On July 2nd (07/02/06) we had a little side by side comparison of abts: <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/rochefort-trappistes-10/2360/">Rochefort 10</a>, <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/st-bernardus-abt-12/2530/">St. Bernardus 12</a> and <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer/westvleteren-abt-12/4934/">Westvleteren 12</a>. All three were very young, but the Rochefort stood out just above the Westy, and the St. Bernie came in a very honorable third.

A group photo before the bottles went down to my cellar.

Drinking the <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/Beer/westvleteren-blond/5971/">Blond</a> at In De Vrede, not bad stuff but the ambience was terrible...

At the entrance.

Café <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/Places/ShowPlace.asp?PlaceID=1705">In De Vrede</a> seen from behind.

Arriving at the entrance, slowly but surely.

I arrived at 9:20 after about 3 and a half hours of driving from Paris. There was already a line, but far from the <a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/belgianbeer/message/8129">horror</a> I thought I might experience.

Peeking out my window at the <a href="http://www.ratebeer.com/Brewers/westvleteren-abdij-st-sixtus/623/">abbey</a>. Despite the slightly cloudy skies, the temperature was pleasant and the fresh air of the Belgian countryside was very relaxing as I waited in line.