Westvleteren 12 bottle from 2003?

[RichardShivers]

I recently met someone who went to Belgium in 2004 and visited Westvleteren Brewery and bought a case of the famed Westvleteren 12. He says the beer was bottled in 2003 and he has 7 beers left from the case. He offered to sell me a bottle for $40-$50. I have read that many people prefer to drink this beer after several years of bottle conditioning, but my question is, do you all think this beer is still at peak taste? Or, am i likely to buy an expensive bottle of malt vinegar? He said that the beer has been kept in a cellar for the past 8-9 years.

 

[ChaosStout]

I recently met someone who went to Belgium in 2004 and visited Westvleteren Brewery and bought a case of the famed Westvleteren 12. He says the beer was bottled in 2003 and he has 7 beers left from the case. He offered to sell me a bottle for $40-$50. I have read that many people prefer to drink this beer after several years of bottle conditioning, but my question is, do you all think this beer is still at peak taste? Or, am i likely to buy an expensive bottle of malt vinegar? He said that the beer has been kept in a cellar for the past 8-9 years.

Really I dont think a bottle of beer is worth $40-50 Im sure the beer will still be good though, I guess its worth whatever your willing to pay in the end.

 

[keesh]

Well I think the most important thing would be to consider is was this beer stored properly? Do you trust that they kept it at cellaring temps and out of the sun for 9 years? If so, it will probably be amazing if it is your thing. Perhaps try to procure a younger or fresh version to compare it against?

 

[RichardShivers]

Alright guys, thanks for your input. Yeah, $50 is quite steep but i have been wanting to try this beer for many years and i guess i am willing to pay it just to try one of the greatest beers in the world. I havent tried most of the Trappist beers, but i must say Westmalle Dubbel is one of the greatest beers i have ever had.

 

[LilManBrewing]

Well I think the most important thing would be to consider is was this beer stored properly? Do you trust that they kept it at cellaring temps and out of the sun for 9 years? If so, it will probably be amazing if it is your thing. Perhaps try to procure a younger or fresh version to compare it against?

+1
I wouldn't purchase it NOT knowing how it has been stored. How it's been stored will reflect the taste of the beer. I will admit, I'm curious as to how the beer would taste, sounds very interesting.

 

[keesh]

+1
I wouldn't purchase it NOT knowing how it has been stored. How it's been stored will reflect the taste of the beer. I will admit, I'm curious as to how the beer would taste, sounds very interesting.

Hey just thought I'd say whats up, I am a VC native. I miss it there, I'll probably be moving back sometime in the future.

 

[goirish04]

I have a '97 bottle of Westy that has been properly stored for its entire existence. I keep waiting for the "right moment" to crack it open. I figure it has about another 5 years of good shelf life.

 

[bierhaus15]

I would definitely not buy it. I've drunk a bunch of properly aged Westys (3-12 year old) and they are never as good as fresh. The proteins all settle out to the bottom and the malt profile fades, leaving a thin bubble-gum like yeast flavor. It's not bad tasting by any means, though not worth 40 bucks. Hell, I wouldn't pay $5 for a 10 yr westy if they had them at my beer store. I've also had a bunch of the old Courage RIS from 15 years, and again... over-rated big time.

You'd be better off spending that money on a few bottles of Rochefort 10 or Chimay and putting them away for a few years.

 

[phertwo]

Hmmm, $40~50.. The monks at Saint Sixtus won't be pleased that someone is selling their beer for profit. I wonder if you will be cursed?

I have a few 12s and 8s that I got from a trip 2 years ago and have one every now and then. They definitely mellow out some, but in all reality its not any better than a Rochefort 10, just slightly different (depending on how intensely you study beer taste profiles). As I see it $50 will get you a pretty good beer, the badge of honor for having a 12 and a curse for all-time, maybe. I'd do it.

Oh yea, I forgot. If you just want to see what the beer is like, buy a St. Bernadus 12. Its very very similar (look into the history of brewing for Saint Sixtus) if not the same recipe. I find is a little more on the fruity side, but its very similar, and much more readily available at a much lower cost.

 

[Homebrewtastic]

Surprised that this hasn't already been brought up but um.... http://www.brewbound.com/news/westvleteren-beer-to-be-distributed-in-u-s

Yeah.

Wait to get your own and age it how you want.

 

[sweetcell]

I havent tried most of the Trappist beers, but i must say Westmalle Dubbel is one of the greatest beers i have ever had.

i would spend some time getting to know trappist/abbey ales before enjoying the westy. the more you have to compare it against, the more you'll appreciate it.

 

[RichardShivers]

Surprised that this hasn't already been brought up but um.... http://www.brewbound.com/news/westvleteren-beer-to-be-distributed-in-u-s

Yeah.

Wait to get your own and age it how you want.

I contacted Shelton Brothers a couple days ago and this was there response.

"Thank you for your message. We know that the Westvleteren announcement has caused much excitement, but at this time, there is not much information we can provide. We are still working out details with the Abbey. When plans are finalized, we will let everybody know. For now, Shelton Brothers will only be selling Westvleteren East of the Mississippi River, and the gift packs will be priced at $85. Feel free to follow us on our website, Facebook, and Twitter for the most up to date information.

www.facebook.com/shelton.brothers
twitter: @sheltonbrothers

There is no reservation list for the Westvleteren gift packs, yet. We will send out information through these two channels if that changes. The packs will still have to flow through all three levels of the infamous American "three-tier system," like everything else. Unfortunately, you won't be able to purchase directly from us. "

Looks like we may not be getting the gift packs on the west coast

 

[Homebrewtastic]

They're not the only ones getting it though. I read too that an importing company based out of Austin is also bringing it in. I talked to one of my craft beer sales reps at my store, their company gets all of their Trappist beers from said importing company, and told me that they too would be getting it. So that takes care of Texas and probably anywhere else Ben e Keith distributes.