Belgium’s beer-brewing monks battle threat to their way of life

WEST FLANDERS, Belgium – The Abbey of St Sixtus has dealt with a lot in its almost 200-year history. But more recently, the catholic monastery in West Flanders – best known for its premium Belgian Westvleteren beers – has been confronting a double challenge.

The first is a thriving black market that has forced it to adapt its centuries-old business model, and a second, potentially greater existential hazard is the Trappist order running out of monks. 

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