Hi from Belgium :) Offcourse the Westvleteren 12 is very famous here too. But we love our other belgian trappist beers too, only the Achel is not in my taste. The one that sticks out the most, is the Orval, it is something else not comparable to the other trappist beers. It is becoming rarer and rarer too, production is declining, in most cases you cannot by it by the case/box anymore, only per bottle. Most of the complex abbey beers, and the trappist beers really come to full flavour after some months or even longer, like the Westvleteren 12 or Rochefort 10. With aging comes a more portwine taste/flavor, did you notice? This is especially true with Westvleteren, also Rochefort 10 or 8, and many others of the heavier dark belgian beers, like Augustijn, Gouden Carolus Classic, Chimay Blue. A few weeks ago I tasted a Westvleteren 12 of about 3 years old...that is liquid gold. And whats more, I now am the proud owner of 2 full cases of Westvleteren 12, thats 48 bottles, straight from the abbey, in original wooden casing box. I paid 104 EURO (or about 110-120 dollars). It is extremely rare to get your hands on though, even for belgians. You can only call the abbey's beerphone on specific times each week so I had to try hundreds of times within 2 or 3 weeks (only 1 full day per week accessible lines). Commercial customers are not allowed; they register your licence plate of your car when ordering, and you can only call order once every 60 days, max. 2 cases per order. They register your phone number too, anonymous calling is not accepted, etcetera. It is not commercialised anywhere else. Only a handful pubs in belgium serve this, and even if its on the beerchart it mostly is out of stock. You pay between 12 and 15 dollars (about 12 eur) if you can get it at all in the very few pubs who still offer it (mainly from built up stock). Now I'm used to the divine taste of a 2 to 3yo Westvleteren 12, I will put both cases in my cellar for a couple of years :). In the mean time I can enjoy our other supergreatfantastic trappist beer of superhigh quality that are easily available, I have a box of Rochefort 10 in my cellar I can enjoy (53 EUR per box of 24 bottles). I love blond abbey beers too. We're spoiled here. Cheers! Yves
Bonsai Vlaamse Ardennen I'm traveling to Belgium in the end of May and I am really excited to experience your beers! I love the quads, strong dark ales, Trappists, etc. You guys really know how to brew!
I'm curious, what about the Achel beers is not to your taste? I've had the Achel 8 Blonde and Achel 8 Bruin, which were good... Nothing mind-blowing, but good... But the Achel Extra Dark is one of the best beers I've ever had. To me, it tastes very much like a stronger, deeper version of Westmalle Dubbel, which is also a fantastic beer. I'm sure you've probably tried the Achel Extra Dark, so I'd love to know your opinion of that one specifically. If you haven't tried it, definitely give it a taste. Out of all the trappist dark ales I've had, the Achel Extra Dark has the most estery, phenoly, yeasty flavor, which is very much to my liking. It's a bit of a heavy beer, so I like to save it for late night special occasions.
You can buy it for 50 bucks online. I'm contemplating spending that much on a beer honestly. Since I found the actual Belgian version like the one you have here, Greg. Great review as always.
I had one of these last xmas... my brothre gave me a bottle for xmas... it was the brick pack as u call it with the gold writing on the bottle... my god was it good... the alcohol isnt there and thats really impressive for the abv .... the brick pack is the same beer I talked to a belgian man who knew all about it .. they were selling the brick packs for limited time for money to fix the roof on their abbey .. world class belgian beer.. I love IPAs , really all I drink, but this is world class.. westy 12 is the smoothest beer ive ever had.. the carbonation level is perfect, it taste like your eating a rich dark fruity dessert. my brother on craigslist paid 150$ for 3 bottles and one glass. ... 2 things we can get here in the USA all day that kinda match this beer are st bernadus 12 and rochefort 10
Great review... and yes... GREAT BEER!! I had a chance to drink A LOT of this while recently stationed in Germany... price point was around 2-4 Euro a bottle when you could get it directly from Westvleteren (abdy St Sixtus) in 6 packs or gift packs at their café across the street.... other than that you could usually find it on the "Grey Market" in Brugge or Antwerp or Brussels in bottle shops and even some pubs.... meaning that it wasn't on the shelves, but if you asked they had it in back... when found that way it was anywhere from 11-15 Euro a bottle... some pubs even had a separate "Westy" menu with aged varieties... This info was as of Oct 2013...
