SimSolTravel Brewery Tour » WestvleterenAbbey

The “Westvleteren Effect” – something special and limited availability!

The abbey at Westvleteren, Belgium, St. Sixtus' Abbey, is one of the six Trappist abbeys in Belgium. What is unique about Westvleteren is that they do not distribute their beers like the other Trappist abbeys. Other than a single distribution in the US in 2012 (a fund raiser for a new roof), the only way to get this beer is to go to the abbey. The gift shop sells single six-packs, limit two, for €15-€20 depending on the beer. Tim and Beth made a side trip to the abbey when they were traveling around Belgium in April 2012 to be able to sample the beers. This was a great opportunity because the distribution to the US was only the Westvleteren 12 and it sold for $85 a six-pack! At the abbey they tasted not only the Westvleteren 12 but also the 8 and the 10. If you want more than a couple of six-packs then you have to order a case or two by phone and pick them up in a car. The line of cars shows how popular this beer is with folks close enough to drive to the abbey. The phone number and car license cannot be used again for several months so there is a significant limit on how much of the beer an individual can get. Unfortunately, like all of the Trappist abbeys, there are no tours of the brewery.