The world of craft beer has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity over the past few decades, with a vast array of styles and flavors emerging to tantalize the taste buds of beer enthusiasts. From the hoppy bitterness of IPAs to the rich, velvety smoothness of stouts, the diversity of beer is a true reflection of human ingenuity and creativity. But among the countless brews available, which one stands out as the highest rated beer in the world?
What Makes a Beer Truly Exceptional?
Before we delve into the specifics of the highest rated beer, it’s essential to understand the factors that contribute to a beer’s exceptional quality. Beer connoisseurs and critics often evaluate brews based on several key characteristics, including:
Appearance
The visual appeal of a beer can greatly impact the drinking experience. A beer’s color, clarity, and head retention can all contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Aroma
The aroma of a beer can be just as important as its flavor. A beer’s bouquet can range from floral and fruity to hoppy and malty, with the most complex brews often exhibiting a nuanced balance of aromas.
Flavor
The flavor of a beer is, of course, its most critical aspect. A great beer should have a balanced and harmonious flavor profile, with no single characteristic overpowering the others.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of a beer refers to its texture and body. A beer can range from light and crisp to rich and creamy, with the most exceptional brews often exhibiting a silky smoothness.
Overall Impression
A beer’s overall impression is a subjective evaluation of its quality and character. This can include factors such as its drinkability, complexity, and memorability.
The Highest Rated Beer in the World: Westvleteren 12
According to various beer rating platforms, including Beer Advocate and Untappd, the highest rated beer in the world is the Westvleteren 12, a Belgian quadrupel brewed by the Trappist monks of the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Vleteren, Belgium. This iconic brew has been consistently rated as one of the best beers in the world, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Beer Advocate and 4.4 out of 5 on Untappd.
A Brief History of Westvleteren 12
The Westvleteren 12 has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century, when the Trappist monks of the Saint Sixtus Abbey began brewing beer as a way to support their community. The brewery has remained relatively small, with production limited to just 60,000 cases per year. This scarcity, combined with the beer’s exceptional quality, has contributed to its cult-like following among beer enthusiasts.
The Brewing Process
The Westvleteren 12 is brewed using a combination of traditional and modern techniques. The beer is made with a blend of specialty malts, including Munich and caramel malts, which provide a rich, malty flavor. The beer is then hopped with a blend of Saaz and Hallertau hops, which add a subtle bitterness and aroma. The beer is fermented with a proprietary yeast strain, which contributes to its unique flavor and character.
Tasting Notes
The Westvleteren 12 is a complex and nuanced brew, with a rich, malty flavor and a subtle bitterness. The beer pours a deep, dark brown color, with a creamy head that retains well. The aroma is fruity and floral, with notes of raisins, figs, and chocolate. The flavor is equally complex, with notes of caramel, toffee, and dark fruit. The beer finishes with a smooth, creamy texture and a lingering aftertaste.
Other Highly Rated Beers
While the Westvleteren 12 is widely regarded as the highest rated beer in the world, there are several other brews that are highly regarded by beer enthusiasts. Some of these include:
- Pliny the Elder, a double IPA brewed by Russian River Brewing Company in California, USA. This beer is known for its balanced flavor and aroma, with notes of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit.
- Heady Topper, a double IPA brewed by The Alchemist in Vermont, USA. This beer is known for its complex flavor and aroma, with notes of citrus, pine, and floral hops.
Conclusion
The world of craft beer is a diverse and ever-evolving landscape, with new and exciting brews emerging all the time. While opinions may vary, the Westvleteren 12 is widely regarded as the highest rated beer in the world, with its complex flavor and aroma, rich history, and limited availability all contributing to its cult-like following. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, the Westvleteren 12 is a brew that is sure to impress.
| Beer | Rating (Beer Advocate) | Rating (Untappd) |
|---|---|---|
| Westvleteren 12 | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Pliny the Elder | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Heady Topper | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 |
Note: Ratings are subject to change and may vary depending on the source and time of year.
What is the highest rated beer in the world?
