Brian just arrived a few days ago from his duty station in Germany. We went to Russian River and had a couple of Pliny The Elder draft's. I wish he could be here in 2 weeks when they crack the Pliny the Younger... But, I'll have one or two for him.
While we were there, he told me that a few days before leaving for the states with his family he took a long 10 hour drive into western Belgium and picked up 2 cases of 24 bottles of Westverletern XII from the Trappist Abby of St. Sixtus... some of which he brought home. We'll pop those when my other son arrives late next week or the following. So, we'll have the opportunity to try the two top beers.. depending on who does the rating.
What was interesting is that you can't just buy this stuff anywhere. It's at the brewery/Abby. And you have to schedule an appointment that fits into a time slot. You have to be there at that time as a drive thru.. and pay at the end with a credit card.
I think , if you want to check out how this is done, you can go to the website HERE. I Googled this and I guess it was possible according to him to get a small amount that was shipped outside the town. They did this to help with the construction project they have at the Abby.. otherwise, I understand it isn't done.
Anyhow, next week, we will be enjoying an awesome beer... at least that's my hope.
While we were there, he told me that a few days before leaving for the states with his family he took a long 10 hour drive into western Belgium and picked up 2 cases of 24 bottles of Westverletern XII from the Trappist Abby of St. Sixtus... some of which he brought home. We'll pop those when my other son arrives late next week or the following. So, we'll have the opportunity to try the two top beers.. depending on who does the rating.
What was interesting is that you can't just buy this stuff anywhere. It's at the brewery/Abby. And you have to schedule an appointment that fits into a time slot. You have to be there at that time as a drive thru.. and pay at the end with a credit card.
I think , if you want to check out how this is done, you can go to the website HERE. I Googled this and I guess it was possible according to him to get a small amount that was shipped outside the town. They did this to help with the construction project they have at the Abby.. otherwise, I understand it isn't done.
Anyhow, next week, we will be enjoying an awesome beer... at least that's my hope.
)
