What is ORVAL beer? Taste and characteristics [actual taste review]

ORVAL(オルヴァル)ビールとは?味・特徴【実飲レビュー】
Yoko, a European beer lover

ORVALis brewed in a monastery in the south of Belgium.Trappist beerOne of.

Three-stage fermentationBorn fromUnique complex aroma and refreshing acidityIts features are:

It has a delicate yet powerful flavor, and is a beer that has a strong following among beer lovers.

Links within the article

What is Trappist beer?
Three-stage fermentationWhat is it?

ORVAL(オルヴァル)ってこんなビール
What kind of beer is ORVAL?
Author: Myako

The first thing that surprised me when I took a sip of this beer was,Fruity and spicy aromaand,Lightly balanced acidity.

It foams very wellWhen poured into a glass, just the sight of it will make your heart flutter!

The overlapping of fermentation,Complex aroma and flavorIt's a beer that produces new flavors and there's something new to discover every time you drink it.

This is a drink that you'll want to savor slowly and carefully, with an addictive personality.

Recommendation level: ★★★★(5/5)

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Basic information about ORVAL

ORVAL ビール
source:Beer Lovers
Types of beerTrappist Special Ale
Alcohol content6.2%
country of originBelgium
Release year1931
colorOrange amber
TasteFruity, spicy, dry & sour
FeaturesDeep aroma and refreshing, complex flavor achieved through triple fermentation

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What is Trappist beer?

ORVAL is one of the rare beers in the world that has been certified as a "Trappist beer".

First of all, what is a "Trappist"?

What is a Trappist?Refers to monks and monks belonging to the Catholic monastic order "Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance".

The order is characterized by a strict lifestyle that emphasizes prayer, work and self-discipline, and is also famous for producing beer and cheese known as "monastic products."

Trappist monasteries can be found all over the world, but those particularly known for brewing Trappist beer are mainly concentrated in Europe, such as Belgium and the Netherlands.

To claim that name,Because strict conditions must be met, there are very few "Trappist beers" in the world.

The three principles of "Trappist beer"

To be certified as a Trappist beer, a beer must meet three criteria:

  1. Must be brewed in or near a monastery

  2. Produced under the supervision of monks

  3. Profits are used for the running of the monastery and charitable activities
Author: Myako

ORVAL also adheres to these standards and continues to brew beer with a sincere attitude.

What is triple fermentation and is it just for this beer?

What is "three-stage fermentation"?Orval's unique method of fermenting beer in three stagesThis is a special method that is different from regular beer brewing.The key to Orval's complex and ever-changing flavorsIt is as follows.

What is the three-stage fermentation?

Normally, beer is brewed in two stages: primary fermentation and maturation (secondary fermentation).Three-stage fermentation process including bottle fermentationin,More complex and deeper flavourWe are making...

The three-stage fermentation process for ORVAL beer is as follows:

STEP
Main fermentation (primary fermentation)

Like regular ale beer, it is first fermented in a tank using top-fermenting yeast (ale yeast), at which point alcohol is produced.

STEP
Secondary fermentation before bottling

For beer that has reached the end of its fermentation stageBrettanomyces yeast(so-called "wild yeast") is added to the beer.Unique sourness, fruity aroma, dry aftertastewill be added.

STEP
Bottle aging and re-fermentation (tertiary fermentation)

It is then slowly fermented and aged again in the bottle.The taste becomes mellowerIt can also be enjoyed as an aged beer.

ORVALのきめ細かくクリーミーな泡
Carbon dioxide naturally produced during the three-stage fermentation process
Produces a fine, creamy foam

Is this manufacturing method unique to Orval?

Trappist beer has a clear three-stage fermentation process.Currently only OrvalIt is said that...

Especially before bottling.Yeast is intentionally added to promote further bottle maturation.This technique is rarely seen in other Trappist beers.
This is why Orval tastes like no other beer.One of a kindIt has been loved by fans for many years.

The story behind the birth of ORVAL

ORVAL(オルヴァル)の昔の写真
Old photos of ORVAL
source:Official website

At Orval Abbey,In fact, beer has been brewed since the Middle Ages.It is believed that this history can be seen in the place names "hop fields" and descriptions of brewing equipment in old records.

In this region, where it is difficult to grow grapes, beer was consumed daily as a nutritional source, like "liquid bread."

In 1529, in order to rebuild the monastery after the war, Emperor Charles V gave permission for the monastery to operate a foundry (a metalworking factory), and the monastery began to establish its economic independence.

But then,The monastery has been in ruins for a long time.To.

Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, as reconstruction began,A brewery was established in 1931 as a new source of income.It was done.
Unlike bread or cheese making,Ordinary craftsmen were employedIts characteristic is that.

The first head brewer was Martin Pappenheimer, a German, and the Belgian staff who worked with him established the current style of Orval Beer.

