User: beerlover420
(1401 reviews/ratings)
Added: 02-12-2010
Location:
Maine Woods,USA-Beer Heaven
Type: Bottle
Rating: 
I think I died and went to Beer Heaven! This beer is truly the nectar of the Gods! There is nothing else like it. I'm glad that I've tried as many other beers as I have before this, so that I could truly appreciate and recognize the greatness of this beer. WoW !!!
User: kidvelvet67
(196 reviews/ratings)
Added: 01-21-2007
Location:
Hillsboro, OR
Type: Bottle
Rating:
I am drinking this as I type, and I find this one of the most complex beers I have ever had. As Sloshed noted, this should be set out for about 20 minutes before drinking. The nose isn't terribly complex, but very rich...like smelling a carameled apple. Each sip brings out different flavors; figs, caramel, rich malt sweetness, and raisins. A strong, creamy mouthfeel that gets better the longer it is held over the tongue. Mmmm...smokey edge, and a slight hop finish, but a strong alcohol warming without the burn. I see why this is considered the "holy grail" of beers. Nothing else really compares. While other quads, such as St. Bernardus, may come close, this is in a class all of it's own. However, I wonder if it is really worth the pricetag of 25 bucks a bottle with shipping. Hmm...perhaps something to purchase once a year, and I am definitely going to keep a bottle for storage to see how it evolves.
User: Beerwench
(156 reviews/ratings)
Added: 01-15-2007
Location:
Portland, Oregon
Type: Bottle
Rating:
Okay, I am so fancy that I got to try this beer. I wasn't sure what to expect, after hearing so much hype for so long. It was a pretty complex beer, especially after it warmed a bit and the flavors emerged. I got notes of raisins, leaves, maltiness, caramel and a subtle alcohol burn. It was a damn good beer, complex, full bodied and well balanced. Trappist Monks are in the muddafuckin house!!
User: sloshed
(2616 reviews/ratings)
Added: 12-08-2006
Location:
Portland, Oregon - belgianshop.com
Type: Bottle
Rating:
I have waited a very long time to try this one.. I finally bought 4 bottles from belgianshop.com for about $100 with shipping. The first couple of sips didn't really do anything for me and I was afraid that maybe the hype had ruined it. So I let it sit for about 20 minutes. After that, wow! I definitely sense some caramel, raisins, and plums (or maybe prunes). I also taste a hint of bitterness in the finish that is mixed with a smokey wood flavor. Plenty of alcohol in the taste as well. Overall, this is about as good as it gets, however, I did not think this was any better than Achel Extra Brune or St Berdnardus 12. I am not knocking this beer at all, I just think those other 2 are on par with this.
User: drewm320
(565 reviews/ratings)
Added: 08-11-2006
Location:
Dayton, OH
Type: Bottle
Rating:
I've been saving this in the beer fridge for a few months now and finally cracked it open. I was surprised, but the beer actually lived up to its reputation. The 8 and the blond were good but not really worth the effort it takes to get them. The 12 was worth it. I really can't describe the flavor. It was sort of like cherries or plums but not really. I think that was just the flavor of the alcohol. All kinds of floaties in the glass, like little flavor crystals. I wish I had more of these. Oh well.
User: ricka182
(60 reviews/ratings)
Added: 09-06-2005
Location:
The Basement
Type: Bottle
Rating:
After working a long shitty day, I was looking forward to a great night. I arrived at my abode, and started to prepare the grill. A perfectly well 1.25lb slab o' cow, joined with my usual steak drink, a fine, chilled, Duvel. Enjoyment was had. I let all settle for a bit, then came the time. The glass was prepared, the bottle was chosen. The cap was abnormaly tight, I figure to help preserve the flavour. The pour produced a smaller than expected, off-white head, but nonetheless, enough. The first whiff, amazing. Such a variety of aromas, I knew I would enjoy my Westvleteren 12. I am still, as I type; this may take a while. Initial appearence is full, with first taste of carmel and raisins. This is without a doubt, the most complex beer I have ever had. A slight essence of hops, and fruit add to the fullness, and richness of this, the greatest beer I have ever had. Bitterness is above mild, but not severe. Sweet and malty, with moderate oak burn. I almost don't believe this is beer. If you have never had an apertif, or after-dinner beer, the feeling of a warm glass is, different. A warm and spicy aftertaste that lingers for what seems to be forever, is a compliment to a glass already full of perfection. I believe this should motivate you to search for your own, if you're lucky enough to find some. I have heard The Monks of The Abbey of St. Sixtus will resume brewing within a few months, so all hope is not lost. I can only imagine how much more full it wil be in a few years, as I have put one away to continue maturation. I also have a few of their Blond ale, the green cap 6, which I will trying on Sunday. I have a couple of concerts Friday and Saturday night, and I like I've stated, I want to be relaxed for this beer. I am going to enjoy the rest of my Westvleteren now. I feel like a King, my true calling.
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