Leffe
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- This article is about Leffe, the beer brand. For the Italian commune, see Leffe, Italy.
Leffe (pronounced /'lεf/) 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 has known hard times 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 the Flemish based Lootvoet brewery in Overijse. This brewery was later bought by the international beer company Interbrew which owns brands such as 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 any more, the knowledge and unique taste developed over hundreds of years is 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 serving and drinking of a Leffe is heavily ritualised and linked to the heritage of Belgian beers. The key element of this ritual is the use of a branded glass, as shown in the photograph. In Belgium every type of beer, particularly a special ale, is served in its own type of branded glass. For this reason, many pubs and bars will not normally serve Leffe in standard glasses.
The mere presence of a brand name on a glass will of course not impart any difference to the taste or texture of the beer. The type of glass however may have an influence, with a chalice shaped glass better suited for strong, richly flavoured ales such as abbey beers than a conventional straight shaped glass used for lagers and light ales.
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