O/T: How Good is St-Sixtus Westvleteren Ale?
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 2, 2012 2:06 AM EST
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PrintI know what people say online. On the one hand, the scarcity creates a phenomenon, so the beer might not meet the hype, at least as compared to some of the world's other best beers, which you can actually buy. On the other hand, it has won more than its share of awards, particularly the 12. I love Belgian beer, so chances are that if this is the best Belgian beer ever, yeah, I'll probably like it.
But for me, trying it means paying $130 online for a six-pack and abetting a scheme to defraud the St-Sixtus monks who insist that their beer not be resold. [That includes bottles on eBay, right?] In fact, unless people who've had it tell me that this beer is not to be missed under any circumstances, maybe I'll resist the urge to, you know, just buy one bottle. Can I wait for my next trip to Flanders, which might not be too soon? Help!
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It's a good beer, but not worth that kind of money IMO
but you know how the economy works: rare goods, high demands and a good reputation… I’m sure more than enough people will be willing to pay that price.
I am
watching this thread with as much interest as the pre-VDS shenanigans
In the past week in Australia, have been lucky enough to sample Leffe Blonde, Duvel, Orval, a lambic-ish cherry and Hoegaarden.
Duvel > Orval > Leffe Blonde at the moment for me.
A double blind trial
is the only way to settle this.
And repeat to confirm results. And again… wohoo!
By the fifth trial you should indeed be blind
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
If not, you know there was something fundamentally wrong with the design of the experiment.
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
So once you find your pants you should redesign the trial and start again
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
Thinking?? When did you start doing that? ;-)
"Englutch, the official language of the Podium Cafe (from January to April)" -Chris Fontecchio
Look, all I've had today
is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
Yep, Orval is fantastic!
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
it's the brettanomyces (sp)
It can take a bit of getting used to but to me it is a dry refreshing treat, one of my favorites!
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
Also, I would call it more horse blanket!
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
Are these beers not readily available in Australia?
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
getting easier to find them
Both international imports and local microbrews/boutique breweries have been increasing over the past few years.
Ciders have also been big for the last year or so – everyone seems to be making a cider now.
there has been an explosion of American craft beer the last few years
which I’m excited about. I’d imagine it is about the same in Australia too. for me as a beer fanatic, these are good days.
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
POssibly a really stupid Q, but cider in Aus = alcoholic, no?
I know, I know, tap water is probably alcoholic in Aus, but I have to check, remembering all the international students at uni (mostly Junior Year Abroad ones from the USA) who ha very unexpected nights out, drinking what they thought was simple apple juice….
Aka Pigeons!
by Sarah Connolly on Feb 4, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Yes. Very much so.
We call the other stuff “Sparkling Apple Juice” just to be clear.
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
Does it all sparkle?
In the US, “cider” isn’t carbonated. If it’s carbonated but non-alcoholic, it’s “sparkling cider.” The alcoholic stuff is “hard cider.” I think it turns fizzy as it ferments, so I’m pretty sure hard cider is always carbonated.
Verstand komt met de jaren--Thomas Dekker
All non-alcoholic cider I'm aware of here is carbonated.
But I have to confess that I’m not an expert on the subject of non-alcoholic ciders.
I mean really, what’s the point?
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
Adding that,
to the best of my knowledge a non-sparkling, non-alcoholic cider here would most likely be referred to as apple juice.
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
Ah. We distinguish the two.
Cider is indeed the juice pressed from apples, but it’s unfiltered, opaque, and has a nice tartness to it. If you leave it sitting around long enough, it will ferment. Apple juice is filtered, clear, and treated (pasteurized, maybe?) so it won’t ferment. It’s also, to me, sickly sweet. Cider rocks. Apple juice sucks.
Verstand komt met de jaren--Thomas Dekker
Ah, we have both those kinds of apple juice but they're just juice.
So it depends on which you prefer.
That’s sort of like the difference between a ‘scrumpy’ and regular cider.
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
I'm surprised and disappointed in you two
taking a perfectly good beer-thread and turning it into a juice discussion
Perhaps you could join the meade thread,
happening right next door.
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
The juice is not the issue Dude
and while we’re on it, juice isn’t the preferred nomenclature. It’s non-carbonated, non-alcoholic cider.
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
I think you should change your name to
Omnevelnihilsm.
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
We're through the looking glass, people.
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
I found myself in a bar in Antwerp drinking Grimbergen from tap a couple of
Didn't they get pissed at you for drinking from the tap?
I admire your audaciousness.
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
it was very well priced.
no glasses in the bar and one suck was just EUR0.5
Did they clean the tap between customers?
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
no. it bothered me a bit in the beginning, but then
things started to flow.
.5 a suck?
haven’t seen prices that low since i was in bangkok.
"Ants don’t worry, they operate like a fantastic team, they accept obstacles and deal with them in a positive manner, they don’t complain and remain positive. An ant doesn’t work on emotion, is proactive and always chooses the ant role."
didn't know you have to pay to suck in Bangkok.
