It's a strange historical fact that the evolution of brewing during the latter part of the middle ages was helped by the plague. The Black Death was so rampant across northern Europe at the time that drinking water was to risk a painful demise. The very process of brewing beer, specifically boiling the water first, meant that any diseases were killed off in advance. Beer was safe to drink and in fact it was good for you, in comparison to the plague at least. Beer is a health drink. FACT. Tell your doctor next time he tells you to cut down.
Leffe were one such brewer to benefit from the fact that beer was better than water at the time. One of the oldest global brewers, Leffe was brewed by monks at the abbey Notre-Dame de Leffe from 1240 (around lunchtime). It is now brewed in large quantities for international export at the Stella Artois factory, though a small brewery, bar, hop plantation and museum still exist at the abbey.
Belgian beers are tremendously popular around the world with various examples of such being among the first imported beers (IE: not lager) to hit Malaysia. Abbey and Trappist beers, those originally or to this day still made by monks, are among the most popular.
Despite its popularity, Leffe is still difficult for many outside of Northern Europe to pronounce, especially as there are two distinct, yet correct, pronunciations. Using the flemish dialect of the Netherlands and Belgium, it would be pronounced "Leff ur". Whereas in french, widely spoken in Belgium, it's simply "Leff".
Being a simpleton I still of course pronounce it Leffy, a fact that will change just after I start pronouncing Nike and Porsche correctly.
Leffe Blonde is golden in colour and extremely smooth for 6.6% abv. It's typical of the Belgian Blonde style, though with a lovely if slight bitter and spice palate. It's relatively easy to find in Malaysia alongside Leffe Brown and Radieuse. It can be found in many supermarkets and occasionally in bars and restaurants in bottle. However, if you visit a Brussels Beer Cafe, who specialise in Belgian beers, you will find Leffe Blonde on tap, which is worth a try.
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Belgian beers are tremendously popular around the world with various examples of such being among the first imported beers (IE: not lager) to hit Malaysia. Abbey and Trappist beers, those originally or to this day still made by monks, are among the most popular.
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Being a simpleton I still of course pronounce it Leffy, a fact that will change just after I start pronouncing Nike and Porsche correctly.
Leffe Blonde is golden in colour and extremely smooth for 6.6% abv. It's typical of the Belgian Blonde style, though with a lovely if slight bitter and spice palate. It's relatively easy to find in Malaysia alongside Leffe Brown and Radieuse. It can be found in many supermarkets and occasionally in bars and restaurants in bottle. However, if you visit a Brussels Beer Cafe, who specialise in Belgian beers, you will find Leffe Blonde on tap, which is worth a try.
Why not have a look at some other Abbey beers, brewed by some friendly Monks.
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