And St Bernardus Abt 12 is not the same beer! They used to brew Westys some ten years ago, but then Westvleteren set up its own brewery and the recipe has changed a bit since then. Still, Bernie is a fantastic abbey beer, one of my favorites. Like it better than the Rochefort 10 and the Chimay Blue actually.
Hey Greg , I'm Tom from Belgium and iliked your review very much . I'm happy you tasted a Westy that's 2 years old because that's when the beer is at is best . A few years ago i went to the brewery of westvleteren to get my 2 crates of Westy 12 and one of the monks told me not to drink it now and save it in a cool dark place and let it evoluate for at least 1 year and you get a much more balanced and tastier beer and that the beer was at it's best when it 's 2 years old or older . Maybe thats why many people that bought the Westvleteren packages in the US thought they had 2nd class beer but they just had to wait 1 or 2 years to drink this fantastic beer . Greetz , Tom
I am lucky enough to live in The Netherlands with a fair chance of getting this. Even over here it is hard to get your hands on it due to the fact you have to call the abbaye and hope to get through on the phone to reserve 2 boxes per license plate and then, go over there to come over at a set time and date to collect. I used to be lucky and get through once, however, it is possible to get them still through limited resale so every now and then I grab some. Yes, it does feel like an angel pissing on your tongue, it is in a league of its own, if you want to get something close, Rochefort 10 is a good start, more widely available and a good starting point to get yourself set up for the taste of quadrupels that are at least close to this a bit.
Great review! I actually had the pleasure of enduring the process, reserving and picking up the beer in Westvleteren, Belgium....twice. To me, It was worth the hassle.
I was lucky to get this on two occasions from people in Belgium, shared it both times with the family for Christmas dinner. Lovely stuff. My friend who was stationed in Belgium told me that getting a case involved calling in advance and then being put on a waiting list, then you were put on a blacklist and prohibited from placing another order for several weeks. They intentionally limit supply, I guess because they are Trappist monks and refuse to commercialize their product. Chimay I guess has a different outlook. Rochefort was still my favorite, but this was definitely on par and perhaps better. Wish I could buy it and really savor and appreciate the work put into it.
I started with the app untapped recently, which I think is much fun for us beer tasters. Now found out this channel and love your reviews and opinions on all the different beers. Keep up the good work, Greetings from Rotterdam 'The Netherlands'
Westvleteren trappist beer is no hype: They are one of the very rare (maybe the only) medieval belgian monks who didn't succomb to commercial pressure and kept their production high-level and low. You might pay a high price due to intermediate commerccants, but it is worth it.
Your description hits the spot. The moment when it gets down your throath and you describe the feeling. Exacttly how it should be... this was a genuine westvleteren...
1000! Thanks for sharing your beer journey with us. My buddy Nick sent you a couple of Plinys last year and that video got me hooked on your reviews. Beer is a great thing, keep it going Greg! Cheers to another thousand reviews.
Just stopped by Brussels over the Labor Day weekend. This was def an amazing beer! 12 euro per bottle (at the local price) so around $15 per beer. I'm def going to slowly purchase as many cases as I can over the next 3 years I'm stationed in Europe and bring them home with me!
I had the Westy 12 sold here and it was very good in my opinion. 20 years ago my grandfather was in Belgium visiting family and came back with a few beers in his suitcase. Westy 12 was one of them but it had broken. Even though I never was able to taste it, the smell coming from the suitcase was amazing! Congrats on 1000 reviews!
Outstanding. You're a lucky man. I lived in Germany for 10 years. I went to Brussels many times and had hundreds of beers, but I never had this ONE. I am jealous.
leonjulius1979 Hey man, you can't get this beer at a bar in Belgium You can only purchase Westvleteren at the Westvleteren brewery and they sell it in boxes of 24 bottles or as a six pack. Westvleteren is really an exclusive one. I've had one a couple of weeks ago and if you have the chance to drink, you won't get dissapointed. Cheers from Belgium!!
1000! Good job Greg. I've been here since 75 and always wondering if were gonna make it to 1000. Glad that you did. Your videos are informative and relaxing after a stressful day. I've gotten some great recommendations. On to 2000!!!!
Man I would kill for the chance to try one of these. One place really close to me is selling a bottle, but like you said, it's really expensive outside of Belgium - like $40 or something.
