Leffe

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This article is about Leffe, the beer brand. For the village, see Leffe, Italy.

Image:Leffe 900px.jpg Leffe (pronounced Template:IPA) 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 and has been damaged by both natural and human circumstances over the years. In 1460 the abbey was destroyed by a flood, a fire swept through the settlement in 1466, in 1735 billeted troops damaged the brewery, and in 1794 the outbreak of the French Revolution resulted in the abbey being deserted and the brewery destroyed.

In 1952, the production of beer was continued after a partnership with a Flemish based brewery (namely Lootvoet brewery, in Overijse). This brewery was later bought by the international beer company Interbrew which owns other brands like Beck's and Hoegaarden. Leffe was then brewed in Mont-Saint-Guibert until Interbrew closed that brewery too.

While Leffe is not brewed in the abbey itself anymore, the knowledge and unique taste developed over hundreds of years has been retained today. One can 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 than Leffe Blonde. It is slightly less fruity and tends to be heavier than 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 Vieille Cuvée are both strong beers (8.4% ABV) with a very dominant fruity taste. Radieuse tends to be more fruity while the Vieille Cuvée 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.

The beer should be poured in its proper glass as shown in the photograph, and should be served at 5 degrees celsius.fr:Leffe (bière) it:Leffe (birra) nl:Leffe (bier) sv:Leffe