I am St. Bernardus Abt 12 — the crown jewel of our brewery, and some say, of all the Belgian dark ales.
Brewed since 1946 with the original Trappist recipe from Sint-Sixtus, I carry a lineage steeped in monastic mastery. My name, "Abt", marks the highest rank within the abbey — fitting, as I sit proudly atop the St. Bernardus hierarchy, accounting for over half of our production. Call me flagship, call me legend — but at heart, I’m a humble beer crafted with reverence, patience, and soul.
Dark and full-bodied, I pour with an ivory head and aromas that burst with ripe dark fruit, banana esters, and a whisper of spice — all thanks to our house yeast. On the palate, I unfold slowly: plums, raisins, and figs swirl with caramel malt, before giving way to a long, bittersweet finish. Despite my strength, I remain remarkably smooth, balanced, and drinkable — a gentle giant in a chalice.
Pair me with roasted game, blue cheese, or rich chocolate for a divine experience. I’m not just a beer — I’m a celebration of life, brewed to be sipped, savoured, and remembered.
• Brussels Beer Challenge - Bronze Medal 2022, Gold Medal 2018
• World Beer Awards - Gold Medal 2021, Bronze Medal 2020, Gold Medal 2019
• Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine - 90 Points
• "1,001 Beers You Must Taste Before You Die" Book by Adrian Tierney Jones - #12
The history of St. Bernardus, a former Trappist brewery, can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the Trappists fled to Watou, Belgium and started making cheese as a source of income. In 1930, the abbey was taken over by Evariste Deconinck, who later reached a 30-year agreement with a neighbouring abbey - the Sint-Sixtus Westvleteren - to brew and market his Trappist beers under licence. It was only in 1992 that the brewery started producing its beers under the St. Bernardus label that we know today, which features the iconic smiling monk holding a glass. Throughout its history, the brewery has been producing authentic and high-quality Belgian beers that are highly-respected by beer lovers and have gone on to win multiple awards over the years!
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