In case you were still wondering, I've been to the Sint-Sixtus abbey and tried it at the restaurant across the way. It cost about 4 euro $5.50 in the restaurant for each of the 10, 12 and blond. It is also available in quite a few beer stores in Bruges (illegally) for about 10 euro or $14 ... Glad you enjoyed 1,000!
I tried this one in Malaga, Spain. 12 euros. Had to try it since I heard it was the world's rarest beer. It was okay. Not anything better than other beers I have had.
Congrats on the 1000th review. Excellent choice for this land mark occasion. The work involved in doing over 1000 reviews should not be under ratted. Your description of this beer is spot on. The beer I had was from a brick pack and it sounds about the same. Such a lovely beer. SUPER CHEERS!!!!! DJ
i love this little community you've created. its like a little family. its really cool how i can come on here see your thoughts on beers iv had or thinking about trying. its just really cool. i want to try this beer so bad know. haha
I got this beer in Brussels about a month ago. The beer was made 2 months before opening the bottle.(something hard to find in California) I think it was great but for 15 euros was in the expensive side ( any other belgium beer was about 4 euros) hard to get but sold by the central plaza there. I regret not tasting the other two I only had the 12. However, I thought it was amazing but not like most people say it is "the best beer in the world." I live in California and just having the chance to go there and having this was amazing experience. I like St Bernardus 12 and other Trappist that can be purchased here that have a similar taste, but the key is in the freshness of the beer. Freshness is the difference between a good beer and a bad beer. (unless is cellared) and in Belgium, freshness is what you get. for now ill settle for the American craft, its fresh, its available, and it is delicious. thanks Greg for the review
Congratulations on Review # 1000 Greg! That is an awesome accomplishment! I look forward to watching your beer reviews everyday and they have helped me on my beer choosing. Here's to an unlimited amount more! Cheers! ~Dane
An outstanding beer that truly does live up to the hype. It is on a different level than Rochefort, St. Bernardus, etc. I've got two left and I think I'll open up one for my birthday in a month.
It has been said that St Bernardus Abt 12 is exactly the same beer and was brewed with Westvleteren help and the same yeast strain. So if you can't get your hands on a Westy 12, then Abt12 is readily available and much cheaper.
Real world's best beer or fake, it just doesn't matter. What is important is how you enjoy a beer. And I loved the way you damn enjoyed that Westvleteren!
tip for foreigners: the vl in Westvleteren is pronounced similar to the fl in fleet or florida: correct pronunciation is west - flaiteren (but with a v sounding f there)
3.11.14 refers to the "expiry" date - 3rd of November 2014, which means it was bottled 3rd of November 2011. The expiry is just a legal thing - it may taste better after that date.
I had this beer at the cafe just over from the Westvleteren Sint Sixtus monastery and it cost me just over 3 euros. So with our exchange rate.....not much over £2
Hi Greg, beer review #1000 made me decide to make the 400mile roundtrip from my hometown in The Netherlands to the abbey in Westvleteren. (The beerphone worked out well for me, only 10 attempts!) Had a nice day out whit my dad and came home whit 2 cases of Westvleteren 12. Always a joy to watch your reviews so keep up the good work! Cheers from The Netherlands.
Happy 1000 Greg. Looking forward to the day you review Sucaba. Regarding the Westy 12 US pack: I heard the beer is the same but do to demand could not be properly aged. So it probably needs a good years time in the fridge.
I was just at In de Vrede to taste the 12. Very good. Definitely not the best beer I've ever had, but so worth the visit. I hope you can one day make the trip.
Congratulations on review # 1000!. I have had the Westy 12 with no label on it, and also love it. Same for Westy 8. If you have a chance to get a Westy 8, that could be review # 2000. Cheers!
Not only is it not available outside of Belgium, There's pretty much only one place in the world where you can buy it, at the Abbey in Westvleteren itself.
It's not just difficult to come by in America, it's even difficult to come by in Belgium, you have yo call the Abbey to say you'll be coming at a certain time in a certain car and then you can only buy a certain (very small) amount. It can't be bought in any shops
I don't know how to thank you greg! You have no idea how much I've learned from your videos! I've tried many belgian beers such as rochefort 10, St. bernardus abt 12.. Etc.. Het to try the westy 12, but i'm planning a trip to belgium, so if i cam get my hands on some i'll definitely send you more than one! Cheers Greg! Keep up the good work!
