Westvleteren 12
Brouwerij Westvleteren
ABV
10.2%
IBU
34
Origin
Vleteren, West Flanders
Colour
Dark Brown
Westvleteren 12 is the most sought-after beer in the world. Brewed by the Trappist monks of the Abbey of Saint Sixtus in the tiny Belgian village of Vleteren, it can only be purchased directly from the abbey by telephone reservation — and only in limited quantities per household. The monks brew beer not for profit but to fund their monastic life, which means production is deliberately kept small. The result is a beer of extraordinary depth: rich, warming, complex, and utterly unlike anything else.
Aroma
Rich dark fruit — figs, raisins, plums — with caramel, clove, and a hint of chocolate.
Appearance
Deep mahogany with ruby highlights. Thick, creamy tan head.
Taste
Waves of dark fruit, caramel, and spice. Warming but never hot. Finishes long and complex.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, velvety, and warming. Low carbonation. Coats the palate beautifully.
Overall
The holy grail of beer. Worth every effort to obtain. Drink it slowly, in good company.
Flavour Notes
Pairs With
- Aged Gouda
- Lamb tagine
- Dark chocolate
- Walnut cake
Community Score
4.8
15,310 ratings