Buy Westvleteren XII Switzerland – the best beer in the world

The best beer in the world – straight from the monastery to you.

There are beers. There are craft beers. And then there's Westvleteren XII.

For years, this dark Trappist beer from the Belgian Sint-Sixtus Abbey in Vleteren has held the top spot on RateBeer, BeerAdvocate, and in the hearts of beer lovers worldwide. Not because of marketing. Not because of a large advertising budget. But because it is simply extraordinary.

The history behind the monastery

The Sint-Sixtus Abbey in Westvleteren has been brewing beer since 1838. The monks do not brew for money – they brew to finance their livelihood and enable their contemplative life.

This explains why Westvleteren is so difficult to obtain:

• It is brewed in strictly limited quantities
• Purchase only possible directly at the monastery – with a waiting list via telephone
• Maximum 2 crates per vehicle – once every 60 days
• No sales to large distributors – no Coop, no Denner, no Migros
• On the secondary market, a bottle costs up to CHF 50.–

What makes Westvleteren XII so special?

Style: Quadrupel / Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Alcohol: 10.2% ABV
Color: Deep mahogany brown, almost black
Brewery: Abdij Sint-Sixtus, Westvleteren, Belgium
Bottle: Characteristic – no label, only crown cap with date

Taste profile

With the first sip, a complex world opens up:

• Dark chocolate and cocoa
• Dried fruit – plums, dates, figs
• Caramel and honey – sweet, but not sticky
• Herbal spice – the Belgian yeast gives distinctive aromas
• Warmth – the alcohol comes gently, never aggressively
• The finish is long, complex and unforgettable

How to properly drink Westvleteren XII?

Westvleteren XII deserves respect. Here's how to get the most out of it:

• Temperature: 10–12°C – never ice-cold, never warm
• Glass: Chalice or tulip glass – never from the bottle
• Pouring: Slowly, slightly tilted, leave the yeast at the bottom of the bottle
• Rest: Take your time. Not a beer to chug – one to experience
• Shelf life: Can be stored for up to 5 years – it continues to develop over time

Food pairing

Westvleteren XII harmonizes wonderfully with:

• Strong cheeses: Gruyère AOP, Appenzeller extra, Belgian Chimay à la bière
• Braised meat: Roast beef, game dishes from Graubünden
• Dark chocolate from 70% – one of the best combinations ever
• Bündnerfleisch – a deliberately local recommendation from TheCrafts.ch

→ Buy Westvleteren XII now at TheCrafts.ch