Hehe I knew it could only be a westy for 1000th. This review somehow made my sierra Nevada torpedo taste better. Congratulations Greg, you the man! Cheers
Congratulations from Belgium with your 1000th!! If you are looking for a (very) similar beer and available more often, try Sint-Bernardus 'Abt 12'. The brewery is very close to Westvleteren and because of historical reasons they can use the exact same recipe, not bound by the Trappist rules.
Glad it was a worthy beer for #1000. I think the one in the brick pack needs age. I have heard the sweet spot on westy 12 is 2 years of age so I guess you opened yours at the right time Greg.
Congrats Greg on 1000 reviews! I've really enjoyed them. Have you tried Rochefort 10? While I haven't had Westy 12 yet, they say they are very close and I LOVED LOVED LOVED Rochefort 10. Id love to hear your opinion.
You should drink it in the right glass, the glass you are drinking from, is a brand called Duvel.(also belgian) Check if the brand has matching glasses for this kind of quality, smell matters ....
I just got one bottle of this beer from Belgium. Sadly date on a cap is summer 2016, so I have to age it for a couple of years. Where did you age your westy 12? Do you have a cellar or something? Or did you just kept it in your epic fridge? :D
I have had a 5 year old version from Belgium and tried one from the "brick pack." The aged one was a bit better, but i think that was more likely because it was mature rather than because the beer itself was better.
Congrats on 1,000 reviews! A great beer, too. I did want to give you a little correction, though- European dating is ordered day-month-year, so that bottle you had was actually bottled on 3rd of November, 2011.
Congrats on #1,000!! And what an epic beer to review! That's a lot of beer to drink and a lot of great reviews! Keep it up (that's what she said!) Cheers!
I found this beer online at belgianbeerinabox its $13.55 each or its $298 for 24, shipping to the uk (where I live) is $61. A few friends and I are buying some and splitting the shipping, I dread to think what shipping to the states would be. Loved this video you're awesome, and you've 100% confirmed that this beer will be worth the heavy price tag (after letting it rest a while ofc). Cheers!
Hi from Belgium :) Offcourse the Westvleteren 12 is very famous here too. But we love our other belgian trappist beers too, only the Achel is not in my taste. The one that sticks out the most, is the Orval, it is something else not comparable to the other trappist beers. It is becoming rarer and rarer too, production is declining, in most cases you cannot by it by the case/box anymore, only per bottle. Most of the complex abbey beers, and the trappist beers really come to full flavour after some months or even longer, like the Westvleteren 12 or Rochefort 10. With aging comes a more portwine taste/flavor, did you notice? This is especially true with Westvleteren, also Rochefort 10 or 8, and many others of the heavier dark belgian beers, like Augustijn, Gouden Carolus Classic, Chimay Blue. A few weeks ago I tasted a Westvleteren 12 of about 3 years old...that is liquid gold. And whats more, I now am the proud owner of 2 full cases of Westvleteren 12, thats 48 bottles, straight from the abbey, in original wooden casing box. I paid 104 EURO (or about 110-120 dollars). It is extremely rare to get your hands on though, even for belgians. You can only call the abbey's beerphone on specific times each week so I had to try hundreds of times within 2 or 3 weeks (only 1 full day per week accessible lines). Commercial customers are not allowed; they register your licence plate of your car when ordering, and you can only call order once every 60 days, max. 2 cases per order. They register your phone number too, anonymous calling is not accepted, etcetera. It is not commercialised anywhere else. Only a handful pubs in belgium serve this, and even if its on the beerchart it mostly is out of stock. You pay between 12 and 15 dollars (about 12 eur) if you can get it at all in the very few pubs who still offer it (mainly from built up stock). Now I'm used to the divine taste of a 2 to 3yo Westvleteren 12, I will put both cases in my cellar for a couple of years :). In the mean time I can enjoy our other supergreatfantastic trappist beer of superhigh quality that are easily available, I have a box of Rochefort 10 in my cellar I can enjoy (53 EUR per box of 24 bottles). I love blond abbey beers too. We're spoiled here. Cheers! Yves
Bonsai Vlaamse Ardennen I'm traveling to Belgium in the end of May and I am really excited to experience your beers! I love the quads, strong dark ales, Trappists, etc. You guys really know how to brew!
