Orval

Brewed by Brasserie dOrval
Style: Belgian Ale
Florenville - Villers-d.-Orval, Belgium

A dark reddish beer with a decent sized off-white head. Smell and flavor of licorice. More acidic and spicey than most of the trappist style beers, so not my favorite because of that. Still, a classic, and very enjoyable. More hop character than I’m used to in a trappist too.

Carbonation is pretty hefty on this bottle. It exploded when the cap was pried off. But the heavenly belgian yeast aroma that came out of it was a nice way the bottle made up to me. I’m honestly happier with the nose than the taste. On the back end that "extra dry taste" is a bit off-putting to me. Just my palate.

I drank this from a bottle at the Abbey in Orval. This beer is very different from the other Trappists. Its lighter in color and almost fruity. TThe aroma is fruity, very distinct flavor of oranges and spice. The color is a deep orange that pours with a white head that sticks around. The great color and aroma are let down by its taste. It is very acidic and bland, it is the by the far the least of the Trappistes.

I know this is like sacrilegious, but I really don’t like this beer. Basically because of the acidity. I have acid reflux and certain belgian yeasts give off way too much acid and make these beers undrinkable. I can only take a couple swigs of this before it starts coming back up.

One of the most interesting beers I have ever tried. The bartender who served it described it as having "Barnyard flavours like you’ve never tasted before" and he was right in such a great way. Phenomenal beer, 100th beer I had tried and to be quite honest, the most interesting. Surpassed all my expectations.

330 ml. bottle. Bottled 23/09/2008. Best by 23/09/2013. 6.9% AVB. Pours a huge off white head which gradually deflates, over a slightly cloudy golden body......nose is floral hops, bit of cinnamon, orange, musty barnyard, livestock urine.......taste initially slight sweet malt then heavy hop roles in and leaves lingering bitterness....mouth feel is medium and carbonation low after the initial wave. Closer to an American "Strong Ale" than any other Belgian I have tasted.

The Orval taste isn’t for everyone but it’s unique and memorable, and goes great with pretty much every meal. Aside from that, this is a classic trappist - great foam, great blonde colour. Curious aroma and unique taste of fruity hops and grains. Give it a try and you’ll either be loving it or....not.

11.2 oz. bottle. Pours a hazy, deep effervescent, orange with a large, rocky, off-white head. Smells of musty fruit, spice, dusty yeast, hay, clove, and all around deliciousness. Highly carbonated with a very light but bone dry mouthfeel. Spicy, dusty, and a hint of alcohol on the palate. Very bizarre mouthfeel. There and gone in seconds. Truly a unique beer experience. A little clove, green apple, and a touch of citrus emerge as I continue to enjoy this fine beverage. I can certainly see why this beer is so highly debated. Very short finish. I would like to see how one of these ages and will certainly pick up a few at my next opportunity.