3 Fonteinen Armand’4 Oude Geuze Winter

GIGANTIC thanks to oteyj for muling this back from NH! Pours a cloudy copper pour with a huuuuge frothy white head. Nose is absolutely heavenly; the first things that struck me were gigantic notes of lemon meringue and key lime pie, kiwi, mango, pineapple, fruit-forward white wine like perhaps a new world sauvignon blanc, and then finally that gorgeous depth of horseblanket, cheese rind, hay, floral notes, some light tannic wood, and acidic lemon. Really a beautiful combination of vibrant fruit and barnyard funk, with perhaps a touch of that musty basement on the outer reaches. The flavor is just marvelous as well; probably even more towards the vibrant fruit end of funk gamut. Light and crisp, with a monstrous lemon and white grapefruit profile. The darker and earthier funk tones of cheese and barnyard fade, but are still perceptible on the back of the tongue. Fairly sharp and spunky with a clean, fairly quick finish like the Zomer, but not as assertive or aggressive. The palate during the quaff is bright, effervescent, and immensely drinkable, without too much aggressive acidity. A masterful conclusion to the series.