Westvleteren 12

Poured a beautiful deep rich brown with a huge white slightly tan head that just does not want to recede. Smells of sharp citrus hops. First taste is unbelievably smooth, balanced, hoppy, and slightly bitter. Did the Monks who brewed this take a vow of celibacy? I’m glad they did. The 10.2% ABV is very well hidden. This puppy lives up to its hype.

Bottle. Not sure how old, but I’m guessing 2007. Pours a dark brown colour with a white head. Aroma is rich of dark fruits, caramel, slightly roasty. Flavor is good, again with dark fruits very present. I’ve had better, maybe because I prefer beers that have a bit spicier lika x-mas beers. This is a very, very good beer, but I cannot give it a full top rating.

I’m not trying to be the contrarian in the group, but as with a lot of these highly rated beers, I just didn’t get it. It’s good and the palate is ultra clean, but other than that it was nothing to spectacular to me.

Tried a six-month old (or so) bottle from 2007. In every aspect, it’s just right and no more. Aroma and taste are rich with dark fruits: dates, figs, plums, raisins. Extremely smooth; very rich mouthfeel; sweet but not cloying; a very long finish that ends with a little dryness compared to the richness of the taste. I’d really like to try one again that’s been aged as recommended (the "best of" date is stamped on the bottle top, which is usually 3 years after bottling).

tried a bottle on 3/29/08. thanks to Lemunche for having this one shipped over. dark brown color. smell of various fruits. I do believe this beer is overrated as a whole. it was defiantly good, but not the best I have ever had. some complex flavors with the fruits and noticeable yeast.

excellent very tastefull, color superb even if it is difficult to get to. this beer is dark brown and really made "in de wrede"

Re-rate 5/18/09: Bottle sample at a tasting. Deep red color. Aroma of dark fruits - plums and raisins, some cookie notes, caramel, licorice and yeast. Sweet caramelly flavor with yeast, bread, lots of dark fruits and alcohol. Full-bodied. 7/4/7/4/15=3.7

(2/28/08) Bottle sample at PreZBF@Alvinne in Heule. Bottled in 2008 (if the assumption that BBD-3yrs=bottling date is correct). Dark brown color with a light beige-brown head. Aroma of dark malt, caramel and tons of dark fruits (lots of plums, some prunes and raisins). Malty sweet flavor with some fruits and roasted notes. Finishes dry. Medium to full body. This is really great. I got three more bottles to take home (each for about 3-4 Euros!) at the Alvinne brewery shop, so I could taste it again after a bit more cellar time. 9/5/8/4/17=4.3

Bottle shared by aspidites. Cloudy copper color with noticeable yeast. Fruity aroma with yeasty spice as well. Dates, plums, raisins, sweet dark bread, candy sugar. Flavors are just as complex as the aroma. This is a liquid candy in a sense. Incredibly smooth and well put together. This is an amazing beer. Not the best of the day, but damn fine. Thanks again Mike!