Leffe Blond 6.6% ABV

Date December 6, 2016

Day Six

December 6th, day six of my Beer Hawk advent calendar, and today I’m presented with an old friend – Leffe Blond.

A Belgian ‘Abbey’ ale brewed to 6.6% ABV.

I reviewed Leffe Blond here at The Brewclub back in November 2008 after a short business trip to Brussels, indeed Leffe Blond was on sale in the bar next to my hotel. Back in 2008 the Leffe Blond I tasted was brewed to 6.3% ABV, now it’s a tad stronger at 6.6%, unusual in a world where most brews are getting weaker.

You might recall that ‘Abbey’ beers are similar in taste and style to Trappist beers, but brewed in commercial breweries who have declared an affiliation with an Abbey, although Leffe Abbey itself has been derelict since the time of the French Revolution.

As I said, Leffe Blond is an old friend, I even have it on draught, but more of that in the New Year.

leffe blond @ The Brewclub

It pours a mid amber colour with a substantial head. The nose is unmistakably Belgian, bready, with hints of clove and banana.

The flavour is well rounded, fruity – overripe banana – slightly spicy, and warming with hints of toffee and vanilla; a distinctive ‘Belgian’ flavour.

Back in 2008 I awarded Leffe Blond 4 Brewclub Stars, and I see no reason to amend that score, it’s still a fine brew.

Rating: ★★★★☆

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