Complete Beer Course Author Offers Alternatives to the Best Beers Not Available in NYC
The Rarity: Westvleteren 12
The Replacement: Brewery Ommegang Three Philosophers
The monks of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren make it tough to acquire their rich, dark fruit—drenched quadruple, which is regularly rated as one of the world’s best beers. Customers must call to make a reservation, provide their license-plate number and swear they will not re-sell the beer. (A small portion was sold stateside last year to fund the abbey’s restoration.) As an alternative, look to Brewery Ommegang’s Three Philosophers, which gets a slight fruity kick thanks to the addition of Liefmans Kriek.