I’ve never met a monk, but I’d sure like to one day. They really seem to be some cool cats based solely on what they like to drink. I still remember the first time I found out they were responsible for one of my favorite things in life: Chartreuse (a green herbal liquor). I was shocked that such religious folks could be responsible for something as heavenly (pun intended) as it is. Orval is a beer made by monks as well. It is the only beer they make that is sold to the public. They make use of the proceeds from the sales to support their life’s work through the monastery. They also take a portion of it to donate to their surrounding community. See! I told you these guys were cool cats. With that said, the Orval is easily one of my favorite Trappist beers. As I previously mentioned, there are elements of this beer that just sets itself apart from the other six. For one, it’s a LOT more effervescent, which makes it surprisingly similar to a Saison. And second, it’s got the most unique flavor profile with its spicy clove and citrus components. It’s also about as dry as the Arizona desert, but that’s not enough to stop my mouth from wanting more. What makes this beer the most special for me, though, is its drinkability (damn I hate saying that word). At a relatively low ABV (6.9%), these beers go down very well, and they’re also in just about every liquor store I’ve visited. That means just about anyone can go out and find one of these beers. So why don’t you go get one (or three) and pass them out to people who know very little about beer. Share the story with them and I guarantee you they will quickly become a fan of the beer. And from there…well…they’re going to hate you for exposing them to a beer that will make them forget about the everyday lager or wheat beer they are used to drinking today. You may even convert another person to the world of craft beer. In other words…nice work!
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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Menahan Street Band
Brewery: Brasserie dOrval
Beer: Orval
Style: Belgian Ale
Location: Villers d.-Orval, Belgium
ABV: 6.9%
Rating: 96/100
Posted by Kelly on December 7, 2009 at 11:04 AM
Nice episode, man! You do a great job describing the brews!
Make a trip up here to Minneapolis and we can try all the Surly brews!
Keep it up!
Posted by thehopry on December 7, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Thank you Kelly, that’s very nice of you to say. And I’d love to try some more Surly. I had their 16 Grit on tap at The Map Room last time I was in Chicago. I’ve damn near thought about dropping $75 for a Darkeness, but that’s a little steep. Would also love to try 21st Amendment’s Monk’s Blood – heard that’s also available in MN. Thanks again and thank you for watching/interacting…
Posted by Kelly on December 8, 2009 at 9:19 PM
Mark, I replied about your New Glarus request. I’m heading to Wisconsin tomorrow, can pick you up Cran-bic, or whatever else New Glarus you want. Surly? Monks Blood?
Posted by thehopry on December 8, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Thank you Kelly. Will sync up with you offline.
Posted by Big Mike on January 27, 2010 at 5:04 PM
I almost picked up a bottle of this yesterday to try. I’m not real experienced with Belgians and I’ve never had anything made with Brett yeast. Do you think this would be a good starting point? When I hear people describe Brett as smelling like a “horse blanket” or “barn” it doesn’t sound very appealing.
I love your show and always look forward to your latest reviews.
Cheers!
Mike
Posted by Pretty Things Jack D’Or « THE HOPRY on August 31, 2010 at 8:20 AM
[...] beer, I am already seeing a great amount of lacing on the glass – much like you’d see from an Orval for example. The nose is spot on for a Saison. There is a good amount of spice that comes from the [...]
Posted by Nicholas Probst on November 10, 2010 at 10:43 PM
This is the best beer of all time…glad you mentioned its effervescence. Many thanks.