Westvleteren 12, a Belgian Quadrupel (Quad) beer brewed by the Trappist monks of Sint-Sixtus Abbey, is considered by many to be one of the finest and most sought-after beers in the world. This dark, rich, and complex brew has captivated the palates of beer enthusiasts for decades. However, due to its limited availability and high demand, many beer lovers may find it difficult to get their hands on a bottle.
Fear not, fellow beer aficionados! There are other fantastic alternatives to Westvleteren 12 that offer similar taste profiles and brewing traditions. In this post, we will explore five such beers, which include:
1. St. Bernardus Abt 12
2. Rochefort 10
3. Chimay Blue
4. La Trappe Quadrupel
5. Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel
So, let’s dive into these Westvleteren 12 alternatives and discover their unique characteristics, origins, and brewing methods.
1. St. Bernardus Abt 12
The St. Bernardus Abt 12 is often regarded as one of the closest alternatives to Westvleteren 12. It is a Belgian Quad brewed by the St. Bernardus brewery in Watou, Belgium. This beer boasts a deep, dark color, a rich and creamy head, and a complex flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, caramel, and spices.
Origin and Brew Methods
Interestingly, the St. Bernardus Abt 12 shares a historical connection with the Westvleteren brewery. In the 1940s, the St. Bernardus brewery was given the license to brew Westvleteren beer for commercial distribution. The original Westvleteren yeast strain was used to create St. Bernardus Abt 12, which contributed to its similar taste profile. However, the breweries parted ways in the 1990s, and St. Bernardus began using a different yeast strain.
The St. Bernardus Abt 12 is brewed using traditional Belgian brewing techniques, which include the use of Belgian malt, hops, and yeast. The beer is then bottle-conditioned, allowing it to develop its complex flavors and carbonation over time.
2. Rochefort 10
Another excellent alternative to Westvleteren 12 is the Rochefort 10, a Belgian Quad brewed by the Trappist monks of Notre-Dame de Saint-Rémy Abbey in Rochefort, Belgium. This dark, strong beer has a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of dried fruit, chocolate, and spices.
Origin and Brew Methods
The Rochefort 10, similar to Westvleteren 12, is brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery. The brewing process is steeped in tradition and overseen by the monks themselves. The beer is brewed using a combination of Pilsner and Munich malts, candi sugar, and a distinctive yeast strain that contributes to its unique flavor profile.
The Rochefort 10 is also bottle-conditioned, allowing the beer to mature and develop its flavors in the bottle. This process also contributes to the beer’s natural carbonation and long shelf life.
3. Chimay Blue
Chimay Blue, or Chimay Grande Réserve, is a Belgian Quad brewed by the Trappist monks of Scourmont Abbey in Chimay, Belgium. This rich, dark beer features a complex flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, caramel, and spices, which make it a suitable alternative to Westvleteren 12.
Origin and Brew Methods
Chimay Blue is another Trappist beer with a long history and brewing tradition. The beer is brewed using a combination of pale and caramel malts, which contribute to its deep color and complex flavor profile. The use of a unique yeast strain and bottle conditioning adds to the beer’s distinctive taste and carbonation.
4. La Trappe Quadrupel
La Trappe Quadrupel is a Belgian Quad brewed by the De Koningshoeven brewery in the Netherlands. This dark, strong beer features a complex flavor profile with notes of caramel, raisins, and spices, making it a suitable alternative to Westvleteren 12.
Origin and Brew Methods
La Trappe Quadrupel is the only non-Belgian beer on this list, but it still adheres to the Trappist brewing traditions. The De Koningshoeven brewery is one of only 14 Trappist breweries in the world. The beer is brewed using traditional Belgian brewing techniques, including the use of a unique yeast strain and bottle conditioning.
5. Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel
Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel is a Belgian Quad brewed by the De Halve Maan brewery in Bruges, Belgium. This beer has a dark, almost black color and offers a complex flavor profile with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and spices.
Origin and Brew Methods
While not a Trappist beer, Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel is brewed in the heart of Bruges, a city with a long history and tradition of brewing. The beer is brewed using a combination of pale and dark malts and a unique yeast strain.
Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel is also bottle-conditioned, allowing it to develop its complex flavors and natural carbonation over time.
Conclusion
While Westvleteren 12 remains an iconic and highly sought-after beer, these five alternatives – St. Bernardus Abt 12, Rochefort 10, Chimay Blue, La Trappe Quadrupel, and Straffe Hendrik Quadrupel – offer similar taste profiles and brewing traditions. Each of these beers has its unique characteristics and history, making them well worth exploring for any beer enthusiast.
If I had to recommend just one alternative to Westvleteren 12, it would be the St. Bernardus Abt 12, due to its historical connection and strikingly similar taste profile. However, I encourage you to try all five alternatives to discover your personal favorite. Cheers!
FAQs
What is the most sought after Trappist beer?
The most sought after Trappist beer is often considered to be Westvleteren 12, produced by the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Belgium. It is highly acclaimed for its complex flavors and limited availability, making it a coveted choice among beer enthusiasts worldwide.
What does Westvleteren 12 taste like?
Westvleteren 12 is a highly regarded Trappist beer known for its rich and complex flavor profile. It offers notes of dark fruits like raisins and plums, along with hints of caramel, chocolate, and spices. The beer has a full-bodied and velvety texture, with a balanced sweetness and a moderate bitterness. It is often described as having a smooth and warming finish.
Is St Bernardus the same as Westvleteren?
No, St Bernardus is not the same as Westvleteren. While both breweries have a shared history, they are separate entities. St Bernardus brews beers using a recipe provided by the Trappist monks of Westvleteren, but the beers are produced at their own brewery. Westvleteren beers are exclusively brewed and sold by the monks at the Abbey of Saint Sixtus in Westvleteren, Belgium.
Is Westvleteren 12 worth it?
As an AI model, I don’t have personal opinions or experiences. However, Westvleteren 12 is widely regarded as one of the best beers in the world. It is known for its exceptional taste, complexity, and limited availability. Many beer enthusiasts consider it worth the effort to obtain a bottle or try it if given the opportunity.
What is the hardest to get Trappist beer?
The hardest to get Trappist beer is generally considered to be Westvleteren 12. Produced by the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Belgium, it is highly sought after due to its limited availability and strict purchasing restrictions. The beer is primarily sold directly from the abbey and requires advance reservations, making it quite challenging to obtain.
What beer is made by monks once a year?
Westvleteren 12 is a beer made by monks once a year.
