BEER REVIEW: ABBAYE NOTRE-DAME D’ORVAL – ORVAL TRAPPIST ALE – FLORENVILLE, BELGIUM

Upon my initial encounter with Orval Trappist Ale during the early 1990s, I had already developed a refined taste for the typical flavor profiles of Trappist beers over the course of a decade. As a result, I was taken aback by the distinctive scent and flavor that set Orval apart from its monastic counterparts. Given my previous familiarity with the unique traits of Brettanomyces in Lambic beers, I was immediately delighted by Orval’s departure from the norm.

HISTORY

Numerous websites have recounted the fabled tale behind the creation of the logo. Here, I present a condensed retelling: During the 11th century, Countess Matilde of Tuscany embarked on a visit to the Gaume valley, now home to a modern-day monastery in Belgium. As a sorrowful widow wandering through the meadows, she found herself at a lake (some sources argue it was a fountain) where she took a moment to contemplate. Unintentionally, her cherished wedding ring slipped from her finger and plunged into the water. In a fervent plea, she beseeched the Lord for its return. To her astonishment, a miraculous occurrence unfolded before her very eyes — a trout emerged from the depths, clutching her precious wedding ring in its mouth. Overwhelmed by this extraordinary event, the Countess exclaimed, “Truly this place is a Val d’Or!” (Val d’Or – Golden Valley). In an expression of gratitude towards the Lord, she proclaimed her intention to establish a monastery at that very location.

ABOUT THE BEER

While Orval is classified as an authentic Trappist ale, it stands out from the more familiar Trappist beer styles such as Single, Dubbel, Tripel, and Quadrupel. Due to this distinctive nature, we have categorized it as “Trappist – Other” on our Belgian Beer Styles page. Another noteworthy aspect is that Orval is brewed using two noble hops, namely Hallertau and Styrian Goldings, and it undergoes whole-cone dry hopping with Styrian Goldings. Additionally, it employs “wild yeasts of the area,” including Brettanomyces, during fermentation. As time progresses, Orval gradually develops an array of complex flavors.

Additionally, within the Trappist beer community, the abbey has hired the sole female brewmaster, Anne-Françoise Pypaert, to oversee operations within the brewery. Ever since she assumed the role in 2014, there has been a noticeable enhancement in the quality of the beer, according to numerous individuals. It is often argued that women possess superior sensory evaluation abilities compared to men. It never fails to astonish me when my wife detects intriguing aromas in both beer and food.

Orval Trappist ale is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional qualities, making it a true delight to savor. In fact, enthusiasts have designated a special occasion known as “Orval Day,” when people come together at various establishments including restaurants, pubs, cafes, and taverns to honor this esteemed beverage by raising their glasses in unison. This tradition is a testament to the widespread admiration for the exquisite essence of Orval Trappist ale.

Santé!
Gordon A. Ponce
CEO – Beer Review Journal
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