Few beers have a reputation like Westvleteren. Brewed by monks at the Saint Sixtus Abbey near the village of Westvleteren in West Flanders, Belgium, it has often been called one of the best beers in the world by enthusiasts. It is also famously difficult to buy, which adds to the legend.
The abbey and the brewing
The Abbey of Saint Sixtus is a Trappist community. The monks brew to fund the abbey and charitable work, not to maximise profit, which is why production stays small. Only a limited amount is brewed, and the abbey says it sells just enough to support its needs.
The three beers
- Westvleteren Blonde: a lighter, hoppy beer with a lower alcohol content.
- Westvleteren 8: a dark ale with a richer flavour.
- Westvleteren 12: the best known, a dark, strong quadrupel, rated by many reviewers among the top beers.
How to buy
The abbey does not distribute through normal shops. Historically, buyers had to phone ahead and reserve a time slot to collect crates, and the system has changed over the years, with limits per customer and a reservation process. Check the abbey’s official page at sintsixtus.be for the current rules, because they are specific and updated often. Be wary of resellers who charge much higher prices.
Try it at In de Vrede
Across the road from the abbey is the cafe In de Vrede, which serves the beers on site, along with local cheese and snacks. This is the easiest way to taste them without a reservation, and the surrounding countryside is beautiful for cycling and walking. The cafe’s opening hours vary, so check before going.
Tasting tips
- Serve in a chalice at cellar temperature, not ice cold.
- Pair the 12 with strong cheese or chocolate dessert.
- Pour gently, leaving the yeast sediment in the bottle if you like a clearer glass.
- Drink responsibly; these beers are strong.
Getting there
The village is near the French border and the town of Poperinge, close to Ypres (Ieper) and the First World War memorial sites. A car or bicycle is the most practical way to reach it, and many visitors combine the trip with battlefield tours.
If you cannot get the abbey’s beers, other Trappist breweries such as Chimay, Orval and Rochefort are easier to find. Always check current availability and rules before planning around a purchase. More Belgian ideas appear on invisionfree.com.
Featured image: Andreador, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).
