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Unlike all other Trappist breweries, Orval produces only one variety of beer for the general public, with just 15% of its total production available for export.
Contenido
General Information
Name: Orval
Brewery: Brasserie d’Orval
Origin: Florenville, Belgium
Beer Style: Belgian Ale
ABV: 6,2%
IBU: 32
Calories: 186
Glassware: Tulip, Chalice, Tumbler
Tasting Notes and Impressions
Orval is intensely aromatic and dry. Between the first and second fermentation, it undergoes an additional dry-hopping process, which gives the beer its pronounced hop aroma and extra-dry flavor.
1. Appearance
Dark golden with coppery tones and slight haze. The clarity reveals a lively carbonation with fine bubbles, topped by a whitish, medium-high foam that settles compactly yet lightly, with excellent retention and lacing.
2. Aroma
A diverse array of aromas unfolds: fruity notes of sour apple and citrus zest, followed by spicy, floral, earthy, leathery, and cheesy rind undertones. A subtle maltiness emerges in the middle, with traces of yeast in the background, all framed by esters that intensify toward the finish.
3. Flavor
The flavor develops gradually, combining sour, citrusy, herbal, earthy, leathery, and damp notes. A spicier accent emerges mid-palate, giving way to a soft maltiness with hints of caramel that support a medium but firm bitterness. The finish is markedly dry, extending into a fruity, herbal, and slightly minty aftertaste.
4. Mouthfeel
Medium body with a smooth structure. The effervescence evolves into a slight roughness on the tongue, with very low alcohol perception.
5. Overall Impression
Orval is a beer that defines itself. It embodies a tradition that combines centuries of history, a fantastic legend, and magnificent design to offer an always-unique experience. Each day brings a metamorphosis of its contents, leaving it to us to decide when to capture a moment in its evolution.
This is a multi-dimensional sensory experience that demands setting aside preconceptions, taking a pause, and allowing the expression of time to speak through the beer. Orval is an iconic product of a tradition that, with or without official titles, is undoubtedly a universal heritage of humanity.
Suggested Pairings
Orval is a highly versatile Belgian Ale when it comes to food pairings. Below are some recommendations that highlight and complement its complex aromas and flavors.
1. Main Courses
Roasted lamb with herbs complements Orval’s dry and spicy profile, balancing the richness of the meat with the beer’s carbonation and acidity.
2. Cheeses
The earthy and slightly spicy flavors of aged goat cheese pair exceptionally well with Orval’s earthy and spicy notes, ideally accompanied by nuts and honey.
3. Vegetarian Dishes
A French ratatouille pairs beautifully with Orval’s herbal and spicy notes, enhancing the flavors of Mediterranean vegetables.
4. Desserts
A homemade apple tart harmonizes perfectly with Orval’s fruity and spicy undertones, creating a delightful contrast between the tart’s sweetness and the beer’s dry finish.
