Westvleteren Beer [General]
2012 Dec 13
"What's this about Westvleteren Beer?"
They had a North America gift pack release and folks in Ontario went a bit mental. Someone was at the Rideau LCBO at 1:30 this morning for the priviledge of paying $80 for six bottles of something that was over-hyped 10 years ago. My prediction: 5 years from now you'll be able to grab a Westy 12 for 5-10 bucks at every LCBO in the province.
A fine beer, but it's arguably been surpassed by dozens of readily available others. I'm getting pretty anxious for the "craft" beer craze to pass.
They had a North America gift pack release and folks in Ontario went a bit mental. Someone was at the Rideau LCBO at 1:30 this morning for the priviledge of paying $80 for six bottles of something that was over-hyped 10 years ago. My prediction: 5 years from now you'll be able to grab a Westy 12 for 5-10 bucks at every LCBO in the province.
A fine beer, but it's arguably been surpassed by dozens of readily available others. I'm getting pretty anxious for the "craft" beer craze to pass.
2012 Dec 13
I've heard the same thing from friends of mine who have tried it: it's good, but it's certainly not $13 a bottle good.
It comes with a hefty price tag because the Trappists who make it sell bottles at their abbey and nowhere else. (Although the Wikipedia page tells me that the 12 is €39.00 for 24 at the abbey, which means we're paying about double the regular price.)
They usually only make enough beer to pay for the upkeep of the abbey, but this year they're increasing their volume in order to pay for some extensive roof repairs.
en.wikipedia.org
It comes with a hefty price tag because the Trappists who make it sell bottles at their abbey and nowhere else. (Although the Wikipedia page tells me that the 12 is €39.00 for 24 at the abbey, which means we're paying about double the regular price.)
They usually only make enough beer to pay for the upkeep of the abbey, but this year they're increasing their volume in order to pay for some extensive roof repairs.
en.wikipedia.org
2012 Dec 13
Personally, I'd like to see what the hub-bub is about. I've paid $13 for far less scarce beer (at a resto here in Ottawa) that originated in the Province. There is a lot of fine beer being brewed within 100km that is closer to $5 for equivalent volumes, and I'd like to compare it.
I am not so sure about Brian Mc's guess. They can charge a premium due to the relative scarcity. My bet is once the repairs are paid for, they'll switch back to sales only at the Abbey.
I am not so sure about Brian Mc's guess. They can charge a premium due to the relative scarcity. My bet is once the repairs are paid for, they'll switch back to sales only at the Abbey.
2012 Dec 13
pssst hhh if you really hurry you can taste an excellent Belgian bargain, Tripel Karmeliet, at Carling & Woodroffe lcbo, last one in E ON. www.lcbo.com or organize a road trip to Thunder Bay...
Or if you want to spent some big $ on a beer to see how good it is try a Rogue Juniper Ale, I think it's 32.25 at Beer Bros Bistro, +tx I think.
Or if you want to spent some big $ on a beer to see how good it is try a Rogue Juniper Ale, I think it's 32.25 at Beer Bros Bistro, +tx I think.
2012 Dec 13
Possibly, but I'm sceptical. It isn't as rare as it once was. Pubs in Ontario were stocking it a few months ago and you can find bottles online easily enough. Is there any point in the monks holding off on production when other people are taking advantage of the perceived rarity?
There are also suggestions that the current version is different from what it once was. These are almost inevitable when rare beers become more available ("I was drinking Westy back when it was good"), but still.
There are also suggestions that the current version is different from what it once was. These are almost inevitable when rare beers become more available ("I was drinking Westy back when it was good"), but still.
2012 Dec 16
You know, I can't really describe what the flavour is that is different. I want to say sweet, but it isn't. I'm having one right now and can't figure it out. Maybe after a couple more.
Buy a 6 pack. It isn't going to kill you. It's certainly cheaper than the Westfalian beer described here.
Buy a 6 pack. It isn't going to kill you. It's certainly cheaper than the Westfalian beer described here.
2012 Dec 16
Surprisingly yes. It is apricot. I was shocked to read the ingredients, cause I usually don't go for fruity beers. Great tasting beer that complemented my pork tenderloin souvlaki pita dinner tonight.
Momomoto, if you're not into fruity beers, don't rule this one out. It is unlike any other beer I've had. There aren't many beers I can drink in the winter unaccompanied by food, even a snack, but MH9 is one.
Momomoto, if you're not into fruity beers, don't rule this one out. It is unlike any other beer I've had. There aren't many beers I can drink in the winter unaccompanied by food, even a snack, but MH9 is one.
2012 Dec 20
I had one tonight - paid $12 for it which was what my buddy paid. Good beer but not really my thing and I wouldn't even buy it again at $3 a bottle. Beers on the extreme malty side like that are always on the borderline for my tastebuds where they are verging into the "oxydized" neighbourhood and it was just not enjoyable as a result.
I'm glad I had a chance to see what all the fuss was about, but even more glad I found it to be not all that :-)
I'm glad I had a chance to see what all the fuss was about, but even more glad I found it to be not all that :-)
hungry hungry hippo
If you did, and would be willing to part with a bottle, please PM me. I would be VERY grateful.