Beer Lovers, Rejoice: Monks Export Rare Brew

Beer fans, meet the monks of St. Sixtus Abbey. The Belgian monks are temporarily exporting their world-famous brew, Westvleteren 12, to pay for a pricey abbey renovation, NPR reports. The monks lead such a spartan, devout life that they lack cash reserves, so they're selling the beer at select retailers outside Belgium for $84.99 for six bottles. "They say, 'We are monks, we don't want to be too commercial,'" says a spokesman. "'We needed some money to help us buy the new abbey and that's it. Back to normal again.'"

But is it worth the money? NPR talked to connoisseurs and idle tasters at the abbey, which has brewed about 3,800 barrels a year since 1945 and tightly controlled sales. "It's the holy grail of so many beer connoisseurs," says a Belgian beer blogger. "This is it." Tasters describe Westvleteren 12 as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's heavy, dark, and sweet. But then, "it's easy to be famous and popular when you're working on the mild and sweet side," says a pub owner. A drinker at the abbey is more effusive: "It's like a sweetie, like a bonbon. Oh, yes!"

white lager yum

85 Bucks for 6 bottles?
Robbing bastewards.
I would have to spend about 260 Bucks just to get mildly Ratarsed.
A crate of Bier, 15 Euros, One bottle of Absynth 20 Euros.
Over 200 Bucks saved.
Way to go, Bah Humbug.

I hate beer so you can have my share.

rediculous, they can shove their overpriced beer up their asses

I diny care, i no drink beer

I don't drink at all so not for me thanks

Good for you APS

I lie