I'm curious, what about the Achel beers is not to your taste? I've had the Achel 8 Blonde and Achel 8 Bruin, which were good... Nothing mind-blowing, but good... But the Achel Extra Dark is one of the best beers I've ever had. To me, it tastes very much like a stronger, deeper version of Westmalle Dubbel, which is also a fantastic beer. I'm sure you've probably tried the Achel Extra Dark, so I'd love to know your opinion of that one specifically. If you haven't tried it, definitely give it a taste. Out of all the trappist dark ales I've had, the Achel Extra Dark has the most estery, phenoly, yeasty flavor, which is very much to my liking. It's a bit of a heavy beer, so I like to save it for late night special occasions.
You can buy it for 50 bucks online. I'm contemplating spending that much on a beer honestly. Since I found the actual Belgian version like the one you have here, Greg. Great review as always.
I had one of these last xmas... my brothre gave me a bottle for xmas... it was the brick pack as u call it with the gold writing on the bottle... my god was it good... the alcohol isnt there and thats really impressive for the abv .... the brick pack is the same beer I talked to a belgian man who knew all about it .. they were selling the brick packs for limited time for money to fix the roof on their abbey .. world class belgian beer.. I love IPAs , really all I drink, but this is world class.. westy 12 is the smoothest beer ive ever had.. the carbonation level is perfect, it taste like your eating a rich dark fruity dessert. my brother on craigslist paid 150$ for 3 bottles and one glass. ... 2 things we can get here in the USA all day that kinda match this beer are st bernadus 12 and rochefort 10
I'm gonna miss you Greg. 😢
Great review... and yes... GREAT BEER!! I had a chance to drink A LOT of this while recently stationed in Germany... price point was around 2-4 Euro a bottle when you could get it directly from Westvleteren (abdy St Sixtus) in 6 packs or gift packs at their café across the street.... other than that you could usually find it on the "Grey Market" in Brugge or Antwerp or Brussels in bottle shops and even some pubs.... meaning that it wasn't on the shelves, but if you asked they had it in back... when found that way it was anywhere from 11-15 Euro a bottle... some pubs even had a separate "Westy" menu with aged varieties... This info was as of Oct 2013...
And St Bernardus Abt 12 is not the same beer! They used to brew Westys some ten years ago, but then Westvleteren set up its own brewery and the recipe has changed a bit since then. Still, Bernie is a fantastic abbey beer, one of my favorites. Like it better than the Rochefort 10 and the Chimay Blue actually.
Hey Greg , I'm Tom from Belgium and iliked your review very much . I'm happy you tasted a Westy that's 2 years old because that's when the beer is at is best . A few years ago i went to the brewery of westvleteren to get my 2 crates of Westy 12 and one of the monks told me not to drink it now and save it in a cool dark place and let it evoluate for at least 1 year and you get a much more balanced and tastier beer and that the beer was at it's best when it 's 2 years old or older . Maybe thats why many people that bought the Westvleteren packages in the US thought they had 2nd class beer but they just had to wait 1 or 2 years to drink this fantastic beer . Greetz , Tom
I am lucky enough to live in The Netherlands with a fair chance of getting this. Even over here it is hard to get your hands on it due to the fact you have to call the abbaye and hope to get through on the phone to reserve 2 boxes per license plate and then, go over there to come over at a set time and date to collect. I used to be lucky and get through once, however, it is possible to get them still through limited resale so every now and then I grab some. Yes, it does feel like an angel pissing on your tongue, it is in a league of its own, if you want to get something close, Rochefort 10 is a good start, more widely available and a good starting point to get yourself set up for the taste of quadrupels that are at least close to this a bit.
So happy to share my beer drinking with a fellow craft lover. Thank you greg for the time you bring to your reviews.
Fine. Drinking one bottle of W12 is the next thing on my list.
Great review! I actually had the pleasure of enduring the process, reserving and picking up the beer in Westvleteren, Belgium....twice. To me, It was worth the hassle.
I was lucky to get this on two occasions from people in Belgium, shared it both times with the family for Christmas dinner. Lovely stuff.
