Leffe (/lɛf/) is a beer brand owned by InBev Belgium, the European operating arm of the global Anheuser–Busch InBev brewery giant. There are several beers in the range, and they are marketed as abbey beers. They are brewed in large quantities and are widely distributed.
The Notre-Dame de Leffe abbey in Dinant, the original building from the Leffe beer logo
The abbey has been damaged by both natural and human circumstances over the years: the Meuse river flooded the brewery in 1460, and six years later a fire damaged the abbey, but by the 17th century it prospered. The brewery was confiscated by the state in 1796, and in 1809, after making beer only in limited quantities, it was closed. The old kettles were melted down for the weapons industry during World War 1.[2]
In 1952, the production of beer was continued, when Father Abbot Nys, helped by brewer Albert Lootvoet, brought a brown ale to market.[2] The brewery was later bought by the international beer company Interbrew (now AB InBev). Leffe was then brewed in Mont-Saint-Guibert until Interbrew closed that brewery.[citation needed] Now all Leffe brands are brewed at the Stella Artois brewery in Leuven. As of 2012[update], there were five top-fermented brands made under the Leffe brand. Royalties are paid to the abbey.[2]
