LEFFE BLONDE (AUGUST 2009 REVIEW)

In honor of Byron’s Great Drunk Monk Festival, it is only proper that we shine the spotlight on one of all-time greatest Belgium brews. The Leffe Blonde dates back to be one of the first of its kind. Like most brews from Belgium, Leffe has a sweeter mouthfeel, not to be confused with fruity malt beverages, the chocolate & caramel malts give in the smooth, delicate taste that is mostly a signature for this style. Leffe pours a deep chocolate brown with a single finger of rich tan head that has mild retention and leaves solid lacings. As it approaches the nose, the aroma is of dark fruit and caramelized sugar mainly with a distinct yeasty character. Extremely rich and complete in the nose. Taste is lightly fruity and sweet with a yeasty character and fruit notes of raisen and plums. Unfortunately, the finish falls apart a bit, but still holds its own. I'd hate to say this, but the aroma is so good, it’s almost more pleasant than the taste. Its mouthfeel is medium bodied and smooth on the palate with a sticky finish of dark fruit which leaves the palate slightly sticky. Overall, Leffe seems a bit too sweet for some without the flavors to back it up. The brew ends up a bit flabby in the end & it could be a bit more flavorful with a better finish. It absolutely will not disappoint you & WILL DEFINETLY LEAVE YOU WANTING MORE. So jus relax, be careful, and of course enjoy.