*Note: I’ve been sick since before leaving Copenhagen. Started feeling sick the day before my flight back and have been in bed ever since. Sorry for the absence but not like anyone reading this blog cares for my well being. Thanks for the patience. I have some content coming up but have a lot of work at my day job to do to play catch up so beer is on the back burner*
Technically, this beer does not exist!!!!!!! I had it while in Belgium but I’m not allowed to add it to RateBeer even though there is an entry on BeerAdvocate and Untappd. I was disappointed about not being able to review it. Took some notes anyway which were typed out on my phone:
Hazey and slightly amber. Brown
2 finger head, faded fast
Aroma – Tart. Lactic acid. Slightly acetic. Cherries
Taste – Some mango. Lots of oak and Granny Smith apple. Red grape skins. Sweet caramel and dark fruits. Insanely complexly
4.2/5
Honestly, I wasn’t expecting any tartness but I’m a beer noob so my expectations are generally wrong. It was still nice to try this. So, now I’ve had Reserva ’05, ’08 and ’10. 2000 is a “white whale” so no point in seeking that out.
I came upon a thread you were posting on ratebeer. I am heading to Belgium for the first time in June and want to secure some Westveletren. What is your advice on the best way to go about this and ship it back to the states? Thanks for the advice!
Hey Ed. Best to start calling the brewery now to reserve a case. That’s the best and cheapest way to get it while in Belgium. You can see available dates and times via their website. The alternative is that there are a few stores selling it. Beer Planet in Brussels will give you a bottle if you spend 100 Euro in their store (which everything is overpriced). Bierkoning in Amsterdam sells bottles of 6, 8 and 12 for 15 Euro a piece.The brewery is 36 euro for a case of Westy 12. It’s worth it if you can get a reservation. Also, a shame you’re required to call. The international minutes of calling belgium 10 times a day for the next week are also expensive.
Yeah, I can see the costs adding up quick. Does it live up to all the hype? Also, how do you usually ship it back to the States?
Rochefort 10 and St. Bernardus 12 are just as good and available on most shelves in the US. Having had it a few times, it’s great but not worth all of the hassle. The wooden crate, if you can get it back is really cool.
Found some bottles of std Stille Nacht at my bottle shop. woudl you call it a good pick up? Haven’t opened one yet.
It’s a delicious beer but can be quite pricey in the states. It’s a big beer at 12%. Buy a bottle and try it? I like Stille Nacht but preferred it with 5 years and not fresh. Reserva was brewed on the date indicated on the bottle so the ’08 was brewed in 08 and released I assume in 2010 (spending 2 years in barrels) so the brewer insists it’s ready at release. So it’s a beer that can keep. I’ve seen guys with verticals of nacht going back 10 years. If you like it fresh, you’ll love it with age.