Brussels airport

Whenever your flight is at 6:00 in the morning, you might understand how I was feeling this other morning.

This means - leave the warm bed around 2:00, drive an hour and a bit more to reach the parking around 3:30, get a shuttle to the airport to be there shortly after 4:00, check in your luggage, having this security check, and then you see this.

Now, around 4:45 in the night, you may feel that an idea starts to paint a picture.

^{pic by @detlev}

Hey Hive Family
let us travel the world again
and enjoy good beer

A Leffe shop

Unbelievably, they have a shop with all the nice Leffe beers on the way to the plane at the start of all these gates in area A. Why are they doing this to me??

Do you hear the voices??

"Come on @detlev, get one for the road"

This is a hard test for me or a clear message about how Belgian people love their drinks.

Anyway, I failed the test - which means I couldn't walk by and had no beer. Or, they got me at 4:52 in the night to enjoy half a liter of fresh Leffe blonde from the tap.

^{pic by @detlev}

Fresh on the tap

Leffe Blonde is one of the most iconic Belgian beers, revered for its golden color, rich aroma, and the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. Originating from the Abbey of Leffe, founded in 1152, this beer carries with it centuries of monastic brewing tradition, though the modern recipe dates back to the 1950s. Its unique flavor profile is a testament to the meticulous process and heritage it embodies, making it a favorite among beer enthusiasts worldwide.

^{pic by @detlev}

A huge glass

The production of Leffe Blonde adheres to a time-honored recipe that uses pale malt, water, hops, and a distinctive yeast strain known for its ability to impart a slightly spicy character and a hint of clove. The brewing process begins with the malted barley, which is mashed to extract its sugars. This malt sugar-laden liquid, known as wort, is then boiled with hops to add bitterness and aroma. The critical part of its creation comes with the fermentation process, where Leffe's unique yeast is added. This yeast not only ferments the beer, giving it alcohol, but also contributes to its rich array of flavors and aromas. After fermentation, the beer is matured for several weeks, allowing its flavors to develop and mellow.

^{pic by @detlev}

Leffe around the world

Leffe Blonde is produced in substantial quantities, reflecting its popularity. While specific production figures are closely held by its manufacturer, AB InBev, it's widely available across the globe, underscoring its significant production scale.

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Leffe beer, with its roots deeply embedded in Belgian brewing tradition, has become a global brand under the management of AB InBev, one of the world's largest beer companies.

This has facilitated its distribution on an international scale, making Leffe beers accessible in many countries around the globe.

While it's challenging to provide a comprehensive list of all the countries where Leffe is available, due to changes in distribution channels and market presence, here are some regions and countries where Leffe beer is commonly found:

Europe: Besides its home country, Belgium, Leffe is widely available across Europe, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and Russia.
North America: In the United States and Canada, Leffe can be found in many liquor stores, supermarkets, and bars that specialize in international or craft beers.
South America: Countries like Brazil and Argentina have seen a growing popularity in Belgian beers, including Leffe.
Asia: In Asia, Leffe is available in countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, catering to a growing interest in European beer varieties.
Australia and New Zealand: These countries have a strong market for international beers, with Leffe being readily available in many liquor outlets.
Africa: South Africa, among other African countries, also enjoys access to Leffe, especially in urban centers and through specialty importers.

For those looking to indulge in the rich, aromatic experience of Leffe Blonde, it is readily available in many parts of the world. It can be found in supermarkets, specialty beer stores, and online beer retailers. Many bars and restaurants that focus on Belgian or craft beers also feature Leffe Blonde. For the most authentic experience, visiting Belgium offers the opportunity to enjoy Leffe Blonde in its home country, where it's often served in its signature chalice glass, which is designed to enhance its aroma and flavor profile.