The highest rated beer in the world is Westvleteren 12, a Belgian quadrupel brewed by the Trappist monks of Saint Sixtus Abbey in Vleteren, Belgium. This beer has consistently been ranked as one of the best beers in the world by various beer rating platforms and organizations.
Westvleteren 12 is a dark, rich beer with a complex flavor profile that includes notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and spices. It has a thick, creamy head and a smooth, velvety texture that makes it a joy to drink. The beer is brewed using a combination of traditional and modern brewing techniques, and is aged for a minimum of 28 days to give it a unique and complex flavor profile.
What makes Westvleteren 12 so highly rated?
Westvleteren 12 is highly rated due to its complex and balanced flavor profile, which is achieved through a combination of traditional brewing techniques and high-quality ingredients. The beer is brewed using a combination of specialty malts, hops, and yeast, which gives it a unique and complex flavor profile that is both rich and refined.
In addition to its flavor profile, Westvleteren 12 is also highly rated due to its rarity and exclusivity. The beer is brewed in limited quantities, and is only available for purchase at the Saint Sixtus Abbey or through select retailers. This scarcity, combined with the beer’s high quality and complex flavor profile, has made it a highly sought-after beer among beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs.
How is Westvleteren 12 brewed?
Westvleteren 12 is brewed using a combination of traditional and modern brewing techniques. The brewing process begins with the selection of high-quality ingredients, including specialty malts, hops, and yeast. The ingredients are then combined and brewed in a large kettle, where they are heated and mixed to create a rich and complex wort.
The wort is then transferred to a fermentation tank, where it is fermented using a combination of traditional and modern yeast strains. The beer is fermented for a minimum of 28 days, which gives it a unique and complex flavor profile. After fermentation, the beer is aged for a minimum of 28 days, which allows the flavors to mature and develop.
What is the history of Westvleteren 12?
Westvleteren 12 has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 20th century. The beer was first brewed in the 1920s by the Trappist monks of Saint Sixtus Abbey, who were looking to create a beer that would be both delicious and profitable. The beer quickly gained popularity, and by the mid-20th century, it had become one of the most highly regarded beers in Belgium.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Westvleteren 12 gained international recognition, and it quickly became one of the most highly sought-after beers in the world. Today, the beer is still brewed by the Trappist monks of Saint Sixtus Abbey, who continue to use traditional brewing techniques and high-quality ingredients to create a beer that is both delicious and unique.
Where can I buy Westvleteren 12?
Westvleteren 12 is a highly sought-after beer, and it can be difficult to find. The beer is only available for purchase at the Saint Sixtus Abbey in Vleteren, Belgium, or through select retailers. The abbey has a strict policy of only selling the beer to individuals who visit the abbey in person, and it is not available for purchase online or through mail order.
However, some specialty beer retailers and online beer stores may carry Westvleteren 12, although it is often in short supply and can be quite expensive. Beer enthusiasts and connoisseurs may also be able to find the beer through online beer trading communities or through specialty beer clubs.
How much does Westvleteren 12 cost?
Westvleteren 12 is a highly sought-after beer, and it can be quite expensive. The price of the beer varies depending on the location and the retailer, but it is generally priced in the range of $10 to $20 per bottle. However, due to its rarity and exclusivity, the beer can often be found for much higher prices, sometimes upwards of $50 or $100 per bottle.
It’s worth noting that the price of Westvleteren 12 is not just due to its rarity and exclusivity, but also due to the high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques used to create the beer. The Trappist monks of Saint Sixtus Abbey are committed to using only the best ingredients and brewing techniques, which can drive up the cost of the beer.
Is Westvleteren 12 worth the hype?
Westvleteren 12 is widely regarded as one of the best beers in the world, and it is definitely worth trying for any beer enthusiast or connoisseur. The beer’s complex and balanced flavor profile, combined with its rarity and exclusivity, make it a truly unique and special beer.
However, whether or not Westvleteren 12 is worth the hype is ultimately a matter of personal opinion. Some people may find the beer to be overrated, while others may find it to be truly exceptional. Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not Westvleteren 12 is worth the hype is to try it for yourself and form your own opinion.