Westvleteren 12 Review

Ok, here we go. The beer of all beers, one of the most sought after beers in the world, no THE most sought after beer, you'll find it rated 100pts in any beer review you see. This beer is not legally sold anywhere in the world outside of the brewery itself and their cafe; in fact there is no label, just a number on the cap. Ok, enough rant. 

My wife and I are sharing a Westy 12 we brought back from Belgium in October from "In de Vrede," the beer cafe across the street from Westvletern Brewery.  We made it to the cafe the first day they opened in October (and our last day in Belgium) so we came by their beers by divine intervention.  Luckily we got there early or we may not have gotten any beer as the lines were long by noon. On with the review as we drink it...

Bottled on:  8/4/10

Aroma- chocolate, prunes, malted barley, clean, slightly spicy hops.

Appearance - ruddy brown, good head retention, clear, no label (the caps are the only differentiation)

Flavor - Sweet malt with a caramel candy flavor, burnt sugar, chocolate milk, thick mouthfeel, clean, complex. 

Overall impression - This beer is very clean and light for the alcohol content. Complex flavors dance around the glass and fill your mouth, but it finishes clean and dry so you're ready for another sip right away. A reputation well deserved!

This beer is different than most Belgian beers we had in Belgium. Most are fruity with banana esters and clove notes; this beer differs in its ability to retain a Belgian style without overdoing the esters in the aroma.  The flavors are smooth and clean without a cloying finish (especially for a 10% beer).  The brewers have their secrets in this beer for sure. They say they only use pale & pilsner malt, sugar, yeast and water in this beer.  I think they lie to Americans! You decide...