My friend who was stationed in Belgium told me that getting a case involved calling in advance and then being put on a waiting list, then you were put on a blacklist and prohibited from placing another order for several weeks. They intentionally limit supply, I guess because they are Trappist monks and refuse to commercialize their product. Chimay I guess has a different outlook. Rochefort was still my favorite, but this was definitely on par and perhaps better. Wish I could buy it and really savor and appreciate the work put into it.
I started with the app untapped recently, which I think is much fun for us beer tasters. Now found out this channel and love your reviews and opinions on all the different beers. Keep up the good work,
Greetings from Rotterdam 'The Netherlands'
Cheers for the review Greg!!! I might have to grab one although it's $65 AUD for one here in Australia...
Westvleteren trappist beer is no hype: They are one of the very rare (maybe the only) medieval belgian monks who didn't succomb to commercial pressure and kept their production high-level and low. You might pay a high price due to intermediate commerccants, but it is worth it.
They started brewing in the 19th century, how is that medieval?
Your description hits the spot. The moment when it gets down your throath and you describe the feeling. Exacttly how it should be... this was a genuine westvleteren...
1000! Thanks for sharing your beer journey with us. My buddy Nick sent you a couple of Plinys last year and that video got me hooked on your reviews. Beer is a great thing, keep it going Greg! Cheers to another thousand reviews.
This is fantastic, I heard about this video today and now I've got some work to do watching your previous 999 reviews.
Just stopped by Brussels over the Labor Day weekend. This was def an amazing beer! 12 euro per bottle (at the local price) so around $15 per beer. I'm def going to slowly purchase as many cases as I can over the next 3 years I'm stationed in Europe and bring them home with me!
I think you just entered Heaven.
I had the Westy 12 sold here and it was very good in my opinion.
20 years ago my grandfather was in Belgium visiting family and came back with a few beers in his suitcase. Westy 12 was one of them but it had broken. Even though I never was able to taste it, the smell coming from the suitcase was amazing!
Congrats on 1000 reviews!
Outstanding. You're a lucky man. I lived in Germany for 10 years. I went to Brussels many times and had hundreds of beers, but I never had this ONE. I am jealous.
leonjulius1979 Hey man, you can't get this beer at a bar in Belgium You can only purchase Westvleteren at the Westvleteren brewery and they sell it in boxes of 24 bottles or as a six pack. Westvleteren is really an exclusive one. I've had one a couple of weeks ago and if you have the chance to drink, you won't get dissapointed. Cheers from Belgium!!
1000! Good job Greg. I've been here since 75 and always wondering if were gonna make it to 1000. Glad that you did. Your videos are informative and relaxing after a stressful day. I've gotten some great recommendations. On to 2000!!!!
I had the Westy 12 and st. bernardus abt 12 and IMO i liked the abt 12 better. might want to try it soon to compare
Man I would kill for the chance to try one of these. One place really close to me is selling a bottle, but like you said, it's really expensive outside of Belgium - like $40 or something.
In case you were still wondering, I've been to the Sint-Sixtus abbey and tried it at the restaurant across the way. It cost about 4 euro $5.50 in the restaurant for each of the 10, 12 and blond. It is also available in quite a few beer stores in Bruges (illegally) for about 10 euro or $14 ... Glad you enjoyed 1,000!
I've had the Abt12 by St. Bernardus and it's one of my favorites.
I tried this one in Malaga, Spain. 12 euros. Had to try it since I heard it was the world's rarest beer. It was okay. Not anything better than other beers I have had.
Thank you for another great review Greg. Congratulations on #1000. Can't wait to see what's in the fridge tomorrow!
Really want to try this but so hard to get hold of! Maybe I need to have a road trip to Belgium and see what I can find.
Congratulations on beer review 1000. Next time I go over there, I will look for this beer.
Congrats on 1000 reviews Greg! I see that Alesmith Speedway stout in the fridge. You're going to love that one!
Congrats on 1000! Been a fan for a while, keep up the good work!
Congrats on the 1000th review. Excellent choice for this land mark occasion. The work involved in doing over 1000 reviews should not be under ratted. Your description of this beer is spot on. The beer I had was from a brick pack and it sounds about the same. Such a lovely beer.
SUPER CHEERS!!!!!
