The Weekly Pint: Leffe
Posted by Roger the Beerist at 4/25/2008 2:40 PM and is filed under Great Assortment,Beer review,Blond,Weekly Pint 
This beer caused a near dilemma. Nothing about its style or taste or anything like that; no, it was the fact that I saw Anheusur-Busch was associated with it. I almost couldn't drink it (because I have a self-imposed boycott against A-B products). I was afraid they were doing some contract brewing. I was relieved when I realized they were simply the importer. That doesn't taint the beer. So, on to my pint for this week: Leffe, a blond Belgian.
The label says that Leffe is best enjoyed in its own specially designed, chalice shaped glass which helps preserve aroma and create perfect head. I do not have said glass so I grabbed the closest thing at hand - a margarita glass. Sacrilege you cry out! Well, call down the Beer Nazi Secret Gestapo Police Force or whatever; I am blatantly mixing Belgium and Mexico! Bite me. Let's see what happens.
I have an 11.2 ounce amber bottle wrapped with gold foil. I have opened it. The vapor of carbonation undulates around the opening like mystic smoke from an ancient cauldron . How inviting. It is now time. I shall pour - that's right, into the ... margarita glass. Beware.
It is done.
At first I'd swear it smells like Heineken. Nay, it is a subtle hint of hops - fruity hops. I think the margarita glass did an ample job of dispersing the harsh aroma of banana. It also provides a wide area for the thin collar of white to float atop a golden body. It's like a pond, a pond of Beglian delight.
And the taste ... oh, joy. The wonderful spiciness of a Belgian ale. I love it. I'm not certain how to explain the taste. It's a pepperiness embedded in the beer. It lingers for a time on the tongue. The finish is a spectre of the initial spicy taste. This Belgian blond ample body, thick and a little sweet - and don't we all love blonds with ample bodies (oh, I see, it's the 8% abv talking again - super). The hops balance the beer just right, I actually found that I appreciated their presence.
Fear not fellow Beerists, the ghost of Corona did not possess this fine abbey beer via the margarita glass. Leffe triumphed. Oh, and their website rocks!
Until the next pint ...
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