Orval: why does this beer change in the bottle?
Young, hoppy and lively; older, dry, complex and slightly tart: Orval really does continue to change after bottling.
A beer that does not stand still
Orval leaves the brewery only after several weeks of conditioning, bottle refermentation and checks. Yet its flavour story does not end there. The yeasts in the bottle slowly continue their work, transforming the beer's profile.
Young, fresh and hoppy
When young, Orval displays a fresh hop bouquet, fruity notes and assertive bitterness. The head may seem less firm, and a slight haze is possible. This is the beer's liveliest side, appreciated for its aromatic energy.
With time, a different Orval
After several months, the bitterness mellows, yeast and caramel notes become more apparent and a little acidity may grow more noticeable. The beer becomes drier and more complex. This is not an automatic improvement: it is a change, and different drinkers have different preferences.
Storing and serving it well
The brewery recommends keeping bottles away from light, between 10 and 15°C, and serving the beer in the genuine Orval glass. The sediment can be tasted separately. Comparing two bottling dates side by side is probably the best way to understand why Orval is so fascinating.
