Sponsored by Merchant du Vin, Orval Day returns March 21st at participating businesses.

The Abbey of Orval is located near Florenville, Belgium in the provence of Luxembourg. The present brewery was completed in 1929, at which time the skittle (pin)-shaped bottle and Orval chalice were introduced. (Brewery, bottle, and chalice were all designed by architect Henry Vaes.) In the middle ages, Orval was famous for producing its iron decoration as well as beer. The abbey was gutted by fire in 1252 & repaired, then was destroyed during the French Revolution.

image sourced from Merchant du Vin

Known as Orval Day, the third Saturday in March is known as an opportunity to gather with friends (and strangers) while sitting down and enjoying a classical glass of Orval Trappist Ale

Brewed to be the first Brett beer to arrive in the United States, Orval is a favorite of brewers and drinkers alike. Either for it’s sharp acidity or its dryness, there is no denying the joy that comes from enjoying this Trappist Ale. Also, this beer is the only one to be brewed at the Notre Dame d’Orval Monastery in Belgium. Either for its unique flavor or the history, Merchant du Vin chooses that third Saturday, to celebrate Orval and donate to a worthwhile charity. Welcome to Orval Day. 

For those curious, Merchant du Vin has continued their support of Safe Water Network, which aims to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in Ghana and India. With your purchase of a bottle of Orval, Merchant du Vin will donate $.50 of that charge to this organization. 

So obviously the next question is, where can I get a bottle of Orval, in the Pacific Northwest, during Orval Day? Funny you should ask.

Oregon

• Hood River - Pfriem Brewery & Tasting Room

• Portland - Beer

• Portland - Beer Mongers

• Portland - Belmont Station

• Portland - Concordia Alehouse

• Portland - Corkscrew Wine Bar

• Portland - Higgins

• Portland - McMenamins 23rd Ave Bottle Shop

• Portland - Pix Patisserie

• Portland - John's Marketplace

Washington

• Bellingham - The Temple Bar

• Burlington - Garden Path Fermentation

• Kenmore - Cozy Inn Tavern

• Lynnwood - Special Brews

• Mount Vernon - Trumpeter Public House

• Olympia - Three Magnets Brewing Co.

• Renton - All Things Wine

• Seattle - The Beer Junction

• Seattle - Brouwer's Cafe

• Seattle - Corner Spot

• Seattle - Downtown Spirits

• Seattle - No Anchor

• Seattle - The Shambles

• Seattle - Slow Boat Tavern

• Seattle - Teku Tavern

• Seattle - Toronado

• Seattle - The Watershed Pub & Kitchen

• Spokane - Rocket Market Bakery and Cafe

• Tacoma - The Red Hot

• Walla Walla - The Thief

For more information on Orval Day https://merchantduvin.com/orvalday.php, Merchant du Vin https://merchantduvin.com/, or Orval Trappist Ale https://merchantduvin.com/brew-orval-trappist-ale.php, visit https://merchantduvin.com/.