Faro is a rare treat in Belgium and even rarer outside its borders. It was once the standard everyday drinking beer of Brussels. It was light and sessionable and allowed for laborers to have a refreshing beverage and still be able to work. It also allowed an easy way to move some old beer. By mixing old well soured beer with younger fresh beer, in some cases beer that had only been fermented for a summer, it allowed bar owners to blend stocks and provide a good tasting beer with nice acidity. To round it out they’d blend in some sugar, molasses, dark malt, or some spices.
This made Faro a variable product with house recipes and distinct flavors from tavern to tavern. Brouwerij Boon‘s harkens back to the Faros of old by taking old Lambic, some young Lambic and mixing it candi sugar and spice.
Appearance: Amber gold, off white head, poor retention.
Aroma: Brown sugar, apples, spice, pear, cinnamon, mulling spices.
Taste: Brown sugar, fruit, tea, spice.
Overall Impression: Boon Faro is a nice mix of sweet and tart. The spices are evident in the mix but not overwhelming. This is a fun treat, but a rare one. To my knowledge, there is only one Faro available in the US and that’s pretty hard to track down.
Availability: Belgium in cafe’s around Brussels where Boon beers are carried. The other Boon beers are imported by Latis Imports.
5% ABV
Note: This beer was sent to me by my friend and Belgian Beer Blogger, Belgian Beer Geek.
0 thoughts on “Boon Faro”
That sounds really cool. I also like the story about the style. Don’t think I have heard of any other beer quite like it.