Overwhelmed Belgian monks enter internet age to sell prized beer

Glasses with Belgian Trappist beer Westvleteren are seen at Sint-Sixtus abbey in Westvleteren, Belgium June 14, 2019. REUTERS/Yves Herman

WESTVLETEREN, Belgium (Reuters) - Belgian Trappist monks who brew one of the world's most coveted beers are turning to online sales to ensure their limited supply goes directly to beer lovers rather than to profiteers.

The Saint-Sixtus abbey, home to 19 monks, has been brewing since 1839 and selling to the public since 1878, but with limited production and controlled sales to ensure brewing never takes over monastic life or earns more than needed.