Is Westvleteren Worth the Trip?

I haven't been to Westvleteren so can't comment on whether it's an enjoyable trip, but you can find the beer reasonably easily in Brussels if you just want to try the stuff.

 

If you really want to try it, maybe set-up an IP trade in Brussels. My understanding is that they don't always have all the beers available in the cafe.

 

Go to Bruges instead. That’s the call we made in 2012. Might be the coolest little walking town in the world. Cambrinus restaurant will meet all of your Westvleteren needs. They had plenty of 12, 8 and Blond. Not up on latest bottle shops but there were a couple that had Westy back then.

Watch the movie In Bruges. Quality flick.

Bruges also has De Halve Maan Brewery, which I enjoyed very much. Great tour.

Bruges hosts the Friet (French fry) Museum. Worthy.

EDIT. Just realized Bruges in opposite direction from Bastogne.

 

If you really just want to drink it, you should be able to find some in Brussels... the Cafe out at Westy is nice, but not a must-see destination like the Kulminator. Snag some in Brussels and spend some more time in Bastogne at Brasserie Lamborelle or in the foxholes in the Bois Jacques.... Prosit!!

 

Set up a trade in Brussels or buy it there and spent some time around Bastonge war musea or the breweries there .. Pm if you need some spots there...

 

Westvleteren itself is not a big deal, but the area is worth staying. Combining Westvleteren with De Dolle, De Struise, St. Bernardus and the war memorials should make an awesome trip. Mind the opening hours/days !

 

I have stayed in Poperinge for two days at a time for the last two summers running and cycled between all of the above - great fun and highly recommended.

Personally though I would not make the trip from Brussels for Westvleteren alone, and especially not with a two year old. It’s a long way and a big chunk out of your trip to visit, what is essentially, a cafe with a gift shop. If you really want to drink a Westy 12 you can do so, in Brussels, for 15 euros here: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Resta...iews-Au_Bon_Vieux_Temps-Brussels.html?m=19905

Enjoy.

 

Maybe a follow-up question should be if drinking a Westy 12 is worth 15 euros?

 

Prices are a bit lower now and you can find bottles more around €10-12. But indeed combining with a visit at De Struise makes it totally worth it!

 

I did it a few years ago and felt that it was, but with a caveat. They don't always have to-go bottles available for sale at In De Vrede. That's obviously one of the huge bonuses because you can buy a 6-pack for 20 Euros. When I arrived (a little before noon) they had a sign that said they had none available that day. However, they actually took the sign down and rolled some in at 1PM. Apparently they don't always do that as I've talked to people who missed out on to-go bottles. They do always have the 3 mainstays for on-premises consumption. The food is rather good, too.

As far as the area, it's pretty and you can wander the grounds near the Abbey if you like. De Struise and St. Bernardus are located in the same area as well.

 

If you are going to make the trek out there through the Flanders region make sure to take some time and stop by the Flanders American Cemetery in Waregem. Worth the side trip for some World War I history.

 

BenBreeg & the rest of the posters were spot on about the area. There are so many sites to see & great beer to drink in West Flanders & northern France. And the food, oh the food!!

I can't say enough good things about De Struise (Saturday only), Van Eecke (now Leroy Brewery) in Watou, (the Poperings Hommel is one of my all time favorite beers), Brasserie Thirez in Esquelbecq France, (rode a bike from Watou) & Het Brouwerhuis B&B, (Jackie is the greatest host ever!)

If you have the time, West & French Flanders are well worth a few days & Het Brouwerhuis makes a great base camp, (fridge always stocked w/ St.Bernardus beers!)...Have a nice trip, cheers