Brouwerij Westvleteren 12
Westvleteren, Belgium

The Brouwerij Westvletern is situated inside the Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren in the Belgian municipality of Vleteren. Introduced in 1940, a yellow cap distinguishes it from the other two beers made here by the monks. The production remains rather small, and due to its extreme popularity, is very hard to come by. So difficult in fact, Belgium locals must register their license plates with the brewery in order to secure even one or two cases. Popperings hops are most likely used due to the close proximity of the poppering growing region of Belgium and its many hop yards. The liquid tastes of sour grapes and cocoa, along with a depth supported with raisins and toffee notes. “Westy,” as it is playfully referred to by beer enthusiasts, consistently rank it among the top beers on Internet beer sites. At 10.2% ABV, with a lingering warm finish and multiple layers of various complex tart flavors.

Pannepot Reserva
Oostvoteren, Belgium

This dark Belgian Strong Ale came about when the head brewer of De Struise Brouwers and his colleagues formed an idea to age Pannepot, their flagship ale, in oak barrels. The beer pours a deep mahogany color with a very thin grayish, off-white head. A strong bouquet of figs leads with a tart and sulfurous aroma. Dark fruit flavors exhibit a deep mellowness from the oak aging. Pannepot Reserva becomes dry about halfway through and remains extremely dry to the finish, with a hint of tobacco leaf.