If you are a fan of Belgian beers, then you might have heard of Orval Belgian Beer. It is a 6.2 percent Trappist ale from Belgium that has been around since the 1920s. This beer is known for its unique, almost bowling-pin shaped bottle and simple label. In this review, I'll be taking a closer look at this beer and sharing my thoughts on its taste, aroma, and overall experience.
First of all, let me tell you about the bottle. The simple label on the bottle makes it a bit difficult to get a clear picture of the beer, but it looks classy and traditional. The beer itself is a hazy, burnt orange colour and has a nice, thick foamy white head. It's bottle conditioned, so I was expecting some yeasty goodness, but I didn't see much in the way of carbonation.
When it comes to the aroma, this beer is undeniably Belgian. It has a sweet, bubble gum, synthetic candy store, banana-like scent with a bit of a weiss-beer lemon, coriander seed twang to it. There is also a hint of herbal liqueur, like Jägermeister, which I wasn't expecting but smells good nonetheless.
When it comes to taste, I was pleasantly surprised. The first and second sip of this beer was very nice and full of flavour. The beer delivers an authentic Belgian Trappist experience, with bits of spice, citrus, and sweet confectionery. The mouthfeel is decent and reasonable, but not exceptional. The flavours are present and interesting, but nothing is standing out and taking me on an unexpected journey. The body of the beer is relatively light for a Belgian Trappist beer, making it a great choice for a summer drink.
In conclusion, Orval Belgian Beer is a very nice beer that delivers an authentic Belgian Trappist experience. It's not doing anything extra, but it's still a delightful beer. If you are a fan of Belgian beers, then you should definitely give Orval a try. The beer's light body, slightly spritzy nature, and full flavour make it a great choice for a summer drink. Cheers!
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