Since my first Trappist beer, I have been fascinated by the quality and complexity of them. Brewed within the walls of one of seven monasteries, they are a very sought after and often pricey beer. At my trip to the local beer store, I met a salesperson with an incredible knowledge of beer who recommended the Orval to me. It was certainly an excellent choice.
First of all, Orval is a bottle-conditioned beer and changes character dramatically over time. From what I've heard, its always just as good up until the end of its shelf life, 5 years down the road. My Orval was bottled on May 20th, 2011, which puts it just over 10 months young.
The Orval hit me before the cap was off as the first breath of air it let out hit my nose immediately with fruits, herbs, spices, hops, malts, and just about everything good blended to an aromatic perfection. Really, the smell is brilliant but that's just the start! The taste is just as complex and well balanced. The presiding flavors are bread, some yeast, and fantastic hoppiness. The most prominent supporting note to me was certainly green apples, joined with a pleasant myriad of spices, pepper, and sweet molasses notes.
If you like Belgian pale ales, this one will take you to a whole new world of flavors. Overall, I'd give it a 96, certainly an A+ in my gradebook.
-When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Then sell your product and use the money to buy a good beer.
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