The Search for the Best Beer in the World

When Mike came to visit a while back, a beer loving friend gave him a list of must-try Belgian beers. I was ashamed to admit that despite living in Belgium for almost a year now, I had never even heard of the one at the top of the list...Westvleteren 12. On a side note, the number indicates the alcohol content...meaning 12% alcohol! I took a look in our Lonely Planet guide to Belgium and noticed that they too had rated it the best in Belgium. After a little more research I discovered that last year it had achieved the title of "The Best Beer in the World" by ratebeer.com, a popular beer aficionado site. (It has since fallen to second...still, not too shabby)

We started by going to our favorite beer shop in Brugge, which has every beer imaginable...except this one apparently. Several beer stores in Brussels proved fruitless as well. I tried the Delirium bar in Brussels who is famous for its beer selection, which is currently at 2004 available brews....again no luck.

As it turns out, the monks that produce this beer make a very limited quantity, and don't sell to stores or bars. The only way to get it is to drive to the abbey and pick it up yourself. Even then, you have to make an appointment by phone (which is impossible to reach, and they only speak Flemish), and you are only allowed two cases (about 40 beers) per car. I read online that there is a cafe attached to the abbey where you could get a glass of the beer, and sometimes purchase six packs when they are available (which is apparently never as I found out). So, we took a Saturday afternoon and headed to the abbey to try the "Best Beer in the World."

Upon arriving at the abbey in the middle of Nowhere, Belgium, we found the little cafe that the websites spoke of. I eagerly walked in to purchase my six pack at the little store, only to be greeted with a chuckle when I asked. Apparently about two times per year they will sell a case or two, but no more, and they don't know when they will get it. However, you are able to purchase a little kit which has 1 of their famous beer, 1 of their second famous beer (apparently the 10th best beer in the world), two of their "regular" beers, and a glass with the abbey's name on it for about 20 Euro. We tried to pick up several of these sets, but you are only allowed to purchase 1 per person. So, Elizabeth and I each bought a set for ourselves and then sat down for lunch, where we were finally able to try this famous beer.

I must say, I was not disappointed. The beer itself is dark like Guiness, but less bitter and a lot more flavorful. It's absolutely fantastic. I don't know if I would call it the best in the world, but it's certainly one of the best I've ever had. I'm sure that some of its fame comes from its rarity too, but it's absolutely worth a try if you ever get the chance. I found a few places that have imported it to the States, but it seems to run about $30 - $50 a bottle. If you're a big beer fan though, it might just be worth the price.