Beer Forum

Hey all,

I am an infrequent poster here, but a long time listener.

Last night I was fortunate enough to find a bottle of Westvleteren 12 at one of my local beer spots (Bay Area, CA). At $28 per bottle, I had to justify the expense but it is cheaper than a flight to Belgium.

Justin once said to believe the hype and I mostly agree. I haven't had a beer that was this complex but at the same time very drinkable. A lot of dark strong ales have too much residual sugars for my tastes but this one finished pretty dry.

The aroma was complex but dominated by dark fruit (plums, figs, etc.) and it tasted about the same with a few other 'richness' elements (burnt caramel, vanilla, spice). I would guess that the carbonation was around 3 volumes. Not much of a head but it left behind some lace. As it warmed up the alcohol was pretty obvious and a little solventy. My only real complaint was the amount of yeast in the bottle, but yes, I drank the dregs too

Any other experiences with this?

was it purchased in Livermore ? The bottles I purchased the yeast content wasn't too bad.. Guess you have to look a little more closely before purchasing. He dos care for his bottles well. a bit overpriced I think. But oh well.

I won two of the raffle prizes at this year's Bay Area Masher's World Cup of Beers, and a bottle of this beer was one of them. Still in the frig, but will enjoy soon.
-Greg

How are they allowed to sell a beer that is not for sale in the USA? I would think the tax folks would want their cut and it bucks distribution laws?

My understanding is the guys uncle drives to Belgium picks it up and ships it to the US. The shipping from what I understand is what drives his price. He also does not have it on the shelf. So you have to be in the know to get it

Yeah I get the price thing and I'm fine with that because I would probably pay that much too. But it seems like to me the owner is setting himself up for some legal problems if certain government people were to get wind of the way he is getting them and re-selling them in a business. Wasn't it in Pennsylvania this past spring where a bunch of Pliny the Younger was destroyed by the feds because the owners didnt go through the "proper" channels of getting it for re-sale?

Brandon wrote:Yeah I get the price thing and I'm fine with that because I would probably pay that much too. But it seems like to me the owner is setting himself up for some legal problems if certain government people were to get wind of the way he is getting them and re-selling them in a business. Wasn't it in Pennsylvania this past spring where a bunch of Pliny the Younger was destroyed by the feds because the owners didnt go through the "proper" channels of getting it for re-sale?

The Pennsylvania case I know of had to do with labeling and names of the beers. IE - Pliny was listed with the state as "Pliny the Elder IIPA" and the label read differently. I'll see if I can dig up that article.

I dont disagree . with how there being sold and how much.. Sucks but someone will try to make some coin if they can get away with it.