HORAL Is Founded to Defend Traditional Lambic

In 1997, producers of traditional Lambic established HORAL, the High Council for Artisanal Lambic Beers, in Belgium. The association was formed following the publication of European protection for Oude Geuze and Oude Kriek in January 1997. Armand Debelder of 3 Fonteinen became its first chairman and held the position until 2014. HORAL brought together Lambic brewers and Gueuze blenders from the Pajottenland and the Senne Valley to promote artisanal Lambic beers and defend their traditional names and production methods. Its original members included 3 Fonteinen, Boon, De Cam, De Troch, Lindemans, and Timmermans. The organization subsequently became a central institution in the preservation and public promotion of traditional Lambic and Gueuze culture.