orval

[studentofbeer]

the next trappist installment for me, and it justs keeps staying awesome.

Orval trappist ale, 6.9% from their cute 11.2 oz. "bowling pin" or "vase" bottle.

it poured a slightly hazy lipton tea-like color into my ommegang goblet, with a huge blossoming soft head.

smells were apple at first, then cinammon, nutmeg, lime and lime rind, crab apple, sour candy and sour milk. a bit later im picking up mud, wild grass

thick mouthfeel with aggressive carbonation and tangy orange and salt on lemon flavors on the side of the tongue as well as deep bready and earthy hop bitterness. it's almost like two beers going on at once, an english ale and a lambic duking it out or perhaps laying down together.

Im not sure if there's a new king over westmalle tripel in my house, but the orval comes pretty close. as usual, the $4.99 price tag will make it a rare treat, but a treat nonetheless.

[Beaver]

I'd love to try some of this sometime. I don't recall seeing it around, but I haven't really been looking for it.

[steveh]

I saw this old stalwart on the shelves of the paint store this weekend and gave it a second thought -- passed for something else though. May have to go back...

I see that the Chimay selection is available in the smaller bottles too these days...

S.

[Payson]

Ahhh Orval. I had the pleasure of cracking into a few this past week. It's one of my all time favorites. Steveh, I love your neck of the woods. Chicago is great. Loved Rock Bottom and Goose Island.

[studentofbeer]

i think after drinking this beer i finally understand what beer writers mean when they describe "horse blankets" and "barnyard" tastes and odors. it's all in there. now that ive had it it makes me want to get an orval chalice too, they are so cool looking.

[Payson]

The epitome of the "horse blanket" can be found in some of the truer lambics as well. Have you tried Duvel? It's fantasic too!

[studentofbeer]

oh yes, im a duvel fanatic. it was actually the first belgian beer i ever had and it really took me to the next level of my interest in beer. now it's a semi regular purchase for me. i even bought a crazy duvel t-shirt off the ommegang website.

as for lambics, ive been meaning to spend some more time with the style. its a bit pricey but so interesting. sometime soon i will buy some cantillon and have my gf try it and see if it's a beer she can like.

[Payson]

The Cantillon is superb. My Girlfriend loves it. Sour as all get out but strangely addictive! Worth every penny!

[Herb Ninja]

Originally posted by Payson
The Cantillon is superb. My Girlfriend loves it. Sour as all get out but strangely addictive! Worth every penny!

Cantillion is awesome, but its not for everyone.

Get some Cantillion Gueuze, ohh that stuff is great and you'll get the horse blanket and everything.

I can't get Cantillion here. :( I can't wait till my next trip to Belgium, whenever that is. Peace, HN-

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by studentofbeer

smells were apple at first, then cinammon, nutmeg, lime and lime rind, crab apple, sour candy and sour milk. a bit later im picking up mud, wild grass

thick mouthfeel with aggressive carbonation and tangy orange and salt on lemon flavors on the side of the tongue as well as deep bready and earthy hop bitterness. it's almost like two beers going on at once, an english ale and a lambic duking it out or perhaps laying down together.



I'm drinking my first Orval as I type...I had a couple sips, then read your review; nice job, right on the money!
There is another fragrance and taste I just can't put my finger on...a bit of bubble gum, perhaps??
Key Lime pie in a bottle...while I agree with the thick mouthfeel, it leaves a crisp, dry finish.

This is like no other Belgian I have ever had; not nearly as sweet, and more citrus than spice....good stuff!!

[studentofbeer]

i love orval and i wish i could buy it more often, because i also think it's a great food beer--it can adapt to so many flavor combinations. just re-reading my notes and your new comments makes me want to rush out and get more!

[deanna]

Another Orval fan. Just starting to "tour" Belgian beers. Have discovered my paternal ancestors are from the same region as Orval and that prompted the interest.

Had it in my new Orval chalice. Great for the nose. Could not have described it like Student did, but it was unlike anything I've ever tasted. Bubbles more like champagne than any beer bubbles I know. Such complex and satisfying flavors. A great companion to my genealogy research too. I'm hooked.

I also recently tried Chimay red and liked it very much. Also tried two selections from Brasserie DuPont, the Saison and the Foret, a certified organic beer. The latter was fabulous. I have a bottle of Moinette awaiting tasting now.

http://www.belgianexperts.com/Dupont.php

http://www.brasserie-dupont.com