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jjayzzone · 07-02-2010, 06:11 PM

Have you tried this trappist beer, brewed in Monk monestaries in Belgium? Try Orval.....although $5 per bottle, i'm pretty sure you will be pleasantly surprised. I find myself buying one per week (liquor store), and I suggest you give it a try.

There are six authentic Trappist beers; Orval, Chimay, Westvleteron, Rochefort, Westmalle, and Achel.

I've tried the Orval and Rochefort-8. I couldn't handle the Rochefort at 9.2% and overwhelming in flavor, but I could see why this is a special beer. The Orval was the best beer that I have ever tasted. I have a bottle of Chimay and Westmalle in the fridge, ready to taste this weekend.

I would love to see people buy these beers and let me know what they think.

http://www.orval.be/an/FS_an.html

**IrregularPulse** · 07-02-2010, 06:18 PM

There are 7 True Trappist Breweries. The other being La Trappe (Koningshoeven). The 6 you listed are in Germany and La Trappe in The Netherlands. Orval too was my introduction to Belgians in general.
Of the trappist breweries, I've had Orval; Westmalle; Rochefort 6, 8 and 10; and Chimay, Red, White and Blue. I've not had La Trappe, Westvleteron, or Achel. The Westvleteron can only bed purchased from the monestary itself and a visitors center across the street from the monastery. Westvleteron makes a Blonde, 8, and 12 and are not labeled besides the necessary legal info on the cap. They're the only trappist brewery to not carry the Trappist logo, unless added by an importer for local laws.
Welcome to the style though. There are several beers labeled as Trappist Style as well that you should look into. Check the generic style of Belgian beers all together. A very unique region of beer for sure.

jjayzzone · 07-02-2010, 06:28 PM

I'm curious, do you know the proper serving temperature for this style of beer? Also, i'd be very thankful for any recommendations you can give me.....and thanks for the correction on the 7th Trappist beer. I have Chimay red ready to try.....

I live in Utah, so beer selection is scarce in grocery stores (3.2% ABV limit). The liquor stores carry a pretty good variety, but it's still fairly limited being that Utah is not a beer haven. There are some outstanding micro-breweries in SLC, though...

carnevoodoo · 07-02-2010, 06:57 PM

I'd serve it around 50 degrees. If you want, serve it cooler and note how it changes as it warms up. I'd also suggest getting a goblet if you're into these beers and want them in the proper glass. Orval glasses are pretty.

I'd also buy a few bottles of Orval and set them in a cool dark closet for a couple of years. It ages beautifully, and the brett characteristic comes through well.