Trappist brew tops RateBeer poll

January 31, 2007: Westvleteren Abt 12 has been named the world's best beer by reviewers on the RateBeer website.

The announcement comes as the site celebrates having ticked up 1 million beer ratings from drinkers worldwide. Some 59,000 beers from 7,300 brewers were sampled.

Joe Tucker, RateBeer's president and executive director, believes RateBeer fulfills a common, universal need. "Suburban sprawl means that for the first time in a few thousand years people no longer have ease of access to community social centers like the pub.

"RateBeer is a place where busy grad students, new parents and people who simply don't want to risk driving can come together quickly and safely to share the day's pint over friendly discussion."

Westvleteren Abt 12 is made in a Belgian Trappist brewery. One RateBeer reviewer said of it: "What a beer, the best I´ve ever had. A redbrown beer with a huge and long lasting palebrown head. Aromas dominated by dried fruits especially prunes and plums ... Taste Is fantastic, thick flowing and fills the mouth with sweetness again taste of prunes and plums.

"Very long and warming finish. You don´t feel the alcohol at all. A very complex beer, where everything is very well balanced."

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