BEER REVIEW: 472
BREWER: Abbaye de Leffe (via AB InBev), Wallonia, Belgium
STYLE: Belgian Blonde Ale
ABV: 6%
VESSEL: 330ml brown bottle
DATE OF POST: 23rd October 2026
SAMMY SAY’S…
This beer feels a bit like being herded onto a whistle stop tour of Belgium designed for coach parties rather than curious wanderers. The packaging has all the hallmarks of a famous landmark. You can see why people stop and admire it, even if it doesn’t quite match your personal taste. It’s polished, recognisable and built for broad appeal rather than subtle discovery.
The aroma opens with classic Belgian yeast character, offering hints of clove and banana. Unfortunately, the banana takes centre stage a little too eagerly for my liking. It’s less tucked away in a side street café and more blasted through the loudspeakers in the town square.
The flavour follows much the same route. Sweet malt arrives first, clove winds its way through the middle, and banana waves goodbye on the finish. Thankfully, the finish itself remains light and avoids becoming sticky or cloying. The full mouthfeel gives the beer some presence, even when the flavour profile is not entirely winning me over.
And that’s really the story here. This is Belgium’s greatest hits performed to a packed tourist crowd. Many beer drinkers absolutely adore this style, and it’s easy enough to understand why. For me, though, the sweetness and persistent banana character never quite allow the finer details to emerge. I don’t dislike it and certainly don’t hate it. It’s simply a destination that others seem to enjoy far more than I do. Not my bag, and ultimately not my beer.
Sammy’s Rating: 45%
JYMI SAY’S…
I’ve got a bit of a history with this blonde. I have never really thought it was up to that much generally. However, I recall a handful of times where I have been in a bit of a swanky joint and the beers on offer were just not up to the level you would hope they would be for such a place. Each time, Leffe Blonde has been on this list. I suppose to look like they’re being all exotic by offering something from Belgium (that you can buy very readily in most UK supermarkets).
And again, each time, I have opted for the Leffe as was by far the best beer on offer, even though I didn’t rate it that much. And to be fair it never really let me down. Actually, quite enjoyed it as a slow sipper in a place I didn’t deserve to be in… sorry, didn’t deserve to have me in.
But today she is going under the intense spotlight. The MOB noses. The testing desk in the testing garage. A place where beers rise or fall… or are just quite nice yeah whatever.
Ok, let’s go.
The packaging is fairly iconic I suppose? I mean, it defo would have evolved since 1240, haha, but there is certainly a slightly warming tone to its very traditional look.
And under the intense pressure of the MOB testing arena (desk in garage remember) it’s kinda ok, as I expected, but there are most certainly some negatives… as I expected.
The main neg is the lack of body and presence in the swallow and aftertaste. A strongish Belgian Blonde should excel here, but Leffe does not. The good strong sweet caramel nose and similar flavour lead the way luring you into thinking this brew might be bringing the noise… but no. The swallow and aftertaste kill any chance of this beer ultimately impressing.
Leffe Blonde has come out honestly as I though it would. Fine. Drinkable. Good when nothing else of note on offer. But I would not purchase out of choice as there are far better Belgians, Blondes and beers out there.
Jymi’s Rating: 47%
MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 46%
MOB review next weekend: BANDIT by GIPSY HILL
Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017
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M O B 2026
