Monks Selling their Rare Beer in the United States

St. Sixtus Abbey Westvleteren Brewery in Belgium is going to sell its Westvleteren XII beers in the US to pay for some much needed improvements to the Abbey.  

Westvleteren XII is believed by some to be the best beer in the world-It is considered the holy grail for many beer lovers.  

Westvleteren XII is brewed by Trappist Monks in the Belgium countryside and is normally only available at the Abbey.  But now (for as long as they last) consumers in the U.S. and a few other countries can purchase the beer at select retailers for $84.99 for six bottles.   

The 21 monks made the decision to export a very small amount of their rare libation overseas for the first time because of the need for expensive renovations and lack of cash on hand.  Because of their lifestyle they purposely don't have cash reserves and live a very noncommercial existence.

Mark Bode, spokesman for the Westvleteren Brewery, recently said "I think it will be the last."  They say, 'We are monks, we don't want to be too commercial. We needed some money to help us buy the new abbey and that's it,' " then  "Back to normal again."

The monks only brew 3,800 U.S. barrels a year, every year.  That is exactly what is needed to create enough cash flow to sustain the abbey. Obviously, sales of the beer are under tight control.  This low supply has caused high demand especially regionally.  

Despite it being a heavy, dark sweet Ale, the few that have tasted it have given it outstanding ratings which has only added to the mystique and demand.  

Chin chin!

David Ruiz is a Sales & Marketing pro who is unnaturally obsessed with good beer.  Contact him at beersnobber@yahoo.com