Westvleteren 12 On Sale in U.S. for First Time Ever for 12-12-12

by The Drink Nation on Dec 12, 2012 in Beer
Westvleteren 12 On Sale in U.S. for First Time Ever for 12-12-12

Lines are stretching around the block outside beer stores around the country as Belgian Trappist ale Westvleteren XII (aka Westvleteren 12) goes on sale for the first time ever today, 12-12-12. The beer is considered by many connoisseurs to be the best in the world, an appellation likely helped by its extremely limited availability.

Prior to this year, Westvleteren 12 was never exported — in fact, it has never before been available outside of the Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren in Belgium. And even those who made the trip to visit the abbey in Vleteren were not guaranteed a bottle of the brew.

A complicated reservation process that requires seekers to make a reservation on the “beer phone” (which is not always answered) to then make an appointment to pick up the order, limited to one case of the Quadrupel. Plus, you must register a car license plate number for the pick up, and then are required to wait 60 days before placing another order with either the same phone number or license plate again.

However, because the monks’ monastery needed repairs (a new roof, specifically) this year they made a small shipment of the sought-after brew to specialty beer importers Shelton Brothers, who distributed it to several lucky beer retailers in the United States. On December 12, “brick” gift packs containing six bottles of the 12% ABV ale along with two special tasting glasses are being sold for $85 each.

If you’re not already in line, you’re likely out of luck — these will sell out pretty fast. However, if you know a beer geek in one of the 22 states where it’s being distributed, they probably made the effort to score one, so make sure to ask if you can at least have a sip when they crack a bottle open. Just like 12-12-12, U.S. sales of this beer probably won’t happen again for at least 100 years.

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

Behind the Bar: Liana Oster of Dante

For this exciting installment of Behind the Bar, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Liana Oster, the head bartender at Dante in New Yo...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jan 7, 2020
Taste a Slice of Chicago at Wyman's No. 5 in Denver

Taste a Slice of Chicago at Wyman's No. 5 in Denver

Modeled after the gritty taverns of Joliet, Illinois. ...read more ›

by Carrie Dow Nov 27, 2019
Rocker Spirits: Classic Spirits in Modern Glassware

Rocker Spirits: Classic Spirits in Modern Glassware

Their vodka, rum, and whiskey will stand up with the best of American spirits....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Nov 27, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Store Rectangle
Bigsby's Folly Introduces Denver to the Wine Cottle

Bigsby's Folly Introduces Denver to the Wine Cottle

New World grapes with Old World appeal. ...read more ›

by Carrie Dow Oct 29, 2019
Get in shape and drink beer at Denver's Brewery Boot Camp
by Carrie Dow Oct 10, 2019
Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

Pabst Blue Ribbon Launches Blue Ribbon Whiskey in Select US Markets

PBR has launched their own whiskey. Let's keep an open mind and see what is inside this bottle....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 24, 2019
The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

The Master Sommelier Scandal is Now the Subject of a New Investigative Series

There's a new investigative series about one of the biggest scandals to ever hit the wine world....read more ›

by The Drink Nation Sep 13, 2019
Explore a Newsworthy Social Hour at Courier Denver

Explore a Newsworthy Social Hour at Courier Denver

Anyone who loves tasty food paired with delicious drinks is welcome....read more ›

by Carrie Dow Sep 11, 2019
Places to Drink and Play in Denver
by Carrie Dow Aug 6, 2019
Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Using Peas to Make Gin Might Lead to More Environmentally Friendly Spirits, Studies Show

Scientists may have discovered a more environmentally friendly way to make one of the world's most popular spi...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Jul 23, 2019
SPONSORED
Drink Nation Home Bar Project Bottom Rectangle 2
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close