Leffe
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- This article is about Leffe, the beer brand. For the village, see Leffe, Italy.
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Leffe is a Belgian brand of Abbey beer. Their beers are regarded by many as the premium examples of fine sophisticated ale. However, those beverages are now brewed in great quantity.
History
The Abbey Notre Dame de Leffe was founded in 1152 on the Meuse River in the province of Namur in southern Belgium. Like many monasteries across Europe, the monks of the abbey brewed beer. Using knowledge passed from generation to generation and ingredients found in the wild near the abbey, the monks have developed a unique beer, brewed only on location.
The Abbey itself knew many a hard time as it was damaged by both natural and human circumstances over the spun of years. The outbreak of the French Revolution in the area has resulted in the abbey being deserted and the brewery destroyed.
In 1952, the production of beer was continued after a partnership with a Brussels based brewery (namely Lootvoet brewery). This brewery was later bought by the international beer company Interbrew which owns other brands like Beck's and Hoegaarden. The Leffe were then brewed in Mont-Saint-Guibert until Interbrew closed that brewery too.
While Leffe is not manufactured in the abbey itself anymore, the knowledge and unique taste developed over hundreds of years has been kept and is still felt today. One can though visit the Leffe museum in the town of Dinant.
Different types of Leffe
- Leffe Blonde (6.6% ABV) is a dry, fruity, lightly spiced beer and is quite full and creamy.
- Leffe Brune (6.5% ABV) is more rich and profound then Leffe Blonde. It is slightly less fruity and tends to be heavier then Blonde.
- Leffe Triple is stronger (8.4% ABV) with a very rich taste that has hints of orange, vanilla and lemon.
- Leffe Radieuse and Leffe Vielle Cuvee are both strong beers (8.4% ABV) with a very dominant fruity taste. Radieuse tends to be more fruity while the Vielle Cuvee is creamy.
Serving and drinking
The proper serving and drinking of a Leffe is an accurate and complex ritual that owes to the historical heritage and culture of Belgian beers.
As usual, the beer should be poured in its proper glass reproducted on the photograph. The beer is to be drunk at the temperature of 5° Celsius.nl:Leffe