Orval

For whatever reason, the idea of simplicity and living a scaled back life constantly surfaces in my head. Owning less possesions, working less hours, commiting to less engagements, you name it and I am thinking about cutting back. For some, the idea of scaling down is thought of as loss, but for others, it can be a true joy to focus on those few things that really matter.

One such example of this simplistic approach is the trappist brewery Abbaye Notre Dame d'Orval in Belguim. They make only one beer for distribution, Orval. They sell 68,000 barrels (1 barrel equals 31 gallons) of this single enitity each year. They keep it simple, no complicated recipe or label or hype. As there brewmaster Jean Marie says "to make beer is simple...why make it so complicated."

I share about this breweries beer not soley because of their simplistic approach, but because of the beers genuine distinctness. Most people either love or hate it, but for me, I am excited every time I open a bottle. The beer gushes with effervesance (about twice the carbonation of most beers). A dry, floral hop bouquet fills your glass when the beer is young (some people have bottles 30 years old) and a dry/fruity/hay-like character developes when the beers begins to age. This experience is rounded out by a light toastiness, refreshing yeast spiciness, and a lingering bitterness. Sound complex, it always is. The reason for such a distinctness with this beer is that it is first dry hopped, and then bottled with a non-traditional yeast that continues to be active in the bottle. When young, the dry hop character dominates giving it a fresh floral feel, but as the beer ages the hops fade and the yeast begins to develope and change the unique makeup of this beer.

Should you try this beer? Without a doubt. Will you like this beer? I am not sure. However, it is worth the experience at least once. Especially, since the monks making it have figured out how to keep it simple and still developed something quite complex. Enjoy. bob