Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Orval Trappist Ale



Orval Trappist Ale
Serving Type: 11.2 oz. bottle, poured into a tulip glass
Orval is one of seven Trappist breweries in the world. Six reside in Belgium, the seventh in the Netherlands. Trappist breweries are run by monks with the aim of supporting the monestary through the proceeds of the sale of beer. All Trappist brewers are considered world-class, and Orval is far from the exception. 
Orval pours with a large, but light fluffy head that sits above the rim of the glass like a cloud. It’s got incredible staying power, and leaves fine lacing down the entire glass. The character of this Trappist ale is unique, with bright fruit and floral flavors, including citrus hints. There are also complex spice undertones and a unique yeast must component. 
The ale has an interesting sweetness to it, almost like a white wine or champagne. The flavor, is, at times, reminiscent of a Lambic gueuze. The flavor is balanced out by a strong bittering in the foam. The predominant hop character of Orval is the result of a process of dry hopping, rare among Trappist ales. 

No comments:

Post a Comment

Advertisement