Westvleteren

Westvleteren is a Trappist brewery located at Saint-Sixtus Abbey in the village of Westvleteren, near Ypres in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The beers are brewed by monks as part of the abbey’s self-sufficient way of life. The brewery operates within the monastery and its product is sold under the Authentic Trappist Product label, signifying it is produced within a Trappist community for charitable and communal purposes.

The standard Westvleteren lineup traditionally includes Westvleteren 6, 8, and 12, with Westvleteren 12 being the best known internationally for its complex, balanced character. The beers are renowned for their depth and aging potential, and Westvleteren’s reputation has made the products highly sought after by beer enthusiasts.

Availability is highly restricted. Bottles and kegs are typically sold directly from the abbey and, historically, through a reservation-based system that requires advance planning and pickup at the monastery. Outside access is limited, and a small number of beers are distributed to a very limited network of retailers and venues, subject to the abbey’s controls. This deliberate scarcity contributes to the brewery’s mystique and high demand.

Westvleteren has repeatedly ranked among the world’s most celebrated beers in international competitions and lists. The monastery’s beer production is understood as a means of supporting the monastic community, rather than a commercial venture, which shapes its restrained distribution and enduring appeal.