Looks like a pretty bad deal. I think they took you for a ride.
Ant1 may be cheap, but he ain't eas.............wait a minute
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
the other way around
god, it’s like you people know nothing about the thai sex industry.
"Ants don’t worry, they operate like a fantastic team, they accept obstacles and deal with them in a positive manner, they don’t complain and remain positive. An ant doesn’t work on emotion, is proactive and always chooses the ant role."
well
we had a sponsor…
De cross gaat out that door.
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 2, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
don't worry
there’s a line of penis pill manufacturers forming outside your door right now.
"Ants don’t worry, they operate like a fantastic team, they accept obstacles and deal with them in a positive manner, they don’t complain and remain positive. An ant doesn’t work on emotion, is proactive and always chooses the ant role."
Chris
Every time you’re tempted to put down $130 for a six-pack, wire me the money. I’ll keep it in a savings account for you and when there’s enough to get to Flanders I’ll let you know.
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
when there’s enough to get to Flanders I’ll let you know.
He’ll do so by mailing you a postcard detailing what a great time he is having in Flanders.
by flying dog on Feb 2, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey! It'll be a quality postcard made from a picture of me drinking at St-Sixtus
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
Dude
I’m talking 130 real, US dollars, not that cheesy script you guys print in your basements.
De cross gaat out that door.
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 2, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
Off topic?
How is this off topic?
I’m willing to bet a six pack (of something of slightly lesser value :-) that if you were to scan every live race thread on the cafe you would find at least one reference to beer (and whenever the yappy aussies are involved, several!).
Off topic?
Good sir, I put it to you that this is as on topic as questioning the value of electronic shifting, record over chorus, or any other cycling-related price-point comparison that we discuss here.
Off topic; indeed!
"Age and treachery will overcome youth and skill" - Fausto Coppi
Chris, it is good but
that is crazy money! It is good but for my money, St Bernardus is close enough and readily available enough to not sell your soul for Westy. As a matter of fact, the St Bernardus people used to brew Westy before the monks took it over. AFAIK, the only difference really is the yeast. I didn’t see a big enough difference to go out of my way and it’s less than 4 hours away from me.
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
It's kind of great, but nothing you need to spend $130 on
I stayed in Zingem, Belgium for five days a couple years ago, and we went to the same restaurant every night called In De Kroon. We asked for a bottle of Westvleteren the first night, and they said they didn’t have any. By the third night, the bartender gave us a bottle. It was great, but it didn’t rank as the top beer for any of us during the trip.
Save your money and go find a liquor store that sells Tripel Karmeliet.
PopUp – we need your orange asterisk thingy back.
I am drinking one as I type this
At a Belgian beer bar in San Francisco. They have it on tap. It’s very good.
by Jimbo... on Feb 4, 2012 12:32 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I remember buying some at Christmastime
but sadly, I believe we gave it as a present. Will go back for more. Today.
Oh, our local booze shop is staging a Battle of Belgium next month. Can’t wait.
Luxembourg is very close to Belgium--Frank Schleck
Okay, the Tripel Karmeliet is in the house.
Can’t try it tonight for reasons that have to do with a 50 Cent/Lil Jon/Pitbull concert downtown, so we’re saving it for the Super Bowl tomorrow. Go, commercials!
Verstand komt met de jaren--Thomas Dekker
Hey! I'm gangsta!
Okay, I’m not, but mr. majope won tickets to this pre-Super Bowl party (think he was hoping for tickets to the game). So what the hell, we might as well go for the experience.
Verstand komt met de jaren--Thomas Dekker
That's $20 a bottle.
and given what you have to go through to get the stuff, that’s not that far out of line.
I’m thinking about it, and I’m poor.
Save it for your best friends and REALLY special occasions.
SpunOut’s right, St, Bernardus is close, but I disagree: the difference is subtle but significant.
As for PopUp: Tripel’s are different critters than the WV, (I like Gouden Carolus better, however . . .)
Yes it is different but not $130 per six pack different!
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
I'll concede that I haven't ordered my own 6 yet
because I’m not totally convinced . . .
But still: it’s not $130 we’re talking about: it’s the difference between a 6 of StB (which, at around $5-6 a bottle where I am, when I can get it, is $60 or so).
Holy crap!
I have it so good here on the border with Belgium where I can go gt it for about $2.00 a beer! but believe it or not, when you can get it by the rack, it loses some of its appeal.
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
hint gotten Chris
i knew i’d find a way around that pesky 150 point limit for VDS.
"Ants don’t worry, they operate like a fantastic team, they accept obstacles and deal with them in a positive manner, they don’t complain and remain positive. An ant doesn’t work on emotion, is proactive and always chooses the ant role."
speaking of VDS,
there’s a sponsor this year?
