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FeedBeer of the Week: Trappist Westvleteren 12
Posted Friday, October 21, 2011, 11:00AM
Produced by trappist monks at Belgium’s Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren, this beer was elusive even before The Wall Street Journal named it the best beer in the world. I don’t know about you, but I’m not about to trust such a lofty appointment to the beer geeks (hold the beer) at WSJ. Fortunately, I was recently able to track down some “Westy” at North Park’s Toronado. It’s a rich concoction that bursts with the flavor or raisins, pepper and allspice before melting into a brandy-like and not unpleasant burn in the finish. Best beer in the world? That’s arguable. Worth a shot and some pondering? Absolutely.
Beer Type: Belgian Quadrupel (10.2% ABV)
Available at: Go to Toronado and do some begging…or pick some up at the abbey (by reservation only). Your choice.
Pair it with: Beers like this are best enjoyed on their own, but if you’re looking to line your stomach against the double-digit ABV on this quad, it’d be best to go with a hearty, dried fruit dessert like raisiny bread pudding, date-nut bread or fruit cake (what do you know…there is a use for that holiday doorstop).
Related:
Beer of the Week: TailGate Hefeweizen
Beer of the Week: Honey Basil Ale
Photo by Brandon Hernández
About the Author: A native San Diegan, Brandon Hernández has been wading in a sea of local craft beer for 14 years. In addition to his work for San Diego Magazine, Hernández serves as the San Diego correspondent for Celebrator Beer News (the US' longest tenured craft beer publication), is a regular contributor to Wine Enthusiast and The Beer Connoisseur and has been a consultant for Food Network. Keep up on his articles about ales, lagers, food, restaurants, chefs and the culinary arts on Twitter at @offdutyfoodie.
