Orval: A Legendary Belgian Bier
Celebrate National Orval Day at Lowlands!
When it comes to Belgian bier, few are as iconic or as beloved as Orval. Brewed at the Orval Abbey, this Trappist beer is a perfect blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and legend. As part of our dedication to championing the finest Belgian biers, it holds a special place in our hearts. With its distinctive taste, unique brewing process, and a legend that transcends centuries, this iconic bier continues to be a bier that is as fascinating as it is delicious.
The Unique Yeast: Brettanomyces
What truly sets Orval apart from other Belgian biers is its use of Brettanomyces, also known as “Brett”, a wild living yeast that’s often referred to as the “funky” yeast. Unlike traditional brewing yeasts, which typically produce clean, predictable flavors, Brett is known for its unpredictable and complex fermentation properties. In this particular bier, it creates a brew that evolves over time, offering a rich, earthy, and slightly tart profile, which is one of the reasons why Orval is so revered by bier aficionados. A fresh bottle showcases its hops with a clear bitterness and a slight fruitiness, but with time, the Brettanomyces yeast takes over, contributing a depth of complexity and a subtle sourness that truly makes Orval a bier that’s worth aging.
The Legend of Princess Matilde, the Ring, and the Trout
Orval is not only known for its innovative brewing techniques but also for the legend that surrounds its name. The story goes that Princess Matilde, the daughter of a French king, was walking near a pond in the Belgian Ardennes when she became thirsty. As she gazed into the water, her ring fell in. She prayed for its return and magically, a trout appeared with the golden circle in its mouth.
This event led Matilde to believe that it was a divine sign, and she decided to build a monastery at that very spot. The monastery was named after the golden ring and the valley it sat in, with “Orval” deriving from the old French words for “golden valley.”
The symbol of the trout carrying the ring is featured prominently on Orval’s label, a constant reminder of the legend that connects the bier to its origin. This legend gives Orval a certain mystique, making it not just a bier, but a drink steeped in folklore that’s passed down through the ages.
Lowlands Group and Its Passion for Belgian Bier
At Lowlands Group, there’s a deep love for Belgian bier, and Orval stands at the forefront of this passion. We’ve always been dedicated to offering the finest Belgian biers to our guests. Orval, with its centuries-old brewing history and its intricate use of Brettanomyces yeast, perfectly encapsulates the essence of what makes Belgian bier so extraordinary.
An Ode to Oud Orval: Exclusively at Café Benelux
One of the most unique aspects of Orval is its ability to evolve over time. As mentioned earlier, the use of Brett ensures that Orval becomes even more complex as it ages. For those who truly appreciate the beauty of aged bier, there’s a special treat: aged Orval can only be enjoyed at Café Benelux. This exclusive offering allows bier lovers to experience Orval in its most refined and mature state.
Celebrating Trappist Bier
Orval is a must-try for bier drinkers old and new, and its place in our lineup of grand cafés underlines our commitment to offering only the best Belgian bier has to offer. And for the true aficionados: Don’t miss the opportunity to taste it aged; available exclusively at Café Benelux. There, you can savor the bier at its peak, experiencing it the way it was meant to be enjoyed—deep, complex, and steeped in legend. Cheers to Orval, a bier that’s as legendary as the stories it holds!