The Ultimate Beer Run

Today, I earned "wife of the year" status.  Amy and I traveled almost two hours (with the kids) to pick up two cases of beer for our hubbies.  Now, this isn't just any beer.  This is beer made by monks at the Trappist Abbey of Saint Sixtus of Westvleteren.  Amy called a few weeks back.  After hitting redial for a half an hour, she was able to order two cases...the limit.  She had to give her phone number and license plate.  She is not allowed to return for more beer with that license plate and phone number for the next 60 days.  We were required to be there today at 4:00 P.M.  This is serious beer making business.  

This brewery was founded in 1838, and all of the brewing is done by five monks. Since 1946, only 60,000 cases of beer are produced each year.  

Here are some shots of the brewery. 

Thomas spotted this field and thought we really needed to take some pictures while we waited.  He has quite the eye.  I think he'll be into photography one day.

When it is time to pick up your order, you had to pull around the side of the abbey.  You can't find a drive thru in Belgium...but of course they have a drive thru for beer.

The bottles do not have labels.  All of the necessary information can be found on the cap.

Here's Amy!  We are very proud of our purchase. :)  For two cases and the deposit for the crate and bottles, the total was 92 euros.  That better be some good beer!

On our way home, we stopped in Oostende to see the Belgian coast.  Here are the kids running around in the North Sea.  Pretty cool!  Literally!  I was FREEZING.  It will be more fun to visit here when it is warm.  But of course, the kids didn't care one bit!

And, here is the happy hubby holding the beer rated "Best Beer in the World!"  It wasn't long after this that he grabbed one of his new Westvleteren beer glasses and enjoyed his new beer.  This day was a total success!

Until next time,

Wendy