tea-like effect. Very easily drinkable but also very recognizably old lambic with all its oxidized, sedate character, but with a reviving ‘infuse’ of wort – an unusual interpretation of faro as mostly young lambic (or even ‘meerts’) was used as a basis, but feeling very traditional at the same time. Glad I had the chance to taste this one.

Draught at the brewery, Lambiek o Doom. Dank aroma. The usual kind of candied taste I'm unsure about. Didn't think too highly of it but the style isn't much for me. Lovely appearance though, deep gold with lasting foam..

Zwischenfaro. Style ticking ;) - sweet sour composition.

On Tap @3 Fonteinen lambik-O-droom, Beersel. 16/11/2019 Color ambarino opaco, espuma blanca, aromas dulces, sabor dulce, acida,, cuerpo medio.

Served at lambik-O-droom as traditional faro. Pours very dark brown with some yeasty chunks. Aroma is heavy caramelly, bread, toast, dark fruits, malt, prunes, sugar, some subtle funky notes. Taste is sweet, funky, bready, light tart, orange, macaroons, caramel.

Glass from tap shared with Iznogud @ 3 Fonteinen lambik-O-droom (visited 31/10/2019). F: huge, egg-white, long lasting. C: murky dark amber, hazy. A: malty, caramel, bit bready, wort sweetness, funky touch. T: rich malty, wort, caramel, bready, bit mellow fruity, almost no carbonation but really big head, very nice and interesting, it was told me to have 3-4% so fully refreshing.

Draught Pour, tons of floating, suspended sugars and yeast. 5 finger pillow-like yellow head. Smells sweet like chilled wort and cereal. Very thin, greasy almost with oily texture. Graham cracker, raw wheat. Finish is a sweet sugary orange flavor.

Cask at Droom. An attractive clear golden orange coloured pour with a steadfast rocky white head. Aroma is earthy, sweet bread, crust, leafy. Flavour is composed of semi sweet, bready grains, leafy citrus, brown sugars, leather, light grassy. Palate is soft excellent cask condition, medium sweet and tangy. Bruised apple.