DJ
Review number 3,000 coming soon, guys.
i love this little community you've created. its like a little family. its really cool how i can come on here see your thoughts on beers iv had or thinking about trying. its just really cool. i want to try this beer so bad know. haha
I got this beer in Brussels about a month ago. The beer was made 2 months before opening the bottle.(something hard to find in California) I think it was great but for 15 euros was in the expensive side ( any other belgium beer was about 4 euros) hard to get but sold by the central plaza there. I regret not tasting the other two I only had the 12. However, I thought it was amazing but not like most people say it is "the best beer in the world."
I live in California and just having the chance to go there and having this was amazing experience. I like St Bernardus 12 and other Trappist that can be purchased here that have a similar taste, but the key is in the freshness of the beer. Freshness is the difference between a good beer and a bad beer. (unless is cellared) and in Belgium, freshness is what you get. for now ill settle for the American craft, its fresh, its available, and it is delicious.
thanks Greg for the review
Congratulations on Review # 1000 Greg! That is an awesome accomplishment! I look forward to watching your beer reviews everyday and they have helped me on my beer choosing. Here's to an unlimited amount more!
Cheers!
~Dane
An outstanding beer that truly does live up to the hype. It is on a different level than Rochefort, St. Bernardus, etc. I've got two left and I think I'll open up one for my birthday in a month.
Yay for 1000! Great job Greg, keep it up. Love all of your reviews!
Well done on 1000 reviews Greg. Keep them coming. Cheers
Congrats on 1000 Greg! Love your reviews
It has been said that St Bernardus Abt 12 is exactly the same beer and was brewed with Westvleteren help and the same yeast strain. So if you can't get your hands on a Westy 12, then Abt12 is readily available and much cheaper.
Real world's best beer or fake, it just doesn't matter. What is important is how you enjoy a beer. And I loved the way you damn enjoyed that Westvleteren!
tip for foreigners: the vl in Westvleteren is pronounced similar to the fl in fleet or florida: correct pronunciation is west - flaiteren (but with a v sounding f there)
Great Greg! Good job on the 1000 reviews! Didnt think you would be such a fan of it since it doest seem to be you favorite style, fun you did thou!
3.11.14 refers to the "expiry" date - 3rd of November 2014, which means it was bottled 3rd of November 2011. The expiry is just a legal thing - it may taste better after that date.
***** Thanks for the great, passionate review! I was drinking one while I watched it ;)
I had this beer at the cafe just over from the Westvleteren Sint Sixtus monastery and it cost me just over 3 euros. So with our exchange rate.....not much over £2
This is my favorite review of yours.
Congrats man! Westy 12 is amazing fresh or aged but really shines with some age on it. Looking forward to more of your reviews!
1,000 great reviews. Looking forward to a thousand more!
Great review! Can't wait to wake up tomorrow morning for review number 1001!!
Def my favorite beer, going to drive up there next week to pick up another case :)
Congrats on the 1000th video Greg! I hope to be around for number 2000
Hi Greg, beer review #1000 made me decide to make the 400mile roundtrip from my hometown in The Netherlands to the abbey in Westvleteren. (The beerphone worked out well for me, only 10 attempts!) Had a nice day out whit my dad and came home whit 2 cases of Westvleteren 12. Always a joy to watch your reviews so keep up the good work! Cheers from The Netherlands.
Congrats, Greg! Still watch every single day!
so glad to see ya hit 1000 greg! gonna try to send ya somethin from down here in alabama if i can ever get around to it.
1000 reviews ! Who-hoo ! Congratz to that, Greg, and cheers for the next 1000 :DD
Congrats on the 1000th video Greg! Enjoyig a Surly Furious (that you introduced me to) while watching this. Cheers!
Happy 1000 Greg. Looking forward to the day you review Sucaba.
Regarding the Westy 12 US pack: I heard the beer is the same but do to demand could not be properly aged. So it probably needs a good years time in the fridge.
Congrats on 1000 reviews! Hopefully I'll be able to try this beer one day.
I was just at In de Vrede to taste the 12. Very good. Definitely not the best beer I've ever had, but so worth the visit. I hope you can one day make the trip.
Congratulations on review # 1000!. I have had the Westy 12 with no label on it, and also love it. Same for Westy 8. If you have a chance to get a Westy 8, that could be review # 2000. Cheers!
I missed this the first time around- absolutely awesome review!! Keep doing your thing Greg!
I love your show
1000 beers Congrats sir!
I will continue to watch your vids till the end of time.
Congrats on 1000!
The holy grail of beer.
