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Your first encounter with an Orval can be "different". I first had an Orval in Amsterdam in 2001 and was not impressed. I think it was the "horse" smell that put me off. I waited another 3 or 4 years before forcing another attempt. This time, I appreciated it much better. I agree it must not be too cold. I now really like this beer and consider it a unique and very enjoyable brew. I have also noted it can vary quite a bit between batches. I bought a case of it from realbeers.ie when it was their "beer of the month" intending to see how some of them might age. Unfortunately, my plan was doomed to fail; I couldn't stop drinking them!
Give this one another chance!

"bigears":1jxjqkyj wrote: Although I think I spotted Popperings Hommel somwehere recently.[/quote:1jxjqkyj]
I bought some in Redmond's a few weeks ago. They also do Piraat gift boxes.

I heard that they actually change the recipe slightly every year.

Needs to be drank from a trappist glass to truely appriciate the aroma and flavours, I do like it, but it sure packs a punch

Must say I have had Orval for firs time in last two months.. Have had three bottles since alli the Bierhaus of course and all most satisfactory. Sorry some of you did not like it. Would put it up there at the top with Belgium's best like Duvel etc.

I love Orval, and prefer it only slightly chilled and left open for a few minutes to release some of it's full carbonation. It's crafted using a Brettanomysis yeast to give it it's unique taste and I've heard the bottles yeast sediment is a great yeast to culture at home so as to create your own Orval equivalant, or indeed any other sour beer.

Is this beer available in the Bull and Castle?