Brasserie D’Orval S.A. Orval Belgian Pale Ale at 6.9% ABV | 36 IBU (C$7.79 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 330 ml, packaged on 14-Oct-2014, best before 14-Oct-2019, acquired 16-Oct-2015, reviewed 9-Jul-2018)
Appearance: clear pale amber with two fat fingers of rocky ivory head, excellent retention and heavy soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: dry horseblankety funk, citrus, clove, caramel, floral. (9/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, mild funk. (9/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, dry mild bitter and funky finish. (4/5)
I cellared this one for nearly three years, mainly to see what would happen to the Brett – and, oh yeah, it came out to play in all aspects. Appearance-wise, the bottle nearly overflowed upon decapping, and the rocky ivory head continues to retain despite fairly loud effervescence. The aroma is dominated by a dry hay funk, and on the tongue it’s highly attenuated with a bone dry, slightly astringent funky finish. This is a masterful Trappist, excellent when fresh, but also well worth the effort of cellaring. (18/20)
9/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