They are very innovative.British methodThey attempted something unusual at the time, such as combining techniques such as dry hopping and infusion.A unique taste with a distinctive hop aroma and yeast character.was born.

The meaning behind the ORVAL label

ORVAL(オルヴァル)のラベル
ORVAL label

The Orval label shows:A striking symbol of a fish holding a ringThis is the origin of the monastery's name.Medieval legendsIt is named after.

Long ago, a countess lived here with great respect.I dropped my wedding ring in the springIt is said that when she prayed,A fish emerged from the fountain with a ring in its mouthThat is it.

The Countess was so moved by the miracle that she called this place "Val d'Or (Golden Valley)He named the monastery "Orval" after the "Golden Valley" in the legend.

Author: Myako

The story told on the label isThe mysterious and profound taste of Orval beerIt also overlaps with.

When did this label design come about?

The Orval label (design of a fish holding a ring)Early 1930s,When the current Orval Beer was bornIt was made in.

Made by the brewing team at the timeUnique beer characterIn order to convey thisMiracle LegendSo the visual identity based on this was adopted.

Yoko, a European beer lover

The label, bottle shape, and special glass design were all finalized during this period.It is still in use today after more than 90 years.Because,The unique charm of OrvalThat's right!

ORVAL's popularity in Japan and how to get it

In Japan, the same Trappist beer is still available.ChimayAlthough not as common,A firm favourite among beer connoisseurs and craft beer fans.

Its unique aroma, sourness, and deep flavor from the triple fermentation process make it an unforgettable beer for beer connoisseurs. It is especially popular among those who enjoy craft beer and natural yeast beers.

Orval alsoThe taste changes with ageIt is also known as a beer that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and one popular way to enjoy it is to compare the taste of "Young Orval" and "Aged Orval."

Author: Myako

The price is roughly 600 yen per bottle, and they are often only available in limited quantities, soIf you find it, I recommend you get it right away.is!

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How to enjoy and pair with ORVAL

ORVAL(オルヴァル)のラベル裏側
Back of the ORVAL label

ORVAL is theComplex and changing flavoursfromThere are some tips on how to taste itAlso, unlike other Trappist beers,Prominent acidity and drynessTherefore, it also has a unique pairing with food.

Below, we will introduce recommended ways to drink and pair with this drink.

How to enjoy ORVAL

Drinking temperature

The optimum temperature is12-14℃.

If it is cooled too much, the aroma will close.A little higher temperatureis best.
It tastes best if you take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before drinking.

glass

Orval has its own goblet-shaped glass. Its wide mouth allows the aroma to rise softly,
You can fully enjoy the citrus aroma and the scent derived from wild yeast.

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Taste changes over time

Due to the nature of the brewing process,The flavor changes as the wine ages in the bottle..

  • Young beerteeth…
    Refreshing and with a pronounced hop bitterness

  • Several years passand…
    The acidity becomes mellow and the aroma becomes more complex.
Author: Myako

If it's stored properly, it can still be enjoyed deliciously even after several years!

Food pairings that go well with ORVAL

theRefreshing acidity and dry aftertasteORVAL is characterized by:Great with oily and strong-flavored foodsis.

Food that goes well with

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categoryCooking name/ingredientspoint
CheeseWhite mold cheese (Brie, Camembert)The yeast aroma and milky richness go perfectly together
Matured cheese (Mont d'Or, Chimay)The aged aroma and the sourness and bitterness of Orval are in harmony.
Fish dishesSmoked salmonThe dry, firm flavor brings out the aroma of smoked food.
SeafoodSteamed mussels in white wineThe delicious flavor of shellfish and the refreshing acidity of citrus fruits combine together
Meat dishesBacon or ham (lightly salted)The bitterness of the hops helps to wash away the saltiness and greasiness.
Fried foodFrench fries (Belgian fries)The richness of the frying oil is perfectly matched with the dry and refreshing taste.
Light appetizersPickles, olives, etc.Creates a perfect balance with sour and salty appetizers

Tips for drinking

Immediately after removing the cork,Don't pour all at once, pour in two portions.It creates a rich lather, so pour slowly.

・It is up to you whether or not you add the remaining yeast sediment at the end. Adding it will make the flavor mellower, not adding it will make the flavor sharper.

summary

ORVAL is made in the Orval Abbey in southern Belgium.A unique Trappist beer that is one of a kind in the worldis.

  • Our unique "three-stage fermentation"Refreshing acidity and complex aromaIs attractive
  • Unique British-style brewing techniques (dry hopping, etc.)
  • One year, two yearsThe taste changes with ageSo it's fun to compare the tastes.
  • Pair it with cheese, smoked dishes, or seafood for even more enjoyment.

ORVAL was born from the fusion of monk tradition and modern technology.It's not just beer, it's an experience.

It's a sophisticated and deep drink that you'll discover something new every time you drink it, so please take your time to savor it.

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