Orval is a bitter, golden trappist ale. Dry, zesty, flowery.
Orval is a Trappist beer hailing from the Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Orval in Belgium. It’s an intriguing and complex beverage that captivates the senses. With its rich history dating back centuries, this unique ale holds a special place among beer enthusiasts, thanks to its distinctive flavour profile and traditional brewing techniques.
One of the first things that sets Orval apart is its appearance. On the pour it presents a hazy amber hue, topped with a frothy, off-white head. Bubbles dance within the glass, hinting at the lively carbonation that awaits.
Upon taking the first sip, one is immediately greeted with a captivating mix of flavours. Orval is known for its dryness, with a mildly tart and subtly acidic character. The initial taste imparts a zesty citrus note, reminiscent of oranges and lemons, that is perfectly balanced by a delicate sweetness and a touch of caramel. As the beer settles on the palate, a pleasant earthiness emerges, complemented by a hint of spices and a mild bitterness. The flavour profile is intricate and multi-layered, making each sip an adventure in itself.
Orval’s aroma is equally intriguing. It exudes a captivating blend of fruity esters, clove-like phenols, and a distinctive Brettanomyces funk. This combination creates a unique bouquet that is simultaneously fruity, spicy, and earthy. The wild yeast strain used in fermentation contributes to the beer’s complex aroma and adds to its enigmatic charm.
Another notable aspect of Orval is its remarkable evolution over time. While enjoyable fresh, the beer truly shines when aged. The wild yeast continues to work its magic, subtly transforming the flavour profile and adding layers of complexity. As the beer matures, the tartness and bitterness mellow, giving way to more pronounced earthy and funky characteristics. It’s an experience worth savouring as the beer reveals new dimensions with age.
The mouthfeel of Orval is medium-bodied, with a lively carbonation that tingles the tongue and enhances the overall drinking experience. The dry finish leaves a pleasant lingering bitterness that beckons another sip.
It is worth mentioning that Orval is a beer that might not appeal to everyone’s taste preferences. Its unique flavour profile and wild fermentation can be an acquired taste. However, for those who appreciate complexity and enjoy exploring the boundaries of beer, Orval offers an unforgettable journey.
In conclusion, Orval is a masterpiece among Trappist beers, defying convention and embracing its distinctiveness. Its intriguing combination of flavours, captivating aroma, and evolving character make it a brew that commands respect. Whether enjoyed fresh or aged, Orval is an experience that lingers in the memory, leaving a lasting impression on any adventurous beer connoisseur.
6.2%
330ml bottle
Yes, the beers we sell are expensive. Why?
I’m proud to work with the best independent breweries for who making great beers is their guiding principle. I want to sell beer that the brewers have used their imagination and craft for, and chosen the best ingredients to make the best beers they can bursting with flavour and innovation.
99% of drinkers don’t have the palate to appreciate these beers. You’re here – we know you are more discerning than them. Well done for discovering Wee Beer Shop.
I don’t sell beers that are brewed using cheap ingredients to fit a low price strategy. For the breweries I work with it’s not about making cheap beer to sell to the masses. It’s about quality.
Prices are dictated by ingredients. If a supermarket asks a brewery to brew a beer to a cheap price point it inevitably means inferior ingredients and cheaper production processes. The beers I sell are more expensive because they cost more to make. The best and freshest ingredients that the breweries can find.
Most people are happy with bog standard beer. They’re happy drinking Carling or Heineken, and I don’t mind that. Each to their own. However, if you are in the top 1% (and growing) of drinkers who want to discover, understand and appreciate the craft, quality and value that the best independent breweries create then we are here for you.
I make choosing a beer easy, because all the beer I sell is made by the best breweries I can find.
Bottle delivery – I am currently trialing bottle deliveries for all mainland UK addresses.
Beer Delivery in Glasgow
- Delivery is to the following postcodes only – G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, G11, G12, G13, G14, G20, G21, G22, G23, G31, G32, G33, G34, G40, G41, G42, G43, G44, G45, G46, G51, G61, G62, G72, G73, G74, G75, G76, G77. Other G postcodes are covered by Mainland UK delivery.
- We can deliver both bottles and cans.
- Minimum order for delivery is £30.
- Delivery cost is a flat rate of £5. If you spend over £100 we will cover the shipping cost so its free to you.
- Orders will normally leave the shop at noon Tuesday – Friday, the day after you place your order, and we aim for delivery late morning/early afternoon that day. We can’t offer specific delivery times. Please arrange for someone to accept the delivery. If that’s not suitable please let us know when you place your order.
- We can deliver to an alternative address or on a different day if you let us know but we can’t leave alcohol unattended at your door or in your garden.
- Orders will only be delivered to an adult over the age of 18 years.
- Beer is not packaged in gift boxes. We’ve chosen to re-use and recycle boxes previously used by breweries for deliveries to minimise the environmental impact of what we do.
Delivery/Shipping (Mainland UK)
- Delivery is currently to the UK mainland only.
- We can deliver both bottles and cans.
- Minimum order for delivery is £30.
- Delivery cost is a flat rate of £9. If you spend over £100 we will cover the shipping cost so its free to you.
- Orders will leave the shop on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday at 12 noon for scheduled next day delivery with APC couriers. This is not a guaranteed next day delivery service but is completed for 99% of orders placed.In December the courier network is under great strain and deliveries may be delayed slightly. Please allow extra time for your delivery to be made.
- Please arrange for someone to be at home to receive the delivery. APC will arrange redelivery but its your responsibility to contact them to arrange. If you don’t do that the order will be returned to us and you will forfeit the delivery charge.
- Orders will only be delivered to an adult over the age of 18 years.
Click and Collect
We are delighted to offer a ‘click and collect’ service. Reserve those fuss beers and don’t miss out on the limited editions that keep hitting the shelves. Choose your beers, check out and pay, and your order will be available to collect from the shop during our opening hours Tuesday-Saturday noon-6pm.
If orders aren’t collected within a month we’ll refund you, and return the items to stock. If you’re not going to collect the order yourself then let us know who will, and remember that whoever collects your order must be over the age of 18.
