Westvleteren 12, is it really the best beer in the world?

[thechevron]

I've been offered a bottle for 12 euro and I'm afraid I'm going to be disappointed.

Who here has had it?

What are your experiences?

[Leann ull]

It's not the best beer in the world but is up there imho, spend the €12 and write us a review

[irish_goat]

When was it brewed? I bought a six pack (with 2 glasses) in 2012. Have had one at Christmas the past 3 years and whilst I thought it's been good the whole time it's only really wowed me since last Christmas. I'd not pay €12 for one though.

[Andy Q]

I've paid €10 in Belgium & €15 in Spain, I'd say It's well worth the €12 just to say you've had one, It's a good beer, but it's not going to be life changing.
Buy a Bottle of St Bernardus 12 as well, and put that in the review, see if one is worth 3 times the other, have never has them both in the one sitting

[Qs]

They were 6 for €50 a couple of years ago when they had that big release. Is it the best beer in the world? Honestly I prefer Rochefort 10 but for €12 I'd still go for it. Worth it just to say you've had one. Its certainly not a disappointing beer.

[delzep]

Check the date printed on the bottle cap. The date printed is exactly 3 years past the bottling date. The beer is definitely better when past this date in my opinion

[redshift]

It's worth spending €12 as a one off, it is a spectacular beer even if not the best. I don't think the St Bernardus is quite as good though I agree with Qs, Rochefort 10 is at least as good. Likewise the oak aged La Trappe.

[thechevron]

The guy who is selling it to me is a work colleague. He reckons Rochfort 10 is nicer, and it seems to be a lot cheaper too.

Im going to get a bottle of that and see how good it is compared to that.

[thechevron]

Here it is. 1 year old. Is it too young to drink?

[nigel_c]

Is that not the best before date?
Probably the same batch most of us had.

[Motorbikeman]

Where does one get a fine beer like this in Ireland. 

[delzep]

That bottle is 4 years old. Perfect for drinking

[delzep]

Is that not the best before date?
Probably the same batch most of us had.

The ones most people had were probably from the brick which had painted bottles

[johnrm]

I had a brick - bottle were as the pic above.
All gone now, they got better and better.

[delzep]

I have some 7 year old bottles stashed away of the 8 and the 12