The Abbey of Villers-devant-Orval, commonly known as Orval Abbey, is a Cistercian monastery located near the village of Florenville in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. It is situated in a picturesque valley within the Gaume region of Belgium, close to the borders with France and Luxembourg.
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Abbey of Villers-devant-Orval history
Orval Abbey was founded in 1132 by a group of monks from the Abbey of Trois-Fontaines, who were seeking a more secluded and contemplative lifestyle. Over the centuries, the abbey grew in importance and became renowned for its spiritual and intellectual contributions.
The abbey’s most iconic feature is its beautiful and distinctive brewery, which has produced the famous Orval Trappist beer since the 1930s. The beer is highly regarded and recognized worldwide for its unique flavor and quality. The brewery is still in operation today and remains an important source of income for the abbey.
The Abbey of Villers-devant-Orval complex also includes a church, cloisters, gardens, and various other buildings. The church, dedicated to Notre-Dame (Our Lady), is a blend of architectural styles, combining Romanesque and Gothic elements. It features intricate stained glass windows and impressive vaulted ceilings.
Orval Abbey has a rich history, but like many other religious institutions, it faced periods of destruction and rebuilding. It was heavily damaged during the French Revolution in the late 18th century and was subsequently left in ruins. However, in the early 20th century, restoration efforts began, and the abbey was rebuilt and expanded.
Today, Orval Abbey is an active monastery where a community of Cistercian monks lives according to the Rule of St. Benedict. The monks engage in prayer, contemplation, and manual labor, including the brewing of beer and the maintenance of the abbey grounds.
The abbey is open to visitors who can explore the surroundings, visit the brewery, and discover the rich history and spiritual heritage of Orval. The abbey’s tranquil setting, surrounded by forests and meadows, makes it a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims seeking a peaceful retreat.
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Beer weighing at Abbey of Villers-devant-Orval
Orval Abbey is famous for producing a unique and highly regarded beer known as Orval Trappist beer. The brewing tradition at Orval Abbey dates back to the early 20th century.
The production of Orval Trappist beer began in 1931 when the abbey decided to establish its own brewery. The purpose was to generate income to support the maintenance and restoration of the abbey, as well as to provide employment for the local community.
Orval Trappist beer is classified as a Belgian Trappist beer, which means it is brewed within the walls of a Trappist monastery under the supervision and responsibility of the monks. Trappist beers are known for their exceptional quality and adherence to traditional brewing methods.
Orval Trappist beer is unique in its style and flavor. It is classified as a Belgian Ale and is often described as a strong, complex, and aromatic beer. It has a distinct hoppy and fruity character, balanced by a slightly malty backbone. The beer undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, contributing to its effervescence and development of flavors over time.
One notable characteristic of Orval Trappist beer is its use of wild Brettanomyces yeast during fermentation. This yeast strain imparts a distinctive and evolving flavor profile to the beer, with hints of fruity, spicy, and earthy notes. As a result, Orval Trappist beer often matures and develops complex flavors over an extended period, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts.
Orval Trappist beer is available in distinctive 330 ml (11.2 oz) bottles, which feature a distinctive shape and a parchment label. The beer’s popularity has grown over the years, and it is now distributed and enjoyed worldwide.
It is worth noting that the production of Orval Trappist beer is closely tied to the monastery’s mission and purpose. The revenue generated from the beer sales supports the abbey’s monastic community, charitable activities, and the preservation of the abbey itself.
If you have the opportunity, tasting Orval Trappist beer can provide a unique and flavorful experience, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition that goes into its production.
The older, the more alcohol
Orval Trappist beer is known for its ability to evolve and develop complex flavors over time, including a slow increase in alcohol content. This unique characteristic is a result of the ongoing fermentation that takes place in the bottle.
When Orval Trappist beer is brewed, it undergoes primary fermentation, during which the yeast consumes sugars and converts them into alcohol and carbon dioxide. After the initial fermentation, the beer is bottled with a small amount of additional yeast and sugar. This allows for a secondary fermentation to occur within the bottle, often referred to as bottle conditioning.
During the secondary fermentation, the residual yeast in the bottle continues to ferment the remaining sugars, producing additional carbon dioxide and alcohol. This ongoing fermentation process contributes to the slow increase in alcohol content over time. It’s important to note that the rate of alcohol increase is typically minimal and may vary from batch to batch.
Additionally, the secondary fermentation in the bottle leads to the development of complex flavors and aromas in Orval Trappist beer. The presence of wild Brettanomyces yeast, as mentioned earlier, plays a significant role in this flavor development. As the beer ages, the flavors can evolve, with the yeast contributing earthy, fruity, and spicy notes.
It’s worth noting that while Orval Trappist beer can be aged and enjoyed as it develops, the optimal aging period can vary depending on personal preference. Some beer enthusiasts enjoy the beer when it is relatively young, while others prefer the flavors that develop over an extended aging period. Exploring the different stages of the beer’s maturation can be a fascinating experience for beer enthusiasts.
When consuming aged bottles of Orval Trappist beer, it’s important to handle them with care, as the continued fermentation can create pressure within the bottle. Cooling the beer before opening it slowly and with caution is recommended to prevent excessive foaming or gushing.
Overall, the slow increase in alcohol content and the maturation process of Orval Trappist beer contribute to its unique and sought-after qualities, making it a beloved choice for beer connoisseurs.
Abbey of Villers-devant-Orval, limited production
The production of Orval beer is carefully managed by the monks of Orval Abbey, and they have chosen to maintain a controlled level of production rather than expanding to meet higher demand.
The decision to limit production is rooted in the abbey’s commitment to preserving the monastic way of life and the contemplative atmosphere within the abbey walls. The monks prioritize their spiritual practices and maintain a balance between their duties within the abbey and the brewing operations.
By producing beer in limited quantities, the monks ensure that they can maintain the quality and craftsmanship associated with Orval Trappist beer. The process of brewing Orval beer requires meticulous attention to detail, and the monks are committed to upholding their traditional brewing methods.
No pictures policy
Abbey of Villers-devant-Orval has a policy that prohibits photography within the abbey premises, including the interior of the buildings and the brewery. This policy is in place to preserve the contemplative and serene atmosphere of the monastery and to respect the privacy of the monks who reside there.
The restriction on photography aligns with the abbey’s desire to maintain a tranquil and sacred environment that fosters reflection and spiritual contemplation. It allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience of being present in the abbey without distractions or disruptions caused by photography.
While visitors are not permitted to take photographs inside the abbey, they are often allowed to take pictures of the exterior, such as the abbey’s buildings, gardens, and surrounding landscape. It’s essential to respect any signage or instructions provided by the abbey staff or guides regarding photography restrictions.
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This article uses material from the Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florenville, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.