The Top rated beer
Yeah, due my shopping at Drink Peiffer some very special beer jumped into my cart and asked for my opinion on taste.
Such a hard job for a Beerlover
pic by @detlev
Enjoy my pics from the fireplace while tasting this very special beer.
Hey Hive Family
taste the monks work
and let us travel the world again
The Beer
Westvleteren 8 – the name alone feels like a sacred promise to me, as the beer is not so easy to get.
With an ABV of 8%, this Belgian Dubbel hits the sweet spot between pleasant strength and drinkable enjoyment.
pic by @detlev
From the first sip, I was overwhelmed by a symphony of flavors: dark fruits like plum and raisin, complemented by a malty sweetness reminiscent of caramel.
In the background, there’s a subtle spiciness, almost like freshly ground pepper. The finish is soft, almost creamy, with a hint of chocolate and a gentle dryness that makes you crave the next sip. It’s a beer that tells stories – quietly and profoundly.
The Special of Westvleteren 8
What makes Westvleteren 8 so special?
Honestly, where do I begin?
pic by @detlev
It’s brewed at the Abbey of Saint Sixtus, where the monks follow an age-old tradition of brewing only as much beer as they need to sustain their livelihood. No flashy marketing, no mass production – this beer is a product of pure devotion. But beware: getting your hands on a bottle requires patience. The monks sell it exclusively at the abbey and only by pre-order. This sense of exclusivity makes every sip even more special. It’s like drinking a little piece of Belgian history.
The Cover
You might think a beer with such a reputation would need flashy packaging – far from it. Westvleteren 8 comes in a simple brown bottle without a label, adorned only with a golden cap.
pic by @detlev
Minimalism at its finest. It almost feels humble, as if the beer is saying, “I don’t need frills, just try me.” And that’s what I love about it. It’s an honest, unpretentious look that perfectly matches the brewery’s philosophy.
The Brewery and its Location
The Abbey of Saint Sixtus is located in the tiny village of Westvleteren, in the Belgian province of West Flanders.
pic by trappistwestvleteren.be
Surrounded by green fields and a silence you can almost taste, the abbey feels like it exists in another time. The monks who brew the beer live by the principles of the Trappist rule: prayer, work, silence – and, evidently, brewing beer that touches the soul.
See the abbey from above from 7 years ago.
Video by trappistwestvleteren.be
Buy it from the monks
There is a process of buying directly from the Brewery and you will love it.
Buying Westvleteren beer is an experience in itself – almost like a ritual. Walking into a store and picking it off a shelf? Can be, but often it is not available or expensive.
Here is the story of buying direct. First, you have to call the “beer hotline,” of the monks which, to be honest, is often busy. Patience is key. Once you finally get through, you can reserve a time slot – yes, like booking an exclusive VIP appointment.
When it’s time to pick up your beer, you must drive to the abbey, where your license plate, registered in advance, is checked.
No reservation, no beer.
The monks take the concept of exclusivity very seriously to ensure the beer doesn’t get commercialized. But the effort is worth it, and when you finally have those crates in your trunk, it feels like you’ve hit a little beer jackpot.
Home delivery
While doing further research there was this news…
In January 2021, the Abbey started a pilot project in which the purchased beer is delivered to your home. This project is done on a small scale and is only available for delivery to registered customers who have their account address in Belgium.
The sales moments with home delivery are indicated on the calendar below in a black colour. More information about this as well as the prices can be found on the webpage "Home Delivery" HERE.
pic by trappistwestvleteren.be
Lucky me, will give it a try.
My conclusion
Westvleteren 8 is more than just a beer – it’s an experience. It combines history, craftsmanship, and an incredible depth of flavor in every bottle.
Even the process of purchasing it adds to the sense of celebration.
pic by @detlev
Would I recommend it? Without a doubt.
But beware: once you’ve tried it, it’s hard to settle for anything less. Cheers to the monks who gift us this liquid blessing!
AND Make sure you drink it with the perfect temp. Means not to cold.
Another beer from Westvleteren
So, stay tuned for another beer. At the same shop I manage to get a bottle of the „best beer of the world“ how they name the Westvleteren 12 with so many reports over the years.
pic by trappistwestvleteren.be
This waits for a perfect moment to get opened and shared with some friends for tasting it.
Have a great day everybody
and let us travel the world again
pic by @detlev
Enjoy the #BeerSaturday
have 3 pics and a story
around beer - and go!
@Detlev loves HIVE
