For those who have ever set foot in Vleteren, they will never forget the poetic scenery, where forests combine with vast green fields. In particular, there is also the Saint Sixtus monastery, a house of peace and devotion. But behind those ancient walls, a great secret has been kept for hundreds of years, that is Westvleteren 12.
Origins In The Belgian Soil
One of the most mysterious and sought after secrets in the beer world is Westvleteren 12, a work from the St. Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren, Belgium. To better understand the speciality of this beer, we need to quietly go back in time and explore the events that shaped it.
Originated from a monastery
The St. Sixtus Abbey, which produces Westvleteren 12, has a history dating back to the 19th century. Founded in 1831, the missionaries here began brewing beer just a few years after the monastery was founded. Beer became an integral part of their daily lives, serving as a source of income to maintain the monastery and distribute to the surrounding community.
An icon is born
In the 1940s, after a long period of research and testing, Westvleteren 12 was officially launched. It is worth noting that, from the beginning, this beer was not produced for commercial purposes. The main goal was to maintain the monastery and help the community. Therefore, buying beer at the monastery had many rules and restrictions.
A special situation
Unlike other breweries, the St. Sixtus Abbey does not market or advertise its product. Westvleteren 12 is only sold directly at the abbey and a nearby café. This has created an expectation and mystique around it. Beer lovers often have to order in advance and come to the abbey to buy it, with limited quantities available at any one time. This unique situation not only adds to the value of Westvleteren 12, but also helps it become a part of Belgium’s cultural heritage.
Beauty Conquers Silently
When mentioning Westvleteren 12, people often think of dark brown color, dim light under the afternoon sun. The unique flavor of caramel, chocolate and raisins combined with the alcohol content of 10.2% and Quadrupel style, make an unforgettable impression.
Behind the Rarity
Unlike other commercial beers, Westvleteren 12 is not driven by profit. The limited quantity, combined with the decision to sell the beer only at the abbey and a few famous spots, increases the value and expectation of each bottle. This means that every time you pick up a bottle of Westvleteren 12, you own a piece of history.
Memorable Transactions
Among beer connoisseurs, the story of a man who paid over $1,000 for a bottle of Westvleteren 12 has become legendary. It demonstrates the rarity and irresistibility of this beer. This rarity lies not only in its unique taste but also in the fact that it is only sold in special places, many people even have to wait months for the opportunity to enjoy it.
“Special Dishes” Event
To raise funds for the monastery’s renovation, for the first time in its history, the monastery has decided to sell a limited quantity of Westvleteren 12 internationally in the form of a special beer box called “Special Bowl”. Each box contains 6 bottles of Westvleteren 12 and 2 glasses of the signature beer.
The event attracted a lot of attention from beer lovers around the world. Beer stores and dealers in the United States, Europe and some other countries participated, and hundreds of people lined up very early, hoping to own a case of this limited beer. Some stores in the US sold out of the beer in just a few minutes.
Community Response
The event attracted a lot of attention from the media and the beer-loving community. Some people bought the beer for around $85 to $100, and it was later resold online for much higher prices. However, the monastery criticized the resale at a high price, emphasizing that the original purpose of the beer sale was to support the monastery, not to make a profit.
Despite some controversy, the event not only helped the abbey raise much-needed funds for renovations, but also raised the profile of Westvleteren 12 globally. It is a testament to the uniqueness and specialness of this beer, as well as the power of a beer-loving community coming together to support a good cause.
Enjoy it properly
Westvleteren 12 is not only famous for its unique and complex taste, but also because its enjoyment requires respect and understanding. It is not just about drinking a beer, but a cultural and historical experience. To fully enjoy the taste of Westvleteren 12, follow these suggestions:
- Choose the right cup:
Trappist beers like Westvleteren 12 are usually enjoyed in a chalice or goblet glass, which has a wide mouth to help develop the head and retain the flavour. If you have an authentic Westvleteren glass, this is your best bet. - Ideal temperature:
To appreciate all the rich flavour notes of Westvleteren 12, it is best served at around 12-14°C. Too cold will reduce the complexity of the flavours. - Pour beer properly:
Pour the beer from a certain distance into the middle of the glass, then reduce the distance as the glass fills to create a layer of foam on top. This foam layer locks in the flavor and creates the perfect beer drinking experience. - Combine with food:
Westvleteren 12 is a great pairing with dishes such as hard cheeses, stews or even some dark chocolate. This combination will enhance the flavours of both the beer and the food, creating a unique culinary experience. - Enjoy with soul:
When enjoying Westvleteren 12, take your time to let yourself sink into each sip, appreciate the complexity of the flavors and reflect on the beer's long history.
The final, and perhaps most important, note is to enjoy Westvleteren 12 responsibly. With its high alcohol content, just one or two glasses are enough to appreciate the specialness of this beer.
Awards and Reviews
Despite not participating in many competitions, Westvleteren 12 has been rated “Best Beer in the World” many times on leading beer review sites such as RateBeer and BeerAdvocate. This is a testament to the quality and stature of a “King of Beer”.
Final…
Every time we hold a bottle of Westvleteren 12 in our hands, we not only feel the taste, but also feel the dedication of the Trappist monks, the passion and rich history of a monastery, a nation and a rich beer culture. Westvleteren 12 is not just a beer, but an experience, a legend.
