Orval: Orval (Belgium: Belgium Ale (Trappist):6.2% ABV)
Visual: Hazy brown filtering down to a lighter amber with a massive frothy just off white head that’s rock steady.
Nose: Light peppered and mild hops, smooth, coriander. Very slight coffee, light ground orange peel.
Body: Pepper, wheat, dark bitterness, touch of lime and brown sugar. Malt chocolate. Chalky texture.
Finish: Dry hops, dry bitterness, dry chocolate, kinda dry.
Conclusion: The weakest of the trappist ales, so still a very decent beer. A lightly peppered wheaty ale, heavily flavoured throughout, but without a massive range. Bitter, and some subtle flavours make for a more earthy experience with just a hint of chocolate sweetness.
A very good earthy dark ale, it only seems weak when compared to other Trappist ales.
Alcohol And Aphorisms 
Yo A&A!
I tried this beer about a year ago and was very disappointed, but I suspect that the bottle which I purchased may have been quite old and not stored properly. I don’t remember my glass of Orval looking as delicious as the one in your photo. I’m going to have to try this one again!
Cheers!
G-LO
Sorry to hear ye got a bad bottle, Id imagine that, unlike most trappist stuff, Orval wouldn’t take to ageing well. As I say its probably the weakest trappist beer, but heck they turn out so much good stuff that s not much of a criticism.
I was quite chuffed with the photo on that one, I usually find the head goes down a tad whilst I fiddle with the camera, but that one was rock solid and didn’t move an inch.
Yes yes… your photo depicted one very pretty beer! I’ll give it a second try and report back on my findings.
I heard about Orval on a TV program called Three Sheets that aired about 1.5 years ago. They did a show in Brussels and actually went to the Abbey where Orval is made. Here’s the link:
It was a fun show while it lasted!
Cheers!
G-LO
Ach, the vids blocked for people outside USA! Anyway, look forwards to your report on trying the beer again, hope you find it more to your taste, or im guessing im getting the blame 🙂
No video??? That’s no fun! Try to track it down on DVD. It’s very entertaining! A show about drinking your way around the world. What’s not too love?
I’ll definitely pick up another bottle of Orval and try it again. And if it sucks… off with your head! 🙂