Is Westvleteren Worth the Trip?

Discussion in 'Belgium' started by CaineHackmanTheory, Jul 18, 2018.

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  1. CaineHackmanTheory

    CaineHackmanTheory Initiate (0) Oct 17, 2017 Canada (AB)

    My wife and I are visiting Belgium in October. We are staying in Brussels for two nights, and somewhere near Bastogne the last two nights (we still haven't picked the location yet). I really want to try Westvleteren, so is it worth the trip out to the cafe? The trip from Brussels, to Westvleteren and back to around Bastogne will be an entire day (not to mention we will have our two year old son with us).
     
  2. Dave_S

    Dave_S Crusader (429) May 18, 2017 England

    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.
     
  3. Jwale73

    Jwale73 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,966) Aug 15, 2007 Rhode Island
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    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.
     
  4. omlooper

    omlooper Initiate (0) Apr 25, 2008 Missouri

    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.
     
  5. Bierman9

    Bierman9 Grand Pooh-Bah (5,313) Dec 20, 2001 New Hampshire
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    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!!
     
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  6. Stevenwings

    Stevenwings Initiate (0) Jan 15, 2014 Belgium

    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...
     
  7. HopBelT

    HopBelT Grand Pooh-Bah (3,619) Mar 18, 2014 Belgium
    In Memoriam Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    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 !
     
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  8. MrDell

    MrDell Initiate (0) Nov 20, 2014 Switzerland

    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.
     
  9. PapaGoose03

    PapaGoose03 Grand High Pooh-Bah (6,057) May 30, 2005 Michigan
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah

    Maybe a follow-up question should be if drinking a Westy 12 is worth 15 euros? :astonished::astonished::astonished:
     
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  10. tguyo

    tguyo Initiate (144) Feb 9, 2016 Netherlands
    Trader

    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!
     
  11. Domingo

    Domingo Grand Pooh-Bah (4,252) Apr 23, 2005 Colorado
    Pooh-Bah

    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.
     
  12. BestCO

    BestCO Initiate (0) Apr 17, 2018 Colorado

    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.
     
  13. barrybeerdog

    barrybeerdog Pundit (941) Aug 17, 2012 South Dakota

    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
     
    #13 barrybeerdog, Aug 16, 2018
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2018
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