Orval Beer Review - The Unique, Belgian Trappist Beer

When Orval is clocked on the shelf, it really does stand out. So much so that one could recognise it blind-folded, by feel alone. Exclusively bottled in the distinctive shape of a skittle, the consumer will be bowled over by all 33cl of unique tasting beer. 

As legend goes, the widowed Mathilda of Canossa, Countess of Tuscany, accidentally dropped her wedding ring into a fountain many centuries ago. Following a prayer to the Lord, a magical trout appeared with the ring in its mouth. “Truly this place is a Val d’Or,” she exclaimed, meaning, “Golden Valley,” which is where the word Orval is derived. To show her gratitude, she made funds available to establish a monastery on the site. It’s here that the Orval brewery was started in 1931. The ring-bearing trout appears on the label of the bottles to this day.

Orval is a Belgian Trappist beer, and has been the only beer produced by this brewery since it was founded. The monks of Orval specifically started up the brewery to finance the reconstruction of the abbey.

As the first Trappist beer to be sold nationally in Belgium, it remains one of only 11 Trappist breweries to currently carry the Authentic Trappist Product (ATP) label. To be a Trappist beer, it must be produced in the immediate surroundings of its origins by monks or nuns, and profits must be used to support its own social welfare and building maintenance, or distributed to charities around the region.

Orval is produced at the Brasserie d’Orval within the walls of the Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Orval, in the Gaume region of Belgium. Dedication to delivering a quality product, and using the same manufacturing methods for the last 90 years has been key to its success. There are no plans to expand the brewery, and Orval is therefore deemed to have an illusive reputation due to its limited availability. This much-coveted beer cannot be bought by the crate in your local off-licence or supermarket.

This is in stark contrast to the likes of Juliper, probably Belgium’s most recognisable beer, which can be found in pubs, corner shops and even McDonalds. A Juliper review can be read here. For a slightly closer comparison to Orval, it would be worthwhile reading about Tripel Karmeliet. Another abbey beer putting greater merit on quality over quantity.

Orval is a high fermentation beer. Its ingredients include mineral water, malted ‘two-row’ spring barley, varieties of aromatic hops, the brewery’s own yeast and candi-syrup. Giving off a misty orange glow, topped with a cream-coloured froth, this 6.2% ABV beer should ideally be served between 12°C - 14°C in a typical Orval chalice. Although the chalice isn’t essential, it does perfectly showcase the beer in all its glory.

A malty but fruity taste, with prominence of herbal and peppery bitterness, makes the palate experience both sweetness and sourness. Being partially carbonated, it gives the mouth a playful fizz of CO₂.

Orval is best stored in a cool, dark room. Each bottle states the production and best before dates, to easily identify its age. The taste really does evolve at the 6 month point, as the yeasts consume all the remaining sugar, meaning the sweetness is then lost.

The skittled-shape of the bottle ensures the sediment remains at the bottom, however this can also be drunk and is full of vitamin B. As we know, vitamin B plays a vital role in maintaining good health and well-being. However, it’s probably only right to stop short of labelling Orval as an energy drink.

Orval recommends pairing with a walnut cheese, Iberico ham or quail and Ardennes pâté. If one prefers a sweet treat, replacing a traditional sweet wine with Orval in a sabayon will pleasantly surprise the taste buds. Even better when garnished with caramelised pineapple.

26th March 2023 brings Orval International Day. An annual celebration of Orval, with fans convening to celebrate this unique, one-of-a-kind and hugely respected beer. The very fact that this has been, and will likely only ever be, the one beer produced by the brewery, makes it a must for the beer-geek to one day experience. If the Orval chalice is included, all the better.

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Written by Andy Goldman, follow him @andygoldmancopy or by clicking here.

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