Big congrants on 1000! Cheers Greg.
You tell 'em Greg! I'm tired of not being able to try all the damn beers I want because of limited availability...😥
Awesome, Greg! Congrats! Watch your reviews everyday.
Great review Greg, always a pleasure !!
Not only is it not available outside of Belgium, There's pretty much only one place in the world where you can buy it, at the Abbey in Westvleteren itself.
try belgiuminabox , i had a very good service
felicitaciones greg,
espero puedas comentar algun dia la X-beer 33 de Republica checa.
saludos.
It's not just difficult to come by in America, it's even difficult to come by in Belgium, you have yo call the Abbey to say you'll be coming at a certain time in a certain car and then you can only buy a certain (very small) amount. It can't be bought in any shops
Congrats Greg! Your reviews are part of my morning routine, lol.
Congrats on 1,000. Here's to 1.000 more.
Congrats on 1,000 Greg!
I don't know how to thank you greg! You have no idea how much I've learned from your videos! I've tried many belgian beers such as rochefort 10, St. bernardus abt 12.. Etc.. Het to try the westy 12, but i'm planning a trip to belgium, so if i cam get my hands on some i'll definitely send you more than one! Cheers Greg! Keep up the good work!
I only live 21 Miles or 34 km Away from the monastry of Sint-sixtus in Westvleteren.
I'm saving a bottle also, mine was brought from Belgium too. Gonna open it on my birthday, I actually can't wait, haha
Hehe I knew it could only be a westy for 1000th. This review somehow made my sierra Nevada torpedo taste better. Congratulations Greg, you the man! Cheers
Congratulations from Belgium with your 1000th!!
If you are looking for a (very) similar beer and available more often, try Sint-Bernardus 'Abt 12'. The brewery is very close to Westvleteren and because of historical reasons they can use the exact same recipe, not bound by the Trappist rules.
Congrats on 1000! A nice beer to celebrate with.
Glad it was a worthy beer for #1000. I think the one in the brick pack needs age. I have heard the sweet spot on westy 12 is 2 years of age so I guess you opened yours at the right time Greg.
Congrats on 1000 buddy! Here is to 1000 more!
Horse hockey, lol I love it congratulations on 1000 Greg keep up the awesome reviews
Congrats Greg on 1000 reviews! I've really enjoyed them. Have you tried Rochefort 10? While I haven't had Westy 12 yet, they say they are very close and I LOVED LOVED LOVED Rochefort 10. Id love to hear your opinion.
Congratz, on 1000#! I'd love to see more I subbed around 950# and you have my father and me hooked ever since!
You should drink it in the right glass, the glass you are drinking from, is a brand called Duvel.(also belgian)
Check if the brand has matching glasses for this kind of quality, smell matters ....
Yeah, 1000!!! Awesome job Greg! Keep checking the fridge!
I just got one bottle of this beer from Belgium. Sadly date on a cap is summer 2016, so I have to age it for a couple of years. Where did you age your westy 12? Do you have a cellar or something? Or did you just kept it in your epic fridge? :D
Congrats on the 1000th review. Good job Greg
I have had a 5 year old version from Belgium and tried one from the "brick pack." The aged one was a bit better, but i think that was more likely because it was mature rather than because the beer itself was better.
Just ordered 2 of these and a West 6. In Europe a West 12 will run about 10 euros
A case of 24 bottles in Belgium costs 39 euro (around 50 dollar).
I am glad I live in Belgium :)
Awesome review -- Congrats on # 1000! I always enjoy your videos. Do you ever take requests for future reviews?
Congrats on 1,000 reviews! A great beer, too. I did want to give you a little correction, though- European dating is ordered day-month-year, so that bottle you had was actually bottled on 3rd of November, 2011.
Are you sure it's not six years old? Usually they put the four year expiry date on the cap with Belgian beers like these.
Congrats on #1,000!! And what an epic beer to review! That's a lot of beer to drink and a lot of great reviews! Keep it up (that's what she said!) Cheers!
I found this beer online at belgianbeerinabox its $13.55 each or its $298 for 24, shipping to the uk (where I live) is $61. A few friends and I are buying some and splitting the shipping, I dread to think what shipping to the states would be. Loved this video you're awesome, and you've 100% confirmed that this beer will be worth the heavy price tag (after letting it rest a while ofc). Cheers!