"Ants don’t worry, they operate like a fantastic team, they accept obstacles and deal with them in a positive manner, they don’t complain and remain positive. An ant doesn’t work on emotion, is proactive and always chooses the ant role."
big time.
"Ants don’t worry, they operate like a fantastic team, they accept obstacles and deal with them in a positive manner, they don’t complain and remain positive. An ant doesn’t work on emotion, is proactive and always chooses the ant role."
another thing
i would imagine it’s very bad cx karma to go against the wishes of belgian monks. if you have any hopes of having a good cx season next year, you should play by their rules.
"Ants don’t worry, they operate like a fantastic team, they accept obstacles and deal with them in a positive manner, they don’t complain and remain positive. An ant doesn’t work on emotion, is proactive and always chooses the ant role."
Holy shit
you’re so right. OK, I’ll wait.
De cross gaat out that door.
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 2, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
It's good beer
but no beer is worth that kind of money, cause there’s loads other good beers out there.
SO many other good Belgian beers to choose from
Westy doesn’t even register to me as a top 10 fav.
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
That was totally uncalled for
You should apologize to Ted too.
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
Trust a Texan to head straight to the cruel and unusual punishment...
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
Ah,,,,Pearl
The Schlitz of the Panhandle
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
But then you can fall back on Schafer, because Shaefer is the one beer to have
when you’re having more than one
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
Funny how many beer jingles are stored in my head...
You find the “tough to argue over a Utica Club” commercial, and the beer of your choice (okay, not the $130-a-sixpack) is on me.
Luxembourg is very close to Belgium--Frank Schleck
wow
Some of these were key additions to my beer can collection back in 1977 — a great year for collecting beer cans. Also, Carling Black Label.
De cross gaat out that door.
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
I have a Billy Beer can that I'll sell you
for $129
Jens! Voigt puts the 'laughter' in 'manslaughter'
Ditto
Hey Chris, I recently found a can of Stegmeier in the false ceiling in the basement at my mom’s house. You want it?
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
ugh
no. No telling what sort of reflex reaction I’d have. Also, it must have been cleaned well or the Stegmeier would have dissolved that can years ago.
De cross gaat out that door.
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
I'm relatively sure your reaction
would be the same as pouring salt on a slug.
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
No thanks, I've had my share of that as well
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
sorry man, but I'm in the fortunate position of being able to go get beer in Belgium anytime I choose
You can hit up a Delhaize or Carrefour and have literally 50 different bottled beers to choose from without even ally looking.
Focus on easy first. If that's all you get, that ain't half bad - Caballo Blanco
Tulips
Remember, this is the same culture that created the tulip bubble. Of course you can’t drink tulips
"As a young man in Germany I longed to shop at RadioShack. My family never had enough transistors or extra batteries. It is a dream."
Andreas Kloden as translated by Will.
wow, I killed the thread
"As a young man in Germany I longed to shop at RadioShack. My family never had enough transistors or extra batteries. It is a dream."
Andreas Kloden as translated by Will.
That's because
all of us who have paid ginormous premiums on our Apple devices don’t like to be reminded of hype-bubbles
Don't worry Jens, the Newton is poised for a huge comeback.
All I've had today is, like, six gummy bears and some scotch.
Westvleteren beer is awesome
Hi!
Mathieu just told me about this thread (well he did last week but I wasn’t able to open it and I kinda have forgotten about it).
So is Westvleteren beer is worth the trip: definitely yes. St-Bernardus is good but not half as Westvleteren 12. Well, maybe half but it still not up to Westvleteren beers.
Now, should you spend 130$ on a 6 packs… really? Isn’t it for a crate of 24 bottles (if you buy at the abbey it’s 39 euros for the 12 plus 12 euros for the wooden crate and the bottles so total 51 euros, maybe 65-70 USD?)
Personnally, I went to the In de Vrede café right in front of St-Sixtus Abdij (aka the place where Westvleteren is brewed) and tasted the Westvleteren 12 there. I also bought a bottle of Westvleteren 8 at this place, could have bought a 6 pack though (around 10-15 euros if I remember well) but because I already bought a lot of beer in Brussels, I just bought one.
The only sad thing about the café (same for the abbey) is that you buy the beer they got, nothing else.
But you should definitely go there and taste the Westvleteren 12. It’s the best beer I ever got. Or if you can taste the De Struise St-Amatus 12, it’s an attempt at the Westvleteren 12 and it’s almost as good as.
Finally, if you decide to go north in the Netherlands, you should go to Brouwerij De Molen in Bodegraven. They do pretty good beers there too (their Kopi Luwak, a triple stout, is like a velvetty coffee, you should’nt miss the chance to taste one someday).
by MagnificentSimon on Feb 6, 2012 10:47 PM EST reply actions
All I can say is that if this man tells you it's the best beer he's ever had
Then it’s seriously excellent beer…
Hi Simon!
I'm not mean, I'm just drawn that way.
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