Sint-Sixtusabdij
abbey
About this Brewery
The Trappist Westvleteren beers are brewed within the Sint-Sixtus Abbey at Westvleteren. The monastic community began in 1831 when monks from the French abbey of Mont-des-Cats joined a hermit living in the surrounding woods. The abbey received its brewing licence from King Leopold I in 1839 and produced its first officially recorded brew that June.
The brewery makes three unfiltered, bottle-conditioned beers: Westvleteren Blond at 5.8%, Westvleteren 8 and Westvleteren 12. The dark and powerful 12 has acquired an exceptional international reputation and is frequently described as one of the world’s finest beers. It is not a tripel, despite its number, but is generally classified as a Belgian dark strong ale or quadrupel.
Production remains deliberately limited because the monks brew only to support the abbey, its employees and charitable work: “We brew to live. We do not live to brew.” Beer is sold to private customers through the abbey’s online system, either for collection or, within Belgium, home delivery. Six-packs, gift packs and glasses may also be available at the nearby In de Vrede visitor centre.
Address: Sint-Sixtusabdij, Donkerstraat 12, 8640 Westvleteren