【実飲レビュー】Leffe（レフ）ってどんなビール？味・種類・歴史

実際にレフを飲んでみた！

Basic information about Leffe

\ The traditional taste of Leffe can now be easily enjoyed in Japan /

Born in a Belgian monastery, Leffe is known for its rich flavor and aroma.Abby BealeIts creamy foam and deep flavor have captivated many beer lovers.

What is Abbey Beer?

Abby Beale isA beer made according to monastic traditionsis.

Originally, it was brewed in monasteries, where monks were self-sufficient in making beer.This beer respects the monastic style and techniques, and its traditions are still preserved today..

Abby Beer Features

• Monastic traditions
  Abbey Beer follows the tradition of monastic beer and is characterised by brewing techniques that date back to the Middle Ages.
  
  
• Commercialization
  Nowadays, any beer brewed in accordance with the monastic style can be called "Abbey Beer" even if it has no direct connection to a monastery.
  
  
• Rich taste
  Abbey beer is full-bodied, high in alcohol, and characterized by its sweet, fruity and spicy flavors.

The difference between Abbey Beer and Trappist Beer

• Abby Beale
  It is made in accordance with monastic traditions, but is not necessarily made in monasteries and is often produced commercially.
  
  
• Trappist beer
  This beer is brewed in specific monasteries (Trappist monasteries) and can only be brewed by a limited number of certified monasteries.

Leffe beer varieties

In fact, Leffe has a wide variety of beers.
Below is a table summarizing the types of beer and their characteristics based on the official website.

Beer Name	Features	Taste and Aroma	frequency	Examples of dishes that go well with this dish
Leffe Blonde	A bright and balanced blonde ale	Aroma of vanilla and clove, balance of sweetness and bitterness	6.6%	Cheese, sautéed scallops, creme brulée
Leffe Brune	A dark ale with a roasted malt aroma.	Roasted aroma, creamy and subtle caramel sweetness	6.5%	Hummus, chicken, sweet and sour vegetable dishes, monastery cheese
Ruby Leffe	A light, fruity beer made with red fruits	Raspberry and strawberry aroma, sweet and gorgeous taste	5%	White fish, goat cheese, ham, dessert, red fruit
Leffe Triple	A rich golden ale fermented in the bottle	Spicy and fruity, with hints of coriander and orange	8.5%	Cheese, roasts, mussels, white meats, buttery desserts
Leffe Rituel 9°	A golden ale with a strong bitterness and a deep aftertaste.	Vanilla, banana and clove aroma, strong flavor	9%	Steaks, pates, smoked dishes, tapas, cheeses
Leffe Blonde 0,0%	Recreates the taste of Leffe Blonde without alcohol	Spicy aroma and fruity flavor, well-balanced taste	0.0%	Cheese, sautéed scallops, creme brulée

 For more detailsGo to official site

Among these, Leffe beer is particularly famous in Japan and has a large distribution volume, as mentioned in the basic information above.Leffe BlondeandBruneIt is as follows.

especiallyLeffe BlondeIt is also available at some Seijo Ishii, Kaldi and Aeon stores, as well as bars and restaurants, making it easy to find.It is often introduced as an "introduction to Belgian beer."That's right.

Characteristics and how to taste Leffe

Leffe Blonde

Leffe Blonde is a full-bodied, slightly bitter citrus.Blonde Abby BealeThe aroma has floral and spicy notes, as well as vanilla and clove. The taste is sweet and bitter, with a strong malt aroma, which is in perfect harmony with the vanilla and clove. The alcohol content is 6.61 TP3T, and the recommended drinking temperature is 5°C.

Leffe Blonde adds flavour to simple dishes and is a light companion to fried foods, especially when enjoyed with fried foods for a balanced taste.

Leffe Brune

On the other hand, Leffe Brune is an abbey beer with a deep dark brown color. It has a unique roasted aroma and fruity flavor due to the use of dark roasted malt. It has a soft and creamy mouthfeel, with a subtle bitterness, sweetness and caramel flavor. The alcohol content is 6.51 TP3T and the drinking temperature is 5°C.

Leffe Brune has a rich flavour and goes particularly well with meat and legume dishes, making it a great drink to enhance the flavour of any dish.

\ Click here for Leffe's brown /

The story behind the birth of Leffe

In 1240, the clergy of Levu started brewing beer.

At the time, Europe was suffering from epidemics and there was a shortage of safe drinking water. The brewing process for beer requires boiling water, which kills microorganisms.It became popular as a safe drink.The quality of the water has since improved, but beer brewing continues to this day.

After the French Revolution, religious life temporarily stagnated and Löw Abbey was destroyed several times in the early 18th century. In 1902, Norbertine priests from France rebuilt the monastery, and in 1929, the monastery in Tongerlo was destroyed by fire. Its clergy took refuge in Löw Abbey. After the Tongerlo monastery was rebuilt, some priests became permanent residents in Löw.

In 1952, the abbot of Nis and the brewer Albert Rotvedt decided to revive the monastic brewing tradition, which resulted in the development of a wide range of Leffe beers for beer lovers.

In this way,Although Leffe Monastery faced many hardships, it continued to preserve its traditions, and the taste is still passed down today under the name "Leffe"..

Leffe is currentlyAB InBev(the world's largest beer manufacturer, a global company with several famous brands under its umbrella) continues that tradition and brews it.

The secret behind Leffe's label

The Leffe label reads:It has a history dating back to the Middle Ages and a tradition as a monastery beer.

 Monastery symbol
The label states that this is the origin of Leffe.Notre-Dame-de-Leffe Abbey(Belgium) is depicted on the wall. This shows that the monks started brewing beer in 1240, and represents their pride in monastery beer (Abbey beer).

 Gothic design
The font and decoration of the label are Gothic style, evoking the atmosphere of medieval Europe, emphasizing the classic impression of the historic Lev.

 Differences between colors
There are many different types of reflectors, each with a different label color.

• Blonde: Paired with golden beerGold Label
• Brown: Expresses deep richnessBrown Label

Current status of Leffe in Japan

Leffe is one of the most popular imported beers in Japan. It is sold at many beer specialty stores and bars, and is also easily available at supermarkets and online shops.The special flavor of this monastery beer is popular among Japanese beer fans, and is especially highly rated by craft beer enthusiasts..

There are also places in Japan where you can purchase Leffe-specific glasses, and the authentic way of tasting it is becoming more widespread.

\ Glasses with Leffe logo included /

summary

Leffe is a Belgian monastery beer with a long history that has been loved throughout the ages. With its high alcohol content, rich aroma and body, it is a beer that is perfect for enjoying as a "special drink."

This is a recommended beer for those who want to relax and enjoy the Belgian tradition and history, so please give it a try!

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