Trust me - it's really Westvleteren 12, the beer that “disappeared” from circulation when it was selected as the best beer in the world by readers of http://www.ratebeer.com/.
Not that it was easy to find, even in Belgium.
The Cafe de Vrede, across the lane from the St. Sixtus monastery, was closed for its annual autumn break, which seems usually to occur at the very same time that beer lovers gather in nearby Poperinge for the triennial hop festival. We biked past the venue, and as my old friend Barrie would say, paused to kiss the lock on the door before proceeding into town.
Arriving at the marvelous Hotel Palace in Poperinge, we found no Westvleteren at that estimable cafe; actually, it wasn't clear whether Guy had had any from the start, or whether his stock already was depleted by the time we checked on Saturday.
Cafe de la Paix? Fine food and a great beer selection, but no, not there, either.
Then on Sunday, in preparation for the parade, we dined at the Poussecafe, located just up Ieperstraat from the Palace, and the elusive Trappist elixir was right there, printed on the paper menu, in full view.
I asked the server, "do you really have this beer in stock?"
He shrugged and replied: "It wouldn't be listed if I didn't."
An incredible lunch followed, and the food was good, too, but I still prefer Rochefort 10, with Westvleteren a close second.
Later, comfortably seated along the parade route, I was introduced to a great new way to enjoy Poperings Hommelbier.
Pitch the lemons and limes, and go back to the basics.
More on the trip is coming. It's nice to be back home.
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