Brouwerij Westvleteren Trappist Westvleteren 12
What the brewers say
The monks of Sint-Sixtus Abbey of Westvleteren resolutely maintain a vow of silence about their beers.
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Lots of complexity on the nose. Rich fruity esters with fig, prune, cherry, apple, plum, raisin. slight spice charac- ter. A nice malt sweetness that ranges from toast and biscuit to toffee and caramel. Slight oxidized note, similar to a barleywine or old ale. A hint of alcohol.”
Flavor: “Tastes like sweet raisin bread. Very rich and complex, with moderate carbonation. Malt sweetness with toast, some biscuit. Lots of dark fruit with prune, dates, and raisin, and slight cherry. Nice alcohol warmth and not too sweet in the finish. Very similar to an old ale. An alcohol that is just enough to say it was there. Shows a bit of age, with a hint of sherry, but that adds to the complexity.”
Overall: “Great beer. I like nearly everything about this beer...from the malt backbone to the fruity esters and even the complexity added by some age. This one is a shining example and one of the best-executed beers we’ve had in this style. Clearly brewed by someone who knows the style in and out.”
