Westvleteren 12 has been voted "best beer in the world" for several years running. The monks at the Saint Sixtus abbey brew this beer. They brew 3 different beers, all of which are very good. One is a blonde beer and the other two are dark.
The monks only brew enough beer to keep the monastery functioning and are, therefore, opposed to massive commercial sales. It’s difficult to find their beers even in cafes, beer bars, or specialty beer stores throughout Belgium. If one manages to find some for sale, it’s usually very expensive.
Because of this, the monks have created a difficult and I think bizarre system in which to acquire this beer. One must call the "beer phone" to find out when the beer will be on sale and what type it will be. They only brew one type of beer at a time. The next step is to call back on the date of sale and pray that you get through. This is not very easy as they probably only have one phone line and it is constantly busy when beer is on sale. If you are lucky enough to get through, you make an appointment to pick up the beer (date and time). You must give the license plate number of the car that will be used to pick up the beer because there is a limit of 3 cases per car.
If you want to read more about the beer ordering/collecting process you can visit the Saint Sixtus website. http://www.sintsixtus.be/eng/brouwerij.htm
If you want to read more about the beer ordering/collecting process you can visit the Saint Sixtus website. http://www.sintsixtus.be/eng/brouwerij.htm
One of our friends got through on the Monday after Easter and she gave her husband’s license number as well as Rick’s. We took a trip to Westvletern (about 1 ½ hours from Brussels) on the following Saturday. This time the "8" was on sale.
The pick-up process is equally as bizarre as the ordering process. Just think McDonalds drive-through—except with monks and beer!
The pick-up process is equally as bizarre as the ordering process. Just think McDonalds drive-through—except with monks and beer!
We invited some other friends to go along because we thought it would be a fun day-out. So, Clive, Ali, Shannon, Ivana, Hrvoje, Rick and Myself headed out to experience the "beer pick-up" for the first time. There is a café across the street where the Westvleteren beer is served. We had a chance to drink the (12) at the café. It was 4 euro per glass, but worth it.
We ended our day with a nice meal and more good beer at the Hopduvel beer cafe in Ghent.
The Drive-Through
The Pick-Up
Beer and a snack at the Westvleteren cafe
Ali & Shannon
Ivana & Hrvoje
Dinner at Hopduvel
