St. Bernardus Abt 12

St. Bernardus Abt 12, produced by Brouwerij St. Bernardus, is the pinnacle of the Belgian Quadrupel style with a 10.0% ABV. Utilizing the legendary original Westvleteren yeast strain, it greets the nose with an explosion of dark dried fruits—raisins, plums, and figs—layered with sweet notes of dark caramel and brown sugar. On the palate, it delivers a rich, velvety, and full-bodied experience where the decadent malt sweetness harmonizes perfectly with complex spicy esters of clove and pepper. Despite its potent alcohol content, the warmth is elegantly integrated, leading to a long, bittersweet finish with lingering fruit notes and a refined dryness akin to a vintage wine. It remains a definitive benchmark of brewing excellence.

St. Bernardus Abt 12 is a rich and complex Belgian Quadrupel, best enjoyed with exceptional food pairings. Here are two pairings that will enhance the beer's character even further. 1. Carbonade Flamande (Flemish Beef Stew): This classic Belgian stew pairs wonderfully with St. Bernardus Abt 12. The deep flavor of the beef, slow-cooked in beer, harmonizes with the beer's notes of caramel and brown sugar, creating a rich and satisfying experience. The beer's subtle spices and sweetness gently embrace the stew's savoriness, while the beer's long finish intensifies the stew's flavors. 2. Dates with Blue Cheese: The intense, pungent flavor of blue cheese and the sweetness of dates perfectly complement the complex flavors of St. Bernardus Abt 12. The sticky sweetness of the dates enhances the beer's aromas of raisins and dried figs, while the saltiness and moldy notes of the blue cheese balance the beer's malt sweetness. Additionally, the beer's nutty undertones deepen the complex taste of the blue cheese.