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Leffe

One of the most popular Belgian beers available outside of Belgium is Leffe. At almost any speciality beer vendor you are likely to find both Leffe Brune and Leffe Blonde.

The range was originally brewed in the town of Leffe in the Abbaye de Notre Dame by the Norbentine monks. The first Leffe beer was brewed around 1152 in this small village monastery by the river Meuse in the province of Namur, Southern Belgium.

Ill fate struck the monastery in 1440, when it was all but destroyed by a flood. Six years later a fire swept the village. Despite this, independent brewing of fine Leffe beers continued for a further three centuries until, during the Napoleonic wars the brewery was finally plundered.

Leffe beer was no more, until the descendants of the brewers struck a deal with a non-secular brewery to continue the fine tradition. Thus the St-Guibert brewery, owned by Interbrew and based in the small town of Mont St-Guibert, has been brewing under the Leffe brand name since 1952.

There are five different beers in the Leffe range. By far the two most popular (and indeed, widely available) are Blonde and Brune. Due to the prevailing preference for straw-colour, pilsner-like beers, Blonde is the favourite of the two, although all Leffe beers generally have a lovely aromatic malt character.

Leffe Blonde, at 6.6% abv, contains the second lowest alcohol content of the range. It has a rounded, smooth flavour, with a mildly spicy taste reminiscent of oranges. It has a slightly bitter aftertaste and a honey aroma. It is a gold-yellow, moderately carbonated beer with an excellent head and nutty texture.

Leffe Brune, 6.5% abv, is our favourite of the two most popular Leffe brews. The beer’s rich caramel flavour is complemented by a subtle taste of apple-like fruit, with hints of brown-sugar. Leffe Brune’s rounded, nutty mouthfeel is succeeded by a dryness in the finish. This dark brown beer is suited for any occasion, whether standing at the bar or sitting down with food.

Leffe Radieuse is difficult to come by in Britain, but is well worth seeking. Packaged in a red-labelled bottle, it has a similar colour to Brune. The strong hop presence gives rise to a fruity flavour and a hint of coriander. Beware to sip this one, as it is 8.2% alcohol by volume. Enjoy it slowly, and believe us, you will!

Almost every Belgian beer has some form of “triple” version, and Leffe is no exception. Leffe Triple, a hazy golden strong beer, is 8.4% abv. It has a citric lemon bearing on the nose and palate, and overall a rather sharp taste.

Vieille Cuvee is by far the most difficult of the five to come by, even in Belgium. It is a strong dark amber ale (7.8% abv) with an aromatic flavour. All in all, we advise you to seize a Leffe beer whenever the opportunity arises. What a wonderful ancient brew.

Belgium, 2002, Leffe Abbey