Leffe Rituel 9° Beer promises an experience that seduces the taste buds and honors the rich tradition of Belgian brewing.
Beer Name: Leffe Rituel 9°
Manufacturer: abbaye de leffe s.a (InBev Belgium)
Origin: Leuven, Belgium
Company Founded in: 1152
Beer Type: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
SRM (Colour): 15
Abv (Alcohol) 9%
IBU (Bitterness): 10
Leffe Rituel 9° Beer
This Belgian Strong Pale Ale that boasts of a robust 9% ABV truly commands attention. My best friend Kunal recently discovered it during his vacation in Belgium and brought a bottle back to India for me. I had the pleasure of sharing one with Kunal and we enjoyed a fantastic conversation about this remarkable beer. Let me tell you, both the beer and the conversation were exceptional experiences.
My Leffe Rituel 9° Beer Experience
Leffe Rituel 9° pours beautifully, presenting a deep golden colored body that immediately catches the eye. This clarity is complemented by a white head that is better than the average, showing decent persistence and leaving good lace on the glass. It’s a picturesque pour that sets the stage for the rich sensory experience, foreshadowing the complexity to come.
The aroma on this brew is truly captivating. Deep-seated fruits mingle with a touch of warming alcohol, creating an instant lovely aroma. A combination that is invariably attractive in almost any beer. But it doesn’t stop there. Sweeter notes of caramel malt emerge alongside gentle Belgian yeast, offering a hint of spice and subtle fruitiness.
The initial taste follows the alluring aroma. A wave of sweetness washes over the palate with some finding the forward nature a bit aggressive. But fear not, there’s more to the story. Hints of honey and a touch of herbal spice add intrigue, while the presence of alcohol is noticeable but it is not overpowering. surprisingly, The finish is drier than the initial sweetness leaving a pleasant and balanced aftertaste.
As you delve deeper into Leffe Rituel 9°, the flavor profile truly comes alive. Banana and honey notes take center stage, accompanied by raisins and a light toastiness. A mild nuttiness adds depth, with a touch of smokiness peeking through the layers.
Leffe Rituel 9° boasts a full, round body that feels both luxurious and satisfying. The 9% ABV provides a warm, powerful kick that is well integrated into the beer’s overall profile. this ensures that the alcohol does not dominate but rather complements the other flavors, adding an interesting twist to the overall experience.
I’m quite impressed with this beer for its quality and richness. It is a warm and powerful beer with no less than 9% alcohol, but one that maintains a surprising level of balance. While a touch more complexity wouldn’t go amiss, the interplay of sweetness, spice, and fruit keeps things interesting.
Bit of a History About the Beer Brewery
Leffe Rituel 9° is brewed according to age-old traditions, a testament to the rich history of Brasserie Leffe. Founded in 1152, the Notre-Dame de Leffe abbey was home to Premonstratensian canons who lived a community life characterized by hospitality. The abbey’s brewing tradition dates back to 1240, with a recipe that has been preserved and honored through the centuries.
During its heyday in 1740, the Leffe abbey produced beer that was so delightful, parishioners preferred drinking it on Sundays rather than attending church, prompting the abbot to take forceful action. Although the brewery closed during the French Revolution, it was re-established in 1929. In 1952, Abbot Nys and Albert Lootvoet revived the brewing tradition, which AB-InBev continues to honor today.
Leffe Rituel 9° has a relatively short history compared to some Belgian beers. Launched in 2006, it was a strong newcomer to the Leffe family. Interestingly, it wasn’t always the “9” we know today.
It has garnered significant recognition in the beer world, notably winning a Gold Medal at the World Beer Awards in 2015 for the category of World’s Best Belgian Style Strong Pale Ale. It was also awarded a gold medal at the World Beer Awards in 2017 for the same category, solidifying its status as a top-tier Belgian ale.
Leffe Rituel 9° is a beer for those who appreciate a powerful and flavorful experience, deep golden color and elegantly distinguished flavors of grain, bitter spices and bananas. Its complex aroma, rich taste and surprising dryness make it a truly enjoyable brew. To truly appreciate this divine brew, pour it into its own chalice and allow its complexity to unfold.
Leffe Rituel 9° Beer promises an experience that seduces the taste buds and honors the rich tradition of Belgian brewing. If you’re looking for a Belgian Strong Pale Ale that stands out from the crowd, Leffe Rituel 9° is definitely worth a try.
Just remember, savor